Ajanta and Ellora Caves – The Epitome of Beauty

Haven’t you yet explored the most famous and ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India – Ajanta & Ellora Caves? If not, then this is the time to explore these celebrated ancient rock-cut caves!

Maharashtra

Starts: from Aurangabad

Ends: at Aurangabad

Group Type: Mixed Gender

Dates

Start: 11 Jan, 2025

End: 14 Jan, 2025

~~₹ 24000~~

₹ 22000

About the Tour

Do you want to undertake a short trip and visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves along with the gems of Aurangabad? This trip enables you to visit these UNESCO World Heritage destinations when the weather is supposed to be at its best.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two of the most significant, celebrated, stunning, and intricate rock-cut caves in India. Did you know that both of these caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

The Ajanta Caves feature 30 rock-cut caves that date from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. These caves are renowned for their intricate Buddhist murals, frescoes, and sculptures, which depict the life of the Buddha and various Jataka tales. The art in Ajanta is celebrated for its detailed portrayal of human emotion, nature, and spirituality, reflecting the zenith of ancient Indian craftsmanship. The caves served as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks and are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, offering profound insights into ancient Indian culture and spirituality.

While Ajanta Caves reflect Buddhism, on the other hand, Ellora Caves represent the extraordinary blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain sculptures. This also showcases the religious tolerance and harmony of ancient India. The Ellora Caves encompass 34 rock-cut caves that date from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE. The first 12 (1-12) Buddhist caves include monasteries and prayer halls with intricately carved sculptures. The next 17 Hindu caves (13-29) are renowned for their elaborate reliefs and monumental statues, with the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) standing out as a colossal monolithic structure dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved entirely from a single rock. The 5 Jain caves (30-34) feature detailed carvings and iconography reflective of Jain theology and aesthetics. The Ellora Caves epitomize ancient India’s architectural ingenuity and artistic excellence, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the cultural and spiritual life of the era, and remain a significant testament to India’s rich heritage.

Just imagine yourselves walking through these beautiful masterpieces, getting lost in the frescoes & sculptures, and wondering how rich is Indian art!

While visiting Ajanta & Ellora Caves with Transforming Travels, you also get an opportunity to visit the gems of Aurangabad – Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Panchakki and Aurangabad Caves.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, representing one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. It attracts countless devotees who seek blessings and wish to experience its serene, divine ambiance. While on the other hand, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum. It was constructed by Aurangzeb’s son in the 17th century in memory of his mother, bearing resemblance to the iconic Taj Mahal. Daulatabad Fort is a medieval fortress renowned for its strategic location atop a conical hill. Originally built by the Yadava dynasty in the 12th century, it was later fortified by Alauddin Khalji. Panchakki, in Aurangabad, India, is a 17th-century marvel where an underground water channel powers a grinding mill. This serene site, with its intricate engineering, also houses a mosque, a madrasa, and the tranquil tomb of Sufi saint Baba Shah Musafir, blending spirituality and ingenuity harmoniously.

Would you be interested in holding hands and romance with the ancient yet exquisite art & architecture? While visiting Ajanta and Ellora caves along with the jewels of Aurangabad, you ain’t only savoring the stories from amazing history guides, but also making picture-perfect photo shots at these locations!

Trip Highlights

1. Ajanta Caves

2. Bibi ka Maqbara

3. Ellora Caves

4. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

5. Paithani Saree Weaving & Emporium

6. Panchakki

7. Unforgettable social experience

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Aurangabad | Rest & Relax

Pickup Schedule – All day

You can land anytime and we will provide you transfer from Aurangabad Airport/railway station to the hotel. We will club people arriving one hour apart, in a single transfer. Hence, max you’ll wait is 1 hour at the airport/railway station.

You can enjoy the hotel, chill in the swimming pool, relax inside your room, or venture out to explore the Aurangabad market. We will gather in the evening to conduct group orientation & introduction followed by dinner and some amazing socializing games.

Notes:

Hotel Check-In time: 2 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability.
If you want to visit Sai Baba of Shirdi, you can consider taking an early morning flight or coming a day early. We can organize a day trip for you to Shirdi (chargeable basis).

Group Orientation & Introduction in the evening
Dinner & Socializing

Overnight stay in a premium 4-star hotel in Aurangabad

Day 2: Ajanta Caves Excursion

Breakfast
Leave for Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves Panoramic Viewpoint
Board shared Govt shuttles to the caves entrance(this is done to skip a tiring trek, shuttles are non AC, 15-20 min ride)
Tea Break
Ajanta Caves Tour (~700 steps over a duration of 3-4 hours)
Late Lunch (cost excluded)
Start Driving to Aurangabad
Back to hotel
Dinner

Overnight stay in a premium 4-star hotel in Aurangabad

Total Driving Time & Distance – 5 hrs/ 200 km

Day 3: Ellora Caves Excursion | Grishneshwar Temple | Daultabad Fort

Early Breakfast
Grishneshwar Temple
Ellora Caves Excursion
Lunch (cost excluded)
Paithani Saree Weaving & Emporium
Back to hotel
Dinner & Social Evening

Overnight stay in a premium 4-star hotel in Aurangabad

Driving Time & Distance – 2 hrs/ 70 km

Day 4: Aurangabad Sightseeing | Airport/ Railway Station Drop

Breakfast
Hotel Check-Out
Bibi ka Maqbara
Panchakki
Lunch (cost excluded)
Exchanging warm hugs and plans to keep in touch
Aurangabad Airport Drop by 2 PM
Aurangabad Railway Station Drop by 2:30 PM

Trip Ends

Please note that if you want an airport/railway station drop which is different from above group timings, then we can arrange it but it would be chargeable.

Important Information

Cost applicable from Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station to Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

24000 INR per person regular tariff

22000 INR per person if you book from the first 5 seats

After the first 5 seats,

22600 INR if you book the slot number between 8-14

23200 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

23200 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 24000 INR per person

Note: Single Supplement Upgrade (if you wish to stay alone in the room): 8000 INR

Please note that 5% GST will be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please send:

WhatsApp/ Call : 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Flights:

If you wish to join the above trip, we can also try fetching you lesser rates (as compared to online prices) for flights.

All transportation from Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station to Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station in AC Vehicle(s)
Stay for 3 nights on a twin-sharing basis in a premium 4-star hotel. If you are friends/a couple traveling together and want the same room, please let us know while booking. Else, pairing for solo travelers is done on the same gender basis.
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast
All entry tickets as per the itinerary
E-rickshaw for Ajanta & Ellora caves from the parking lot to the entrance
English Speaking Heritage Specialist Guide
All permits
A professional and friendly group leader & throughout the tour

Cost of flight/cab/bus journey from your native city to/from Aurangabad
Fasttrack Darshan fee at Grishneshwar Temple (500-1000 INR per person, finalized on the spot)
Any snacks or beverages except those given with the meals
Any side dish or extras which ain’t a part of the set menu of included meals
Any alternative vehicles or e-rickshaws required anywhere due to any reasons except those which are already mentioned in inclusions
Any expense on any items/services that are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses travel insurance or emergency expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

The group size will be limited to 25 participants + 1 trip leader.
You are required to remove your footwear again & again while entering various caves during the Ajanta Caves tour. You also need to climb over 700 steps during the entire tour duration. Hence, choose your footwear wisely. Palki service is also available for Ajanta caves (~2000 INR).
Please note that Grishneshwar Temple doesn’t have an official VIP Darshan ticket. Fasttrack Darshan is usually managed on the spot and the price is also finalized last minute. Hence, it’s kept in exclusions. You can keep 500-1000 INR per person handy for the same.
If you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or twin beds. Also, we host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
This trip price is valid only for participants with any Indian Government issued Identity card else the cost of entrance tickets will differ for non-Indians.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. If you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
Please carry some snacks for munching as the lunch could be delayed on some days.

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Summer Clothes
Cute dresses with striking colors for pretty pictures
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Water Bottle
Umbrella/Raincoat (for unexpected rain showers)
Any prescribed medication
Toilet papers during road journey
Sanitizer
Power Banks
Neck Pillow
Anti-Pollution Mask if allergic to dry winds and dusty roads
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

90-71 days before the trip: 95% refund
70-51 days before the trip: 80% refund
41-50 days before the trip: 70% refund
37-40 days before the trip: 50% refund
31-36 days before the trip: 25% refund
Less than 35 days before the trip: No Refund

Please note that the cancellation policy is applicable on the full tariff, not the booking amount.

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.

Important Information

Cost

Cost applicable from Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station to Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

24000 INR per person regular tariff

22000 INR per person if you book from the first 5 seats

After the first 5 seats,

22600 INR if you book the slot number between 8-14

23200 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

23200 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 24000 INR per person

Note: Single Supplement Upgrade (if you wish to stay alone in the room): 8000 INR

Please note that 5% GST will be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please send:

WhatsApp/ Call : 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Flights:

If you wish to join the above trip, we can also try fetching you lesser rates (as compared to online prices) for flights.

Inclusions

All transportation from Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station to Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station in AC Vehicle(s)
Stay for 3 nights on a twin-sharing basis in a premium 4-star hotel. If you are friends/a couple traveling together and want the same room, please let us know while booking. Else, pairing for solo travelers is done on the same gender basis.
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast
All entry tickets as per the itinerary
E-rickshaw for Ajanta & Ellora caves from the parking lot to the entrance
English Speaking Heritage Specialist Guide
All permits
A professional and friendly group leader & throughout the tour

Exclusions

Cost of flight/cab/bus journey from your native city to/from Aurangabad
Fasttrack Darshan fee at Grishneshwar Temple (500-1000 INR per person, finalized on the spot)
Any snacks or beverages except those given with the meals
Any side dish or extras which ain’t a part of the set menu of included meals
Any alternative vehicles or e-rickshaws required anywhere due to any reasons except those which are already mentioned in inclusions
Any expense on any items/services that are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses travel insurance or emergency expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

Basic Info

The group size will be limited to 25 participants + 1 trip leader.
You are required to remove your footwear again & again while entering various caves during the Ajanta Caves tour. You also need to climb over 700 steps during the entire tour duration. Hence, choose your footwear wisely. Palki service is also available for Ajanta caves (~2000 INR).
Please note that Grishneshwar Temple doesn’t have an official VIP Darshan ticket. Fasttrack Darshan is usually managed on the spot and the price is also finalized last minute. Hence, it’s kept in exclusions. You can keep 500-1000 INR per person handy for the same.
If you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or twin beds. Also, we host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
This trip price is valid only for participants with any Indian Government issued Identity card else the cost of entrance tickets will differ for non-Indians.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. If you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
Please carry some snacks for munching as the lunch could be delayed on some days.

Packing List

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Summer Clothes
Cute dresses with striking colors for pretty pictures
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Water Bottle
Umbrella/Raincoat (for unexpected rain showers)
Any prescribed medication
Toilet papers during road journey
Sanitizer
Power Banks
Neck Pillow
Anti-Pollution Mask if allergic to dry winds and dusty roads
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

Cancellation Policy

90-71 days before the trip: 95% refund
70-51 days before the trip: 80% refund
41-50 days before the trip: 70% refund
37-40 days before the trip: 50% refund
31-36 days before the trip: 25% refund
Less than 35 days before the trip: No Refund

Please note that the cancellation policy is applicable on the full tariff, not the booking amount.

Terms and Conditions

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.

Booking/ Query

To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.

If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.