The ultimate Maharashtra cultural day trip combining two UNESCO World Heritage cave complexes in one extraordinary day. Recommended to do Ajanta and Ellora on separate days if possible, but many travelers do a combined private car tour. Ellora's Kailasa Temple and Ajanta's painted caves represent India's greatest ancient achievements.
| Distance | Ajanta 100km / Ellora 30km from Aurangabad |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2 hours to Ajanta; 45 minutes to Ellora |
| Getting there | MSRTC buses from Aurangabad CBS (Ajanta: ₹150 each way; Ellora: ₹50). Private car hire ₹2,500-3,500 for combined day trip. |
| Cost | $30-50 per person including transport, guide, and entry fees |
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Highlights
- Ajanta Buddhist cave paintings (2nd century BC)
- Ellora's Kailasa Temple (monolithic rock carving)
- Daulatabad Fort en route to Ellora
- Bibi Ka Maqbara (Taj Mahal of the Deccan) in Aurangabad