Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Pune – Complete Travel Guide for Heritage Lovers

If you’re in Pune and have a passion for history, art, and ancient craftsmanship, a day trip to Ajanta and Ellora Caves is one of the most rewarding short escapes you can take. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites are within driving distance, and each tells a story of devotion carved into stone — from the peaceful Buddhist murals of Ajanta to the awe-inspiring Hindu temples of Ellora.

Having done this trip from Pune myself, I can say it’s long but totally worth it if you plan well. Here’s your complete guide on how to plan an Ajanta and Ellora day trip from Pune — routes, travel options, timing, and practical tips to make every hour count.

1. Is It Possible to Visit Ajanta and Ellora in One Day from Pune?

Yes — but it’s a long and carefully planned day. The total distance between Pune and the caves is around 250–300 km one way, so early departure and proper route planning are essential.

If you start before sunrise and book a private car or guided tour, you can comfortably explore both sites before heading back in the evening.

💡 Tip: Leave Pune by 4:00 AM — the early start will reward you with empty roads and soft morning light at Ajanta.
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2. Distance and Travel Time from Pune

Destination	Distance from Pune	Approx. Travel Time
Ellora Caves	255 km	5–5.5 hours
Ajanta Caves	390 km	7–7.5 hours
Aurangabad (Base City)	235 km	4.5–5 hours

💡 Tip: Most travelers prefer staying overnight in Aurangabad or focusing on one site if traveling by car. But with good planning, both can be covered.

3. Best Way to Travel – Choose Comfort Wisely

🚗 Private Taxi or Car (Best Option for a Day Trip)

Hiring a private cab from Pune is the easiest and most flexible way to explore both Ajanta and Ellora in one day.

Recommended Route:
Pune → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad → Ajanta → Ellora → Pune

Taxi Fare (Round Trip):

Type	Cost (Approx.)	Capacity
Sedan (Dzire, Etios)	INR 6,500 – INR 7,500	3–4 passengers
SUV (Innova, Ertiga)	INR 8,000 – INR 9,000	5–6 passengers
Tempo Traveller	INR 12,000 – INR 14,000	8–10 passengers

✅ Inclusions: Driver, fuel, and tolls
❌ Exclusions: Entry tickets, meals, guide fees

💡 Tip: Book a driver who knows Aurangabad routes — they’ll help you save time and avoid crowded road sections.

🚌 Group Bus Tours / MTDC Packages (Budget Option)

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) sometimes runs group tours from Pune to Aurangabad covering Ajanta and Ellora.

Includes:

• AC bus transport
• Certified guide
• Entry coordination
• Lunch stop

💰 Cost: INR 1,500 – INR 2,500 per person
🕒 Duration: 16–18 hours (round trip)

💡 Tip: These tours are budget-friendly but less flexible — good for solo travelers or small groups who don’t mind a packed schedule.

🚆 By Train (If Staying Overnight)

If you want to avoid long road hours, take an overnight train from Pune to Aurangabad and then a taxi for the caves.

Popular Trains:

• Pune–Nanded Express
• Tapovan Express
• Pune–Manmad Special

💰 Fare: INR 400 – INR 1,000 (depending on class)
🕒 Duration: 5–6 hours
📍 Arrives early morning at Aurangabad (perfect for day tours).

💡 Tip: Combine this with a GetYourGuide day tour from Aurangabad for a seamless trip.

4. One-Day Itinerary (Pune to Ajanta & Ellora)

Time	Plan
4:00 AM	Depart from Pune
9:00 AM	Arrive at Ajanta Caves
9:15–11:30 AM	Explore Ajanta (Caves 1, 2, 10, and 26)
11:30 AM–2:00 PM	Drive to Ellora (100 km)
2:00–5:00 PM	Explore Ellora (Caves 16, 10, and 32)
5:15 PM	Stop at MTDC Restaurant for tea/snacks
5:45 PM–10:30 PM	Drive back to Pune

💡 Tip: This schedule is tight but doable — if you start early and don’t linger too long at one site.

5. Key Highlights You Must Not Miss

Ajanta Caves:

• Cave 1: The famous Bodhisattva Padmapani painting
• Cave 2: Intricate murals and decorative ceilings
• Cave 10: One of the oldest Chaitya halls
• Cave 26: The serene reclining Buddha sculpture

Ellora Caves:

• Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): World’s largest monolithic temple
• Cave 10 (Vishvakarma): Beautiful ribbed ceilings
• Cave 32 (Indra Sabha): Elegant Jain cave with symmetrical carvings

💡 Tip: If you’re short on time, focus on 3–4 key caves at each site. Quality over quantity always wins here.

6. Best Season for the Trip

• Best Months: November – February (pleasant weather)
• Good Alternative: July – September (lush green hills, occasional showers)
• Avoid: April – June (extreme heat up to 40°C)

💡 Tip: In monsoon, Ellora’s backdrop turns emerald green with small waterfalls — a visual treat for photographers.

7. Estimated Budget for One-Day Trip from Pune

Expense	Cost (₹)	Notes
Private Taxi	7,000–9,000	Sedan/SUV
Entry Fees	80	₹40 per site
Guide (Optional)	1,000–1,500	ASI-certified
Meals & Snacks	600–800	MTDC or highway dhabas
Fuel & Tolls	Included	–
Total (Approx.)	₹9,000–₹11,000	For 2–3 travelers

💡 Tip: Split the taxi cost with friends or family — it becomes affordable and more fun.

8. Local Tips from Experience

✅ Carry sunglasses and hat — Ajanta has open walking paths.
✅ Keep offline maps (network drops between Ahmednagar and Aurangabad).
✅ Pack light snacks and bottled water.
✅ Avoid Mondays (Ajanta closed) and Tuesdays (Ellora closed).
✅ If returning late, take rest stops for safety — the Pune highway is well lit but long.

💡 Tip: Download offline music or podcasts — the road journey is scenic but long.

9. Extend Your Trip (If You Can Stay Overnight)

If you have one extra day, make it a relaxed two-day heritage getaway:

Day 1: Pune → Ajanta Caves → Stay in Aurangabad
Day 2: Ellora Caves → Grishneshwar Temple → Daulatabad Fort → Return to Pune

💡 Tip: Staying overnight helps you enjoy both sites at your own pace — no rushing, just pure wonder.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Mumbai
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
• How to Cover Ajanta and Ellora in One Day
• Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)