Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Mumbai – Complete Travel & Tour Guide

When you’re in Mumbai and craving a break from the chaos, a heritage escape to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) is one of the best cultural day trips you can plan. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites — each carved into cliffs more than a thousand years ago — represent the finest expressions of Indian art, devotion, and architecture.

While a true explorer could spend days wandering these stone corridors, it’s absolutely possible to do an Ajanta and Ellora day trip from Mumbai with good planning, an early start, and the right tour arrangement. Let me walk you through exactly how to make it happen — from trains and flights to private tours and insider tips.

1. Is a Day Trip from Mumbai Really Possible?

Technically, yes — but it’s a long day that starts early and ends late. Many travelers (including me on my first attempt) have done it comfortably with a flight to Aurangabad and a guided tour covering both cave sites.

💡 Tip: Book an early morning flight to Aurangabad and an evening return — that’s the key to covering both Ajanta and Ellora in a single day.
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2. Travel Options from Mumbai to Aurangabad

✈️ By Flight – Fastest and Most Convenient

• Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet
• Duration: ~1 hour
• First Flight: Around 6:00 AM (Mumbai → Aurangabad)
• Last Return Flight: Around 8:00–9:00 PM (Aurangabad → Mumbai)
• Round Trip Fare: INR 6,000 – INR 7,000 (approx.)

💡 Tip: Choose the earliest flight out of Mumbai so you can start your cave tour by 8:00–8:30 AM.

🚆 By Train – Budget Option

• Best Trains: Devagiri Express, Tapovan Express, Nandigram Express
• Duration: 7–8 hours (overnight or early morning options)
• Fare: INR 400 – INR 1,200 depending on class
• Station: Aurangabad Junction (AWB)

💡 Tip: If you prefer train travel, take the overnight Devagiri Express — it arrives early morning, leaving you a full day for sightseeing.

🚗 By Road – Only for Adventure Lovers

• Distance: 330 km (Mumbai → Aurangabad)
• Travel Time: ~6.5–7.5 hours (one way)
• Route: Mumbai → Nashik → Aurangabad via NH160

💡 Tip: Start by 3:00 AM if driving; otherwise, you’ll lose half your sightseeing time.

3. Once in Aurangabad – How to Reach the Caves

Destination	Distance from Aurangabad	Travel Time
Ajanta Caves	100 km	2.5 hours
Ellora Caves	30 km	45 minutes

💡 Tip: Visit Ajanta first — the soft morning light enhances the paintings — then head to Ellora for the afternoon grandeur.

4. Ideal Itinerary for a Day Trip from Mumbai

Time	Activity
5:00 AM	Flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad
6:15 AM	Arrive at Aurangabad Airport
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM	Meet guide / driver (pre-booked tour)
7:00 AM – 9:30 AM	Drive to Ajanta Caves
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Explore Ajanta (Caves 1, 2, 10, 26)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM	Drive to Ellora + lunch stop
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Explore Ellora (Caves 16, 10, 32)
5:30 PM	Return to Aurangabad
7:00 PM	Flight back to Mumbai

💡 Tip: Pre-book all logistics — taxi, tickets, and guide — to save time on the ground.

5. Best Tour Options for Mumbai Travelers

🏞️ GetYourGuide (GYG) Full-Day Tours

These are ideal for visitors flying in and out on the same day.
Includes:

• Pickup from Aurangabad Airport
• Private AC car with driver
• Certified local guide
• Entry coordination
• Bottled water & assistance

💰 Price: INR 5,000 – INR 6,000 per person

🚌 MTDC Aurangabad Tours (Budget Option)

For budget travelers or small groups.

• Group bus tours with guide
• Covers both Ajanta & Ellora
• Departure: 6 AM from MTDC Office
• Price: ₹1,200–₹1,800 per person

💡 Tip: Works best if you stay overnight in Aurangabad instead of returning the same day.

🚗 Private Cab with Driver (Flexible Option)

If you want full control of your schedule, hire a private car locally.

• Available at Aurangabad Airport or via hotel
• Cost: INR 4,000 – INR 5,500 per day (Sedan/SUV)
• Duration: 10–12 hours round trip

💡 Tip: Make sure to confirm fuel, parking, and toll charges before departure.

6. Must-See Highlights on a One-Day Visit

Ajanta Caves (Morning):

• Cave 1: Bodhisattva Padmapani (the famous painting)
• Cave 2: Beautiful ceilings and female depictions
• Cave 10: Early Chaitya Hall
• Cave 26: Reclining Buddha sculpture

Ellora Caves (Afternoon):

• Cave 16: Kailasa Temple – the crown jewel
• Cave 10: Vishvakarma Cave – echo chamber
• Cave 32: Indra Sabha – serene Jain masterpiece

💡 Tip: Prioritize these highlights — you won’t have time for all 60+ caves in one day.

7. Quick Cost Breakdown (Approx.)

Expense	Cost (₹)	Notes
Return Flight (Mumbai–Aurangabad)	5,000–7,000	IndiGo / Air India
Taxi for the Day	4,500–5,500	Private sedan
Entry Fees (Ajanta + Ellora)	80	₹40 each site
Guide (Optional)	1,000–1,500	Local ASI guide
Meals	500–700	MTDC Restaurant / Local Dhaba
Total (Approx.)	₹11,000–₹13,000 per person	Comfortable day trip

💡 Tip: Combine this with a weekend in Aurangabad to make the most of your airfare.

8. Best Time of Year for a Day Trip

• Ideal Months: November to February (pleasant weather)
• Also Good: July to September (lush and green, light rain)
• Avoid: April to June (very hot afternoons)

💡 Tip: In winter, morning mist at Ajanta adds magic to the paintings; in monsoon, waterfalls near Ellora look spectacular.

9. Traveler Tips for Mumbai Visitors

✅ Pack light — you’ll be on the move all day.
✅ Carry a refillable water bottle and sunglasses.
✅ Keep offline maps (network may drop near Ajanta).
✅ Book tours or taxis in advance — last-minute options are limited.
✅ Always check cave closure days: Ajanta (Monday), Ellora (Tuesday).

💡 Tip: If you’re flying back the same day, arrive at Aurangabad Airport by 6:30 PM for your evening flight.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
• How to Cover Ajanta and Ellora in One Day
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora
• Ajanta vs Ellora: Which Caves Should You Visit First

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)