Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves – How to See Both in One Day

Trying to visit both Ajanta and Ellora Caves in a single day might sound ambitious, but with the right plan, it’s completely doable — and deeply rewarding. These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites together showcase over a thousand years of Indian art, spirituality, and architecture. While Ajanta enchants visitors with its ancient Buddhist paintings and serenity, Ellora inspires awe with its colossal temples carved into the cliffs.

In this guide, you’ll find the best day trip itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves — covering exact timings, travel routes, transport options, and practical tips to make your one-day adventure smooth, efficient, and unforgettable.

1. Overview – Why This Day Trip Works

Both Ajanta and Ellora are located near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), which serves as the perfect base for a full-day heritage tour. The sites are about 100 km apart, and both are easily accessible by well-maintained roads.

💡 Tip: Plan this itinerary only if you start early — between 6:00 and 6:30 AM from Aurangabad. Anything later, and you’ll have to rush through Ajanta’s caves.
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2. Ajanta and Ellora Caves – Quick Comparison

Feature	Ajanta Caves	Ellora Caves
Main Theme	Buddhism	Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
Highlights	Paintings, murals, meditation halls	Kailasa Temple, rock-cut sculptures
No. of Caves	30	34
Best Visit Time	9–11 AM	3–5 PM
Closed On	Mondays	Tuesdays

💡 Tip: Both are visually stunning but require different mindsets — Ajanta for reflection, Ellora for awe.

3. The Perfect One-Day Itinerary

Here’s a practical and realistic Ajanta and Ellora day trip itinerary starting from Aurangabad — balancing sightseeing, rest, and travel time.

Time	Activity	Notes
6:00 AM	Depart from Aurangabad	Take NH52 towards Ajanta (100 km)
8:30 AM	Reach Ajanta Tourist Complex	Park your vehicle and take the eco-bus to caves
8:45 – 11:15 AM	Explore Ajanta Caves	Focus on Caves 1, 2, 10, and 26
11:30 AM	Return to parking area	Stop for snacks or tea
12:00 PM	Depart for Ellora Caves	Drive via Phulambri road (2.5 hrs)
2:30 PM	Lunch near Ellora (MTDC restaurant)	Try local thali or buttermilk
3:00 – 5:30 PM	Explore Ellora Caves	Prioritize Caves 16, 10, and 32
6:00 PM	Return to Aurangabad	End of day trip

💡 Tip: Avoid spending too long at Ajanta’s viewpoints — save that time for Ellora’s Kailasa Temple.

4. Must-See Highlights on This Day Trip

Ajanta Caves Highlights (Morning)

• Cave 1: Majestic murals of Bodhisattva Padmapani & Avalokiteshvara
• Cave 2: Colorful ceilings and intricate details
• Cave 10: Oldest chaitya (prayer hall) with a seated Buddha
• Cave 26: Impressive reclining Buddha sculpture

💡 Tip: Use your phone’s flashlight for dimly lit areas — but avoid using flash.

Ellora Caves Highlights (Afternoon)

• Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): Monumental temple carved from a single rock
• Cave 10 (Vishvakarma): Acoustic marvel known as the “Carpenter’s Cave”
• Cave 32 (Indra Sabha): Peaceful Jain masterpiece with symmetrical carvings

💡 Tip: Climb the upper platform opposite Kailasa Temple for a full view — it’s the most iconic photo spot at Ellora.

5. Transportation Options for the Day Trip

🚖 Private Cab (Recommended)

• Convenient and flexible
• Local driver knows best routes and timings
• Easily arranged via hotel or GetYourGuide

💰 Approx. Cost: INR 4,000 – 5,500 (Sedan/SUV full day)

💡 Tip: Confirm that your driver has done Ajanta–Ellora runs before — the road between them can be confusing for newcomers.

🚌 MTDC or Group Bus Tours

• Operated by Maharashtra Tourism
• Includes guide + air-conditioned transport
• Budget-friendly

💰 Approx. Cost: INR 1,200 – 2,000 per person

6. Where to Eat During the Trip

You’ll find food options near both sites but not in between.

🍴 Recommended Stops:

• MTDC Ajanta Restaurant: Breakfast and light snacks
• Highway Dhabas: Tea and fruit stalls on route to Ellora
• MTDC Ellora Restaurant: Full Indian thali and beverages

💡 Tip: Eat lightly at lunch — the post-lunch climb at Kailasa Temple needs energy but not heaviness.

7. What to Pack for the Day

Since it’s a long day, packing light is key.

🎒 Essentials:

• 1L water bottle
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
• Small backpack
• Camera or phone charger
• Cash (ATMs are limited)

💡 Tip: Avoid carrying large bags; lockers are available at Ellora’s entrance.

8. When to Go – Ideal Season for a Day Trip

• Best Months: November – February (pleasant and dry)
• Monsoon Option: July – September (lush greenery)
• Avoid: April – June (extremely hot afternoons)

💡 Tip: Winter mornings at Ajanta are misty and photogenic — perfect for soft, diffused light.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Trying to cover every cave — focus on highlights.
🚫 Visiting in summer mid-day heat.
🚫 Skipping lunch or carrying too little water.
🚫 Forgetting that Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays.

💡 Tip: Download an offline map — mobile network drops inside both sites.

10. Extend Your Experience (If You Have Time)

If you can spare an extra half-day or evening in Aurangabad:

• Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara (“Mini Taj Mahal”)
• Explore Daulatabad Fort at sunset
• Attend Ellora–Ajanta Festival (music and dance near the caves, usually in winter)

💡 Tip: Staying overnight lets you see both caves in detail and enjoy Aurangabad’s Mughal heritage too.

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👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• Ajanta and Ellora Day Trips
• Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves for Tourists
• Complete Visitor Guide to Ellora Caves
• Ellora Caves Facilities for Tourists
• Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)