Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Delhi – A Complete Heritage Travel Guide
If you’re in Delhi and fascinated by India’s ancient art, history, and architecture, few destinations will move you like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are carved masterpieces that showcase centuries of devotion — Ajanta through its Buddhist murals and paintings, and Ellora through its awe-inspiring Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples.
While it may sound ambitious, it’s absolutely possible to plan an Ajanta and Ellora day trip from Delhi with the right combination of flight, transport, and guided tour. Here’s exactly how you can make it happen — efficiently, comfortably, and without missing the magic of these timeless caves.
1. Can You Really Visit Ajanta and Ellora day trip from Delhi?
Yes — if you plan your journey smartly. Both caves are near Aurangabad, which is well connected to Delhi by air. A direct morning flight to Aurangabad, followed by a pre-booked guided tour, allows you to cover both cave complexes in one day and fly back the same night.
💡 Tip: Choose the earliest morning flight from Delhi and the last return flight from Aurangabad — it’s the only way to make a true one-day trip work.
📍 View on Google Maps
2. How to Reach Aurangabad from Delhi
✈️ By Flight (Recommended for a Day Trip)
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India
- Duration: ~1 hour 45 minutes (non-stop)
- Earliest Flight: Around 5:30–6:00 AM
- Return Flight: Around 8:00–9:00 PM
- Round Trip Fare: INR 6,000 – INR 9,000 (approx.)
💡 Tip: Keep a 2-hour gap between your return flight and tour completion to avoid last-minute stress.
🚆 By Train (Not Ideal for a Day Trip)
If you prefer slower travel, trains are available but not practical for a one-day visit.
- Best Trains: Sachkhand Express, Nandigram Express
- Duration: 15–16 hours
- Fare: INR 600 – INR 2,000 (depending on class)
💡 Tip: Suitable only if you plan to stay overnight in Aurangabad.
🚗 By Road (Not Recommended)
The distance from Delhi to Aurangabad is nearly 1,200 km, which takes 18–20 hours by car — not viable for a day trip.
💡 Tip: Fly. Always fly.
3. Once in Aurangabad – Reaching the Caves
| Site | Distance from Aurangabad | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ajanta Caves | 100 km | 2.5 hours |
| Ellora Caves | 30 km | 45 minutes |
💡 Tip: Visit Ajanta first in the morning for soft natural light on paintings, then Ellora in the afternoon for golden sunlight on sculptures.
4. Perfect One-Day Itinerary (Delhi → Aurangabad → Delhi)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Flight from Delhi to Aurangabad |
| 7:30 AM | Arrive at Aurangabad Airport |
| 7:45 AM | Meet guide and driver (pre-booked tour) |
| 8:00 – 10:30 AM | Drive to Ajanta Caves |
| 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Explore Ajanta (Caves 1, 2, 10, 26) |
| 12:45 – 2:15 PM | Drive back towards Ellora (with lunch stop) |
| 2:30 – 5:00 PM | Explore Ellora (Caves 16, 10, 32) |
| 5:30 PM | Return to Aurangabad |
| 7:00 PM | Evening flight to Delhi |
💡 Tip: Pack light, wear comfortable shoes, and carry a refillable water bottle. It’s a long, fulfilling day.
5. GetYourGuide (GYG) Tour Options for Delhi Travelers
If you want everything arranged — transfers, guides, meals, and entry — GetYourGuide offers the most convenient packages for day trips from Delhi.
⭐ Recommended Tours:
1️⃣ Ajanta & Ellora Caves Full-Day Private Tour (With Flights & Transfers)
- Round-trip Delhi–Aurangabad flights included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Private AC car with driver
- Licensed guide for both sites
- Bottled water and snacks
💰 Price: INR 12,000 – INR 15,000 per person (all-inclusive)
💬 Perfect for business travelers or weekend explorers who value comfort and efficiency.
Below Tour is from Aurangabad thats included Ajanta and Ellora Caves
2️⃣ Aurangabad Airport Pickup + Guided Cave Tour
If you prefer to book your own flights, this tour starts directly from Aurangabad Airport.
- Private AC car with driver
- Guide for Ajanta & Ellora
- Bottled water and local lunch stop
💰 Price: INR 5,000 – INR 7,000 per person
3️⃣ Ajanta or Ellora Half-Day Heritage Tour (For Tight Schedules)
If your time is limited, pick one site — Ajanta for paintings or Ellora for temples.
- Half-day experience with guide
- Transport included
- Ideal for short layovers
💰 Price: INR 3,000 – INR 4,000 per person
6. Highlights You’ll See on This Trip
Ajanta Caves (Morning):
- Cave 1: Padmapani & Avalokiteshvara paintings
- Cave 2: Ceilings and women depictions
- Cave 10: Oldest chaitya (worship hall)
- Cave 26: Reclining Buddha sculpture
Ellora Caves (Afternoon):
- Cave 16: Kailasa Temple – the crown jewel
- Cave 10: Vishvakarma – acoustically stunning hall
- Cave 32: Indra Sabha – serene Jain masterpiece
💡 Tip: Don’t try to see every cave — focus on the top 3–4 from each site for a complete yet relaxed visit.
7. Estimated Budget (One-Day Trip from Delhi)
| Expense | Cost (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return Flight (Delhi–Aurangabad) | 7,000–9,000 | Book early for better fares |
| Private Taxi (Full-Day Tour) | 4,500–5,500 | Sedan or SUV |
| Entry Tickets (Ajanta + Ellora) | 80 | ₹40 per site for Indians |
| Licensed Guide | 1,000–1,500 | Worth it for historical insight |
| Meals & Snacks | 600–800 | MTDC restaurant near Ellora |
| Total (Approx.) | ₹13,000–₹17,000 | For a seamless one-day experience |
💡 Tip: If you’re two or more people, sharing the private car makes the trip affordable and comfortable.
8. Best Time to Plan Your Day Trip
- Ideal Months: November to February (cool and comfortable)
- Good Alternative: July to September (green, scenic, occasional rain)
- Avoid: April to June (too hot for long walking paths)
💡 Tip: Morning mist at Ajanta and golden sunset at Ellora — that’s your reward for perfect timing.
9. Quick Travel Tips for Delhi Travelers
✅ Book flights and tours 2–3 weeks in advance.
✅ Carry sunglasses, hat, and water bottle.
✅ Download offline maps — network drops in Ajanta hills.
✅ Don’t forget both sites’ closure days: Ajanta (Monday), Ellora (Tuesday).
✅ Wear comfortable walking shoes — both sites require light trekking.
💡 Tip: Pack a power bank — you’ll take more photos than you expect!
10. Optional Add-Ons (If Staying Overnight)
If you decide to stay a night in Aurangabad, add these to your itinerary:
- Grishneshwar Temple: One of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas (2 km from Ellora)
- Daulatabad Fort: 14th-century hilltop fort (15 km from Aurangabad)
- Bibi Ka Maqbara: The “Mini Taj Mahal” of Aurangabad
💡 Tip: Staying overnight lets you explore at your own pace — sunrise at Kailasa Temple is unforgettable.
👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Mumbai
- Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Pune
- How to Cover Ajanta and Ellora in One Day
- Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I visit Ajanta and Ellora in one day from Delhi?
A: Yes, by taking an early morning flight to Aurangabad and returning at night with a pre-booked guided tour.
Q: What’s the best way to travel for a one-day visit?
A: Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option; driving or taking a train is not practical for same-day return.
Q: How far are Ajanta and Ellora from Aurangabad?
A: Ajanta is about 100 km (2.5 hours), and Ellora is 30 km (45 minutes).
Q: Are tours available directly from Delhi?
A: Yes. GetYourGuide offers full packages with flights, transfers, and professional guides.
Q: Which site should I see first — Ajanta or Ellora?
A: Visit Ajanta in the morning for paintings, and Ellora in the afternoon for sculptures and sunset lighting.
