Private 2 Days Tour: Ajanta Ellora Caves and Aurangabad City

Exploring the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves with a private two-day tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and convenience. This carefully curated experience promises to take you through some of India’s most awe-inspiring monuments, paired with the comfort of private transportation and flexibility. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this tour aims to make your exploration easy and memorable.

What we really love about this tour is how seamless the logistics are — you get picked up directly from your hotel, avoiding the chaos of hailing cabs or navigating public transport. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can decide whether to hire an expert guide or explore independently. However, keep in mind that entry fees, meals, and accommodation are extra, which means budgeting accordingly. This tour suits those who appreciate cultural depth but want a relaxed, personalized experience rather than a rigid schedule.

Key Points

• Private, hassle-free transportation makes visiting all sites comfortable and stress-free.
• Customization options allow you to hire guides or explore independently.
• Includes major UNESCO World Heritage sites: Ajanta and Ellora Caves, plus Aurangabad landmarks.
• Flexible itinerary suited for travelers interested in culture, history, and architecture.
• Cost-effective for groups up to 3 people at just under $93, offering good value for a comprehensive two-day experience.
• Note that entrance fees, guides, and meals are separate expenses to plan for in your budget.

An In-depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Convenience of Private Transfers

From the moment your tour begins, one of the biggest perks is the private, air-conditioned vehicle. This setup not only guarantees comfort, especially in the Indian heat, but also allows you to move at your own pace. Unlike group tours that might have rigid schedules, this service is designed to adapt to your needs — whether that’s spending extra time at a site or skipping a stop if you’re tired. As one reviewer noted, the driver was punctual and kept the car clean, making the whole process smooth.

The hotel pickup eliminates the need to navigate unfamiliar transit, which can be daunting for some. Plus, complementary bottled water and tissues add small touches that show attention to traveler comfort.

Day 1: The Marvel of Ajanta Caves

Your first stop is the Ajanta Caves, world-famous for their ancient Buddhist monasteries and stunning murals. Located just outside a village in Maharashtra, these caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The complex contains 29 rock-cut caves decorated with exceptional paintings and sculptures, some dating back over 2,000 years.

Once inside, you can choose to explore independently or hire a guide — the tour offers this as an optional add-on. We loved the flexibility here; some travelers found that guides enhanced their understanding, while others preferred to wander at their own pace. When exploring, keep in mind the admission fee of INR 600 for foreigners, but note that this isn’t included in the tour price.

Reviewers mention that the artwork at Ajanta is “masterpieces,” and the paintings are considered some of the best of their kind. However, be prepared for the heat, especially if visiting during warmer months. One traveler noted that the Indian March heat made the experience physically demanding, but definitely worth the effort.

Day 2: Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi-Ka-Maqbara

The second day is packed with highlights. The Ellora Caves, also a UNESCO site, showcase a more diverse mix of religious architecture — Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves all coexist here. The rock-cut monasteries and temples, carved out of a single mountain, are a testament to impressive craftsmanship. Expect a two-hour visit, with an admission fee of INR 600 for foreigners.

A special mention from recent reviews is how well the driver handled the schedule. Some travelers appreciated the flexibility offered, and the driver, Habeeb, was described as “not too sure what the tour involved” at first, but overall accommodating. Interestingly, some guests connected with guides on-site for added insight, though this wasn’t included in the base package.

Next, the tour takes you to Daulatabad Fort — a formidable medieval fortress with commanding views and a complex maze of tunnels. The fort’s imposing structure and strategic location make it a fascinating stop, especially for history enthusiasts. Entrance fees are INR 300 for foreigners.

Finally, you’ll visit the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj Mahal,” built as a tribute to Aurangzeb’s wife. The resemblance to the Taj Mahal is striking, making it a popular photo stop. The entrance fee here is INR 600, but again, these costs are separate from the tour fee.

Authenticity and Local Insights

One of the tour’s standout features is how it balances rich historical sights with practical ease. The reviews reflect that the guides and drivers are generally friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible. A guest from Australia mentioned that their driver, Shabaz, was eager to customize their schedule and even made sure they got their daily cappuccino fix — small but memorable details that enhance the experience.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At $92.80 for the entire group (up to three), this tour offers a competitive value, especially considering the private transport and the convenience of hotel pickups and drop-offs. When you factor in the cost of entry fees, meals, and guides, the tour remains a good base investment — with the flexibility to add guided commentary if desired.

Keep in mind, meals and accommodation are not included, so plan for that in your overall budget. The tour’s flexibility means you can choose local eateries for authentic snacks or full meals depending on your preferences and energy levels.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviewers highlighted the quality of the guides and drivers as major positives. Some mentioned that guides improved their understanding of the sites’ significance, making the experience more rewarding. Others appreciated the good communication and punctuality — important factors when covering several sites in just two days.

One guest appreciated how the tour was “very nice, punctual, and with good suggestions for food and other places around Aurangabad,” emphasizing the local insights that make the trip more meaningful.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This 2-day private tour is ideal for travelers who want to see India’s most famous caves and monuments without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially suited for those who value comfort, flexibility, and a personal touch. If you’re pressed for time but eager to explore, this tour provides a comprehensive yet relaxed way to experience the region’s highlights.

It’s also a good choice for small groups or couples, as the price remains reasonable at under $100 per group, and the private vehicle ensures a personalized experience. For travelers with a keen interest in history, architecture, and cultural heritage, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction.

The Bottom Line

This private 2-day tour provides a hassle-free, cost-effective way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, along with key Aurangabad landmarks. The convenience of private transportation, the flexibility to choose guides, and the opportunity to see some of India’s most awe-inspiring monuments make it a fantastic option for those wanting to make the most of limited time.

While entry fees and meals are additional expenses, the overall value remains strong, especially given the knowledgeable drivers and the comfort of private cars. It’s a great pick for curious travelers who want a tailored experience with authentic insights and a touch of local charm.

If you’re after a hassle-free, informative, and memorable exploration of Maharashtra’s cultural gems, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, although the price is listed per group of up to 3 people, solo travelers can join and share the experience or book privately for their own comfort.

Are guides included in the price?
Guides are optional. The tour offers the choice to hire a guide at the caves, but it’s not included in the base price.

What should I budget for extra costs?
You should budget separately for entrance fees, meals, and any additional guide services. Entrance fees for foreigners are INR 600 at Ajanta and Ellora caves and INR 600 at Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, among others.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the service is described as customizable, so you can discuss with your driver or guide to prioritize certain sites or skip others.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The caves involve walking and climbing, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The heat can be intense during warmer months, so stay hydrated.

What is the tour duration?
The full experience is around two days, with each day covering specific sites and lasting approximately 3 hours on day one and 2 hours on day two.

What’s the meeting point?
Tour pickups are from your hotel in Aurangabad or the Chikkalthana Airport, with the tour beginning early each morning for optimal sightseeing.

This tour strikes a nice balance between comfort, cultural depth, and value. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply want to tick off some of India’s most iconic sites with ease, it’s a dependable choice for a memorable adventure.