From Aurangabad: Budget-Friendly Taxi Service to Ajanta & Ellora.

Exploring India’s ancient marvels can be quite the challenge if you’re not familiar with local logistics, which is why this 2-day private taxi tour from Aurangabad truly stands out. It offers a well-organized, hassle-free way to see some of the country’s most renowned UNESCO sites—Ajanta and Ellora Caves—without the need to worry about transportation or complicated planning. What makes this tour particularly attractive is the flexibility, personalized service, and detailed itinerary that caters to travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences.

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the inclusion of hotel pickup and private transportation, which means you avoid the stress of navigating busy streets or figuring out public transport. The fact that it’s tailored for small groups—up to five people—adds a sense of intimacy and flexibility that larger tour groups often lack. Plus, with the option to add a guide, you can deepen your understanding of the sites’ history and cultural significance.

However, there’s a small consideration to keep in mind: admission fees for the monuments are not included. While this keeps the upfront price reasonable, it does mean additional costs if you want guided explanations or entry tickets. Also, since the tour is private and tailored, it’s priced at around $51.21 per person, which is quite good value considering the transportation, snacks, and the convenience it offers. This tour is perfect for travelers who value authentic experiences, personalized service, and a relaxed pace to truly enjoy Aurangabad’s heritage sites without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• All-in-One Convenience: Hotel pickup, private transport, and the option for a guide make this an easy, seamless experience.
• Cultural Depth: Visits to Ajanta and Ellora caves, plus Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara, provide a rich glimpse into India’s history and architecture.
• Small Group Comfort: Designed for groups of up to five, ensuring a more personalized and flexible experience.
• Cost-Effective: At just over $50, it’s a practical way to see several major sites without breaking the bank.
• Flexible Options: You can opt for transport-only or a guided tour, depending on your interest levels and budget.
• Authentic Experience: Reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the driver and guide, adding value through local insights.

Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

Ease and Convenience of Booking and Meeting Points

Booking this tour is straightforward, with most travelers securing their spot around ten days in advance. The tour begins at 8:00 am, allowing for an early start that maximizes day one’s sightseeing. The meeting point is flexible, and the tour provider offers hotel pickups, which adds a huge layer of comfort, especially after an overnight or early morning arrival in Aurangabad.

Transportation: Comfort and Suitability

The available transportation options include sedans for 1-2 travelers, SUVs for small groups of 3-5, and mini-vans for larger parties. We particularly appreciate this range, as it allows for a comfortable ride regardless of your group size. From reviews, travelers frequently mention the “safe and comfortable drive,” with drivers speaking good English and Hindi, which makes communication easier.

Travel times are reasonable: approximately 2 hours to Ajanta Caves, with breaks for tea or coffee en route, and similar times for other attractions. This pacing helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere rather than a hurried dash from site to site. Plus, mineral water bottles are provided during the journeys, keeping everyone refreshed.

Day 1: Ajanta Caves

The first day focuses on the Ajanta Caves, located about 100 kilometers from Aurangabad. The drive typically takes around two hours, and most travelers opt for this early start to beat the crowds. The caves date from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD and comprise 30 rock-cut Buddhist monasteries. Inside, you’ll find intricate paintings and sculptures that are centuries old, offering a rare glimpse into ancient monastic life.

The reviews highlight that the guide’s knowledge elevates the experience—”Mr. Suleman not only guided us around but also shared fascinating stories about the history and art,” noted one traveler. If you book the guided option, expect insightful commentary that helps you understand the significance of the murals and sculptures, which often get lost in silence or general descriptions.

After exploring Ajanta, a stop for lunch at a local restaurant offers a chance to try authentic regional cuisine—another highlight of the trip as reviewers mention the delicious food as part of the overall value.

Day 2: Ellora Caves and Surroundings

The second day kicks off early at the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its rock-cut temples and monasteries. The caves here are a testament to Indian craftsmanship and religious diversity, featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments carved from solid basalt.

Expect to spend about 2-3 hours exploring Ellora’s intricately carved structures. The reviewer comments, “The craftsmanship here is jaw-dropping; it’s like stepping into a stone sculpture museum.” Guides can help you identify unique features and explain the significance of each temple, making your visit more engaging.

Next, a visit to the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple—one of the 12 sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva—offers an opportunity for spiritual connection or simple admiration of the architecture. About an hour is enough for worship and a quick look around.

Following this, the trip continues to Daulatabad Fort, a formidable structure built on a hilltop with impressive defenses. The fort’s maze-like tunnels and towers are fun to explore, and reviewers mention it’s a “great place to imagine ancient battles.” Allow 1-2 hours here to soak in the views and history.

Ending the day with a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan,” provides a picturesque finale. This elegant mausoleum built in memory of Aurangzeb’s wife is surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for some memorable photos.

Final Drop-off and Wrap-up

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, railway station, or airport, making it a convenient end to your busy sightseeing days. The driver’s professionalism and friendly manner are consistently praised, adding peace of mind.

What Reviewers Say About This Tour

Many travelers have lauded the guides and drivers for their helpfulness and knowledge. One reviewer, Hyun_K, shared, “He was memorable for guiding not only tourism but also history, culture, and living information,” emphasizing the tour’s educational value. Others appreciated the value for money—the combination of transport, water, and the flexibility of the itinerary makes it a smart choice.

Some travelers have specifically highlighted the hassle-free nature—”Had very pleasant and relaxing trip… Driver pick up from station early morning,” said Amen_I. Safety and comfort are recurring themes, with Noriko_T mentioning, “We really enjoyed safety and comfortable drive during our tour and our driver had good manners, not pushy.”

Worth Considering

While the tour is excellent for most, remember that entry fees for sites are not included. If you want a guide at each site, you’ll need to budget for that separately. Also, it’s best suited for those who prefer a flexible, small-group experience that combines cultural sights with a touch of history and adventure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want a stress-free way to explore Aurangabad’s UNESCO sites without the hassle of organizing transportation or navigating public transport. It suits small groups, families, or couples seeking a relaxed but comprehensive heritage trip. Those interested in local history and architecture will particularly enjoy the combination of caves, temples, and forts.

It’s also a good fit for budget-conscious travelers who want a high-value experience—the price includes transportation, some snacks, and personalized service, which often translates into a better experience than larger, crowded group tours.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible, and educational way to see Aurangabad’s top heritage sites, this private taxi tour ticks all the boxes. It provides a comfortable and personalized experience that respects your pace and interests, with knowledgeable drivers and guides making the journey richer and more memorable. The itinerary hits all the major highlights—Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara—without the stress of planning.

It’s best suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time and appreciate authentic insights into India’s cultural gems. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply eager to explore these iconic monuments in a relaxed manner, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable option.

FAQ

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Aurangabad, making the start of your day smooth and effortless.

Can I choose between a guided tour and transport-only?
Absolutely. You have the option to add a guide for more in-depth explanations or just enjoy private transport if you prefer to go solo.

Are the entrance fees included?
No, the admission tickets for the monuments are not included in the price. Travelers should budget separately for entry fees or guided explanations.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour is designed for small groups of up to five people, providing a more intimate experience.

How long does each site visit take?
You can expect approximately 3 hours at Ajanta Caves, 2-3 hours at Ellora, and about an hour each for the temples and fort, depending on your pace.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the comfortable transport and manageable site visits make it suitable for families and elderly visitors, provided they are comfortable walking around the sites.