Journey into a 2,000-year-old world of art and devotion. Discover breathtaking rock-cut caves and ancient Buddhist masterpieces hidden in a tranquil river gorge.
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Join a private guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ajanta & Ellora Caves. Explore stunning carvings and ancient wonders with an expert guide.
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Discover the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves on a 2-day tour from Aurangabad. Learn about Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
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Discover ancient rock-cut art at Ajanta & Ellora Caves and see the 'Mini Taj', Bibi Ka Maqbara, a fusion of Buddhist, Hindu, & Jain art.
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Visit the 2 oldest UNESCO sites in India by private driver from Aurangabad. See Ajanta's famous cave paintings and Ellora's ancient temple and caves.
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Step back in time at the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a monumental achievement of ancient Indian art and architecture. Carved into a 75-meter rock wall, these 30 caves served as monasteries and worship halls for Buddhist monks between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. Abandoned for centuries and hidden by dense jungle, they were rediscovered in 1819, preserving some of the finest examples of ancient Indian painting and sculpture in the world. Booking a guided tour allows you to unravel the intricate Jataka tales depicted in the vibrant murals, understand the symbolism behind the magnificent sculptures, and appreciate the sheer dedication required to create this sanctuary of peace and beauty.
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We don't list every tour. We hand-pick the best experiences offered by reputable, licensed operators in Aurangabad, ensuring quality and reliability.
The tours we feature are led by knowledgeable, government-approved guides who bring the history and art of the Ajanta Caves to life.
Find a tour that fits your schedule. Compare full-day trips, private tours, and combo tours with Ellora Caves, all in one place.
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The ideal time to visit the Ajanta Caves is during the cooler, dry winter season from October to March. The pleasant temperatures make exploring the extensive site much more comfortable. The post-monsoon months of October and November offer the added beauty of a lush, green landscape.
Wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool|Opt for modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the religious nature of the site|A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for protection from the sun|Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip are non-negotiable due to uneven surfaces and steps
The construction of the Ajanta Caves occurred in two distinct phases. The first phase was during the Satavahana dynasty around the 2nd century BCE. After a long period of dormancy, the site was revived in the 5th century CE under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty. It was during this second phase that the most famous and artistically rich murals and sculptures were created, before the site was abruptly abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the specific tour operator you book with. Most partners offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time. Please check the specific policy details on the booking page before confirming your reservation.
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Real experiences from real travelers
The Ajanta Caves are simply on another level. I booked a private tour from Aurangabad through this site, and it was seamless. My guide, Anand, was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the stories in the paintings to life. Having transport and tickets sorted in advance made the day completely stress-free. Worth every penny.
I'm a history teacher, and visiting Ajanta was a dream. The booking process was straightforward, and the tour operator they connected us with was excellent. The caves are stunning, but a good guide is essential to understand what you're seeing. The Padmapani painting in Cave 1 moved me to tears. Don't hesitate to book!
A very beautiful and spiritual place. The art is amazing for being so old. I found a good tour option here with a Japanese-speaking guide which was very helpful for my parents. The car was comfortable for the long drive. Only four stars because the food options near the caves are not great, so pack some snacks.
We booked the Ajanta and Ellora combo tour over two days. The platform made it easy to compare options. Our driver was safe and punctual, and the guide for Ajanta was a true expert. The sheer scale of the caves is hard to comprehend from photos. It's an essential piece of world history. Highly recommended.
As an Indian, I'm so proud of this heritage. I took my family from Delhi and wanted a hassle-free experience. Booking online was easy. The guide provided deep insights that you just can't get from a book. Seeing the exquisite details of the murals up close was the highlight. A professionally managed tour.
The caves themselves are a 5-star marvel. The detail in the carvings and paintings is world-class. Our guide, arranged via the booking platform, was fantastic. My only critique is that it gets very crowded, especially in the most famous caves. I recommend booking a tour that starts as early as possible to beat the rush.
As an art historian from Italy, I was blown away. The preservation of these murals is miraculous. The booking was simple, and having everything pre-arranged was a relief. The guide's explanation of the different painting techniques and the stories they told was fascinating. Ajanta is a treasure of humanity.
We spent a month in India, and our day at Ajanta was one of the absolute highlights. We found a great small-group tour on this website which was perfect. It was well-paced, our guide was brilliant, and the air-conditioned car was a godsend. The view of the caves from across the gorge is a photo you must get!
Everything you need to know for your journey
While you can buy tickets at the entrance, booking a tour in advance that includes tickets is highly recommended. This allows you to skip the often-long queues, especially during peak season, and ensures a smoother, more organized experience.
The best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for walking around. The monsoon season (June to September) offers lush green scenery but can be humid. Summers (April to June) are extremely hot.
The caves are about 100 km from Aurangabad. The most convenient way is to book a tour that includes private, air-conditioned transportation. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi for the day or take a state-run bus, though the latter is less comfortable and takes longer.
While not mandatory, a licensed guide is highly recommended. The caves are rich with complex iconography and stories depicted in the murals. A guide can bring the site to life, explaining the history, art, and symbolism that you would otherwise miss. Most tours booked through our platform include an expert guide.
Wear lightweight, comfortable, and breathable clothing. As it is a respected religious site, modest attire is appropriate (shoulders and knees covered). Most importantly, wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes or sandals as you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing steps. You will also need to remove your shoes to enter some caves.
Yes. Photography is generally permitted, but the use of flash is strictly prohibited inside all caves to protect the fragile, ancient paintings from light damage. Tripods may also be restricted. Always look for signage and follow the instructions of the guards and your guide.
To see the main caves without rushing, you should plan for at least 4 to 5 hours at the site itself. A full-day tour from Aurangabad, including travel time, typically lasts about 8-9 hours.
No, they are two separate UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ajanta is famous for its magnificent Buddhist paintings, while Ellora is known for its incredible rock-cut architecture representing three different religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Many visitors tour both over two separate days.
Unfortunately, the site is not wheelchair friendly. The terrain is natural and uneven, with many stone steps to climb to reach and move between the caves. Visitors with mobility issues may find it very challenging. However, palanquin (doli) services are available for hire at the entrance to carry visitors up to the caves.
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