Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour (3 Days)

This private 3 day tour cover the stunning Ajanta and Ellora Caves both UNESCO World Heritage listed sites. Explore 34 caves at Ellora, dating 6th and 11th centuries AD, as well as 29 caves at Ajanta, dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. You will also explore the Daulatabad Fort, monuments in Aurangabad city and one of 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Your private guide and chauffeur makes sure you have the time you need at each place to fully soak in the history you had hoped to. Your tour include two nights of accommodations in Aurangabad, all transport, professional guide and monuments entrances to make getting around easier on you.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Aurangabad

Stop At: Aurangabad, Aurangabad, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
On arrival at airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Later city tour of Aurangabad,
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Bibi Ka Maqbara, Begumpura Gulistan-e-Jauhar KARACHI, Aurangabad 431004 India
Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother. Due to its similar design standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Aurangabad Caves, Nr. Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad 431001 India
Situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. They also offer a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Aurangabad - Ajanja - Aurangabad (104kms/ 2hrs approx one way)

Stop At: Ajanta Caves Road, Ajanta 431001 India
Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora , which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.

Evening back to hotel in Aurangabad.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Aurangabad - Departure (flight)

Stop At: Ellora Caves, Ellora India
Excursion to visit the Ellora Caves (Tuesday closed), a UNESCO World Heritage Site from about 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions, namely - Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Grishneshwar, Ellora Nr. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad 431102 India
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga (linga of light).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Daulatabad Fort, Mh Sh 22, Daulatabad 431002 India
On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. The defense system that made Daulatabad virtually impregnable comprises fortifications with double and even triple rows of massive walls.

Later transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.