One Day Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary

If you have only one day, this Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary allows you to visit the most important attractions efficiently. Although the schedule is busy, starting early in the morning with a private taxi helps you cover both UNESCO World Heritage Sites comfortably.

A one-day tour is ideal for business travelers, weekend visitors, and tourists who have limited time but still wish to experience Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights

• Ellora Caves
• Kailasa Temple
• Grishneshwar Temple
• Ajanta Caves
• Scenic Highway Drive

Two Day Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary

A two-day Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary is highly recommended because it provides sufficient time to explore both cave complexes without rushing. It also allows visitors to include nearby heritage attractions in their journey.

Day 1 – Ellora Heritage Circuit

Day 2 – Ajanta Heritage Circuit

Benefits of Two-Day Tour

• Relaxed sightseeing
• Enough photography time
• Comfortable travel schedule
• Ideal for families
• Suitable for senior citizens
• More time to explore heritage monuments

Three Day Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary

A three-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who wish to explore the region at a relaxed pace while enjoying heritage monuments, religious sites, local food, shopping, and photography opportunities.

Day 1

• Airport Pickup
• Ellora Caves
• Kailasa Temple
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
• Daulatabad Fort
• Hotel Stay

Day 2

• Ajanta Caves
• Ajanta View Point
• Photography Session
• Local Cuisine
• Return to Hotel

Day 3

• Bibi Ka Maqbara
• Panchakki
• Shopping
• Local Sightseeing
• Airport / Railway Station Drop

Ajanta Caves Timings

Before following your Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary, it is important to know the official visiting hours. Ajanta Caves remain closed every Monday, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Morning visits provide cooler temperatures, better lighting for photography, and fewer crowds compared to the afternoon.

Ellora Caves Timings

Ellora Caves are open throughout the week except Tuesday. Since Ellora is much closer to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, most visitors begin their Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary from here.

Ajanta & Ellora Entry Fees

Entry fees may change from time to time. Always verify the latest ticket prices before planning your journey.

Parking charges, shuttle bus tickets, and camera permissions may have separate charges wherever applicable.

Best Time to Visit Ajanta & Ellora

The ideal season for your Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary is from October to March. During this period, the weather remains pleasant and sightseeing becomes much more comfortable.

Featured Snippet

The best time to visit Ajanta and Ellora is between October and March. Pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, and clear skies make sightseeing enjoyable, while the monsoon season offers lush green landscapes around the cave complexes.

How to Reach Ajanta & Ellora

By Flight

The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport. Regular flights operate from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and several other major Indian cities. Private taxis are readily available outside the airport.

By Train

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station has excellent rail connectivity with Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Nashik, and many important destinations. Hiring a taxi from the station is the most convenient option.

By Road

National and State Highways connect Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Shirdi, Jalgaon, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Nagpur, and other major cities. Road conditions are generally good, making self-drive and taxi travel comfortable.

Distance Chart

Travel Time Comparison

Nearby Attractions to Include in Your Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary

A well-planned Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary becomes even more memorable when you include the famous attractions around Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Most of these places are located within a short driving distance and can easily be covered in a two-day or three-day itinerary.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Located just one kilometer from Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Most visitors include this temple in their Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary because it takes very little extra travel time.

Highlights

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
• Beautiful red stone architecture
• Ancient spiritual significance
• Family-friendly destination
• Easy access from Ellora

Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad Fort is regarded as one of India’s strongest medieval hill forts. Its impressive gateways, secret tunnels, defensive walls, and panoramic viewpoints attract thousands of history enthusiasts every year.

If you enjoy history and adventure, reserve at least two hours to explore the fort properly.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Known as the “Mini Taj Mahal of the Deccan,” Bibi Ka Maqbara is among the most photographed monuments in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The monument is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when soft natural light enhances its architecture.

• Mughal Architecture
• Beautiful Gardens
• Photography Spot
• Family Attraction

Panchakki

Panchakki is a remarkable 17th-century water mill powered by an underground water channel. It demonstrates advanced medieval engineering and remains an important historical landmark in the city.

Visitors often combine Panchakki with Bibi Ka Maqbara for an enjoyable evening sightseeing experience.

Pitalkhora Caves

Pitalkhora Caves are among Maharashtra’s oldest Buddhist cave complexes and are surrounded by lush green valleys during the monsoon season. These caves are ideal for travelers looking beyond the popular tourist circuit.

Local Food You Should Try

No Ajanta Ellora Tour Itinerary is complete without tasting authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has numerous restaurants serving traditional as well as North Indian and South Indian dishes.

• Misal Pav
• Thali
• Puran Poli
• Poha
• Sabudana Khichdi
• Bhakri & Pithla
• Maharashtrian Sweets

Where to Stay

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar offers accommodation for every budget. Whether you are a solo traveler, family, or group, you can find hotels ranging from budget rooms to premium luxury properties.

Packing Checklist

Photography Tips

• Visit early morning for the best natural light.
• Avoid flash photography inside painted caves.
• Carry spare batteries and memory cards.
• Respect ASI photography guidelines.
• Capture panoramic views from Ajanta View Point.
• Use a wide-angle lens for cave interiors.

Important Travel Tips

• Start sightseeing early in the morning.
• Carry sufficient drinking water.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Book hotels in advance during peak season.
• Hire a licensed local guide for historical insights.
• Respect monument rules and avoid touching sculptures.
• Keep the heritage sites clean.
• Carry cash as some small shops may not accept digital payments.
• Mobile network coverage is generally good around major attractions.
• Choose a private taxi for a flexible sightseeing schedule.