Tips for Planning an Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip – A Traveler’s Complete Guide

Standing before the ancient murals of Ajanta and the mighty Kailasa Temple of Ellora is one of those travel experiences that stays with you forever. But here’s the truth — trying to see both UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day can be overwhelming without proper planning. I’ve done this trip multiple times, and every visit taught me something new about timing, comfort, and pacing.

So, before you pack your bag and set out, here are my best tips for planning an Ajanta and Ellora day trip — covering everything from transport and routes to food, packing, and hidden tricks that make your visit smoother and more meaningful.

1. Start Early — The Golden Rule

The biggest mistake travelers make is starting late. Both cave sites are vast, and you’ll need time to explore and travel between them.

• Ideal Start Time: 6:00 AM from Aurangabad
• Ajanta First: ~2.5-hour drive (100 km)
• Ellora Later: ~45 minutes back from city (30 km)

💡 Tip: The soft morning light at Ajanta brings the Buddhist murals to life, while Ellora’s carvings glow beautifully under the afternoon sun.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Choose the Right Base City

If you’re planning a one-day tour, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) is the best place to stay.

City	Distance to Ajanta	Distance to Ellora	Best For
Aurangabad	100 km	30 km	Most convenient
Mumbai	330 km	360 km	Fly-in day trips only
Pune	390 km	255 km	Long drive or 2-day trip

💡 Tip: Book your stay near Aurangabad Railway Station or Airport for quick morning departures.

3. Hire a Private Car or Guided Tour

Public transport exists but is slow and restrictive for a one-day schedule. The best way is to hire a private taxi or book a GetYourGuide full-day tour.

Recommended Taxi Costs (Full-Day):

• Sedan (Dzire/Etios): INR 4,000 – INR 4,500
• SUV (Innova/Ertiga): INR 5,000 – INR 6,000
• Includes: Driver, fuel, parking, tolls

💡 Tip: Choose a driver who knows both routes — they’ll help save time, avoid traffic, and even recommend scenic photo stops.
📍 View on Google Maps

4. Plan Your Route Smartly (Ajanta First, Ellora Second)

Always visit Ajanta first, followed by Ellora.

• Morning: Ajanta Caves (paintings look best in natural light)
• Afternoon: Ellora Caves (open-air, less shade needed)
• Evening: Return to Aurangabad or nearby stay

💡 Tip: Ajanta closes on Mondays, Ellora on Tuesdays — so plan your travel days accordingly.

5. Know the Key Highlights (and Don’t Try to See Everything)

Each site has dozens of caves, but you only need to focus on the best ones for a complete experience.

Ajanta Highlights:

• Cave 1 – Bodhisattva Padmapani painting
• Cave 2 – Decorative ceilings and murals
• Cave 10 – Chaitya Hall (oldest prayer hall)
• Cave 26 – Reclining Buddha sculpture

Ellora Highlights:

• Cave 16 – Kailasa Temple (Hindu marvel)
• Cave 10 – Vishvakarma Cave (acoustics & architecture)
• Cave 32 – Indra Sabha (Jain cave with symmetry)

💡 Tip: Hire a guide to explain key stories — the carvings have layers of meaning you’ll miss without context.

6. Carry the Right Essentials

Both sites involve walking, stairs, and sunlight exposure. Travel light, but be prepared.

🎒 Day Trip Essentials:

• Refillable water bottle
• Hat and sunglasses
• Power bank and offline maps
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Snacks or light energy bars

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

7. Food and Rest Stops

There are MTDC restaurants near both Ajanta and Ellora that serve local vegetarian meals, thalis, and tea.

• Ajanta: Café near parking area
• Ellora: MTDC Restaurant near main gate
• On the Road: Small dhabas with chai and fruit stalls

💡 Tip: Eat light before Ellora — climbing Kailasa Temple requires energy but not a heavy stomach.

8. Photography Tips

Both caves are photographer’s dreams, but light conditions differ.

• Ajanta: Best between 9:00–11:00 AM
• Ellora: Best between 3:00–5:00 PM
• No flash photography inside Ajanta caves
• Carry a phone light or small torch for interiors

💡 Tip: For dramatic Kailasa Temple shots, use the upper platform — it captures the full structure beautifully.

9. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

It’s easy to get carried away exploring, but dehydration sneaks up fast — especially in summer months.

💧 Tip: Carry reusable bottles and refill from filtered water stations near both sites.
🚻 Restrooms are available near entrances (clean and maintained).

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Starting late from Aurangabad (you’ll lose precious morning light)
❌ Trying to see every cave (you’ll get exhausted halfway)
❌ Skipping the guide (the art needs explanation)
❌ Ignoring closure days (Ajanta: Monday, Ellora: Tuesday)
❌ Traveling in peak summer without sunscreen or hat

💡 Tip: Even if it’s cloudy, wear sunscreen — basalt rock reflects sunlight strongly.

11. Best Time of Year to Visit

• Ideal: November – February (cool and clear)
• Good Alternative: July – September (green and lush)
• Avoid: April – June (hot and dry, 38–42°C)

💡 Tip: Monsoon months bring small waterfalls near Ellora — a perfect photo backdrop.

12. Bonus: Add a Local Touch to Your Trip

If you have extra time, stop at these nearby sites:

• Grishneshwar Temple (2 km from Ellora)
• Daulatabad Fort (15 km from Aurangabad)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (30 km from Ellora)

💡 Tip: Combine one of these stops with your day trip for a richer cultural experience.

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👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• 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
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Ajanta vs Ellora: Which Caves Should You Visit First

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