From Aurangabad to Ajanta Ellora Taxi – Best 2-Day Cab Tour

Ajanta’s painted caves and Ellora’s huge Kailasa Temple are the stars here, but the smart part of this trip is the private car and fixed two-day plan. You can see both UNESCO sites without arranging long road journeys yourself, then add Daulatabad Fort, Grishneshwar Temple, and Bibi Ka Maqbara.

I like the flexibility for small groups, with sedan, SUV, and minivan choices. I also like the practical touches: hotel pickup, an English and Hindi-speaking driver, bottled water, tolls, parking, fuel, and a torch for the caves. The main drawback is that entry tickets, food, and accommodation are not included, so the final cost will be higher than the advertised price.

If you travel with Suleman or Samad, you can also arrange a more guided experience. Suleman is especially useful if you want history, local culture, and everyday context along with transport. Samad has also handled early pickups and airport-related timing, which matters when your schedule is tight.

Key points to know before booking

• Ajanta takes most of Day 1: Plan for about eight hours from Aurangabad, including the roughly 100-kilometer drive each way.
• Ellora is paired with four nearby stops: Day 2 includes Ellora, Grishneshwar Temple, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
• The private format keeps your group together: The SUV suits one to five people, while sedans work best for one or two.
• Guide service is optional: You can book transportation only or arrange a guide for added explanation at the monuments.
• Tickets are extra: Foreign visitors pay listed monument rates of INR 600 each for Ajanta and Ellora, and INR 300 for Bibi Ka Maqbara.
• Closures affect the schedule: Ajanta is closed Mondays and Ellora is closed Tuesdays.

Why this two-day route works from Aurangabad

Ajanta and Ellora are not a quick pair of city sights. They sit outside Aurangabad in different directions, and visiting both by local taxi or public transport would take extra planning. This tour gives you a private vehicle, a driver, and a clear two-day structure.

I like the division of time. Ajanta gets its own full day because the trip from Aurangabad is longer. Ellora then shares Day 2 with several sights that are closer to the city. You get a full heritage program without trying to force both cave complexes into one exhausting day.

The advertised price is $47.75 per person, but think of that as the transport package rather than the complete holiday cost. It includes the vehicle, driver, fuel, taxes, tolls, parking, service charges, mineral water, and a cave torch. You still pay for monument tickets, meals, and accommodation.

For a group of four or five, the value improves because the private car cost is shared. A solo visitor pays more per person for the same vehicle service, but gains privacy and direct pickup. The best choice depends on whether you value control and comfort over finding the lowest possible transport fare.

Day 1: the long road to Ajanta Caves

The first day begins with an 8:00 am pickup from your selected point in Aurangabad. The drive to Ajanta is about 100 kilometers, and the full outing is planned for roughly eight hours. That makes this the more road-heavy day of the two.

Ajanta is famous for its rock-cut Buddhist caves and painted interiors. The setting and artwork are the reason to give this site a full day rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. Inside, you can look for carved figures, shrine areas, and surviving paintings, though the exact viewing conditions can vary from cave to cave.

The transport-only option gives you freedom, but it also places more responsibility on you. Your driver can get you there and back, yet the basic package does not promise detailed explanations inside each cave. If Ajanta’s art and religious stories are central to your visit, adding a guide is worth considering.

The included torch is a small but useful touch. Cave interiors can be dim, and a torch helps you see details without depending entirely on the available lighting. It is not a substitute for a guide, but it is practical equipment for this kind of visit.

Allow energy for the return drive. Ajanta is the day’s only major stop, and that is sensible because the distance from Aurangabad takes time. I would avoid adding extra sightseeing on this day unless the company confirms that your schedule can handle it.

Day 2: Ellora, Kailasa Temple, and nearby sights

Day 2 starts early with the drive from Aurangabad to Ellora Caves. The listed visit time is about four hours, although your exact pace will depend on how much time you spend at the caves and whether you use a guide.

Ellora is known for its rock-cut temples and religious variety. Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments appear in the same cave complex, giving the site a different feel from Ajanta. The celebrated Kailasa Temple is cut from one mass of rock and is the clear centerpiece.

Ellora rewards slow looking. Instead of rushing from one entrance to the next, you can spend time noticing columns, figures, courtyards, and the scale of the stonework. A guide can help you understand how the monuments relate to different religious traditions and why the construction is so remarkable.

This day is fuller than the itinerary may first suggest. After Ellora, you visit Grishneshwar Temple, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara before returning to Aurangabad. The route is efficient, but you should expect a steady sightseeing rhythm rather than a lazy day.

Grishneshwar Temple and the practical side of visiting

Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The planned stop takes about one hour, including darshan, or worship, and time to see the temple.

This adds a living religious site to a trip otherwise centered on ancient monuments. You are not only looking at carved stone; you are also seeing a place that remains important for worship. Dress and behavior should be respectful, and your time inside may depend on temple activity.

Admission is listed as free. A lunch break is also included in the day’s plan, but lunch itself is not covered in the tour price. That means you should budget separately and use the break as a chance to rest before the fort and city sights.

Daulatabad Fort requires stamina and attention

Daulatabad Fort is planned as a one to two-hour stop. Its appeal is its defense design and historical importance, but this is not just a roadside viewpoint. Exploring the fort and its surroundings can require more effort than the shorter time estimate suggests.

I would pay attention to your footwear and energy here. The supplied details do not specify the walking conditions, so you should be prepared for an active visit rather than assuming you will remain beside the car. If you want to examine the fort properly, ask your driver how much time is available before you begin.

The fort works well in this itinerary because it breaks up the cave visits. After a morning among carved interiors, you get a different kind of historical experience based on walls, defensive planning, and the wider setting. If you are traveling with older family members or anyone who tires easily, discuss the pace in advance.

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad’s miniature Taj comparison

Bibi Ka Maqbara is the final major stop, with about one hour planned for the monument and its gardens. It is often called the Taj of the Deccan and was built in memory of Aurangzeb’s wife.

The comparison helps first-time visitors understand its visual appeal, but I would approach it as its own monument rather than expecting a second Taj Mahal. The white structure, formal grounds, and symmetrical design make it a worthwhile closing stop, especially after the more rugged fort and cave sites.

Bibi Ka Maqbara also has its own admission charge. The listed rate is INR 30 for visitors from SAARC countries and INR 300 for visitors from other countries. Confirm the applicable price when you book, since the tour information also gives a combined entry estimate of INR 1,500 per person for Ajanta, Ellora, and Bibi Ka Maqbara.

After the monument, the driver takes you back to Aurangabad. The final drop-off is included, and the route keeps all transportation private to your group.

Cars, group size, and driver service

You can choose a sedan for one or two people, an SUV for one to five, or a minivan for six to twelve. The SUV is the practical middle choice for a family or small group that wants room for luggage and a more comfortable long drive.

The tour is private, so only your group participates. That gives you more control than a large coach trip. You can discuss pickup changes, adjust the pace where possible, and ask for help with timing. One review described a driver who adjusted well to changing needs, and another praised the safe, comfortable driving and polite manner.

The driver speaks good Hindi and English. If you want more than transport, ask about adding a guide when booking. Suleman has been specifically praised for explaining history, culture, and local life, while Samad has managed early station or airport pickups and thoughtful timing.

Keep your expectations clear. A good driver can make the route easy, but a transport-only booking is not automatically a full guided tour. Confirm who will explain the caves, what languages are available, and whether the guide fee is included or extra.

What the price really covers

At $47.75 per person, this is most attractive for a small group that wants a private car over two days. The included fuel, tolls, parking, taxes, and service charges remove several common surprises from an intercity taxi arrangement.

You also receive bottled mineral water and a torch. Those are modest additions, but they are useful on long sightseeing days. Hotel pickup saves you from finding a taxi early in the morning, and the planned drop-off keeps the return simple.

The main extra costs are clear:

• Ajanta and Ellora entry tickets
• Bibi Ka Maqbara entry ticket
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Hotel accommodation
• Optional guide service, if selected separately

The listed monument rates are INR 40 for SAARC visitors and INR 600 for non-SAARC visitors at both Ajanta and Ellora. Bibi Ka Maqbara is listed at INR 30 for SAARC visitors and INR 300 for non-SAARC visitors. Because the information also states INR 1,500 per person for the three entries, confirm the exact ticket total before paying.

Timing, closures, and small planning tips

The tour starts at 8:00 am, but Day 2 begins early in practical terms because Ellora comes first and several stops follow. Ask for the exact pickup time for each morning, especially if you are arriving by train or plane.

The closure days are essential:

• Ajanta Caves are closed every Monday.
• Ellora Caves are closed every Tuesday.

Plan the order around those days before you book hotels or transport. Confirmation is provided at booking, and pickup is offered from your selected point. If you are arriving early, contact the company ahead of time, as Samad has handled early station and airport arrangements.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local time.

Who should book this private cab tour?

I would recommend this tour to couples, families, and small groups who want Ajanta and Ellora without managing several separate transfers. It is also a good match if you prefer a private car to a fixed large-group schedule.

It suits you especially well if you want to combine major monuments with lesser-seen stops. Daulatabad Fort, Grishneshwar Temple, and Bibi Ka Maqbara give the two-day plan more variety than a cave-only excursion.

I would think twice if you want a fully guided archaeological tour with every ticket and meal included. This is primarily a private transport and sightseeing service, with guide support available as an option. You should also allow for long driving on Day 1 and a busy sightseeing sequence on Day 2.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the simplest private way to see Ajanta and Ellora from Aurangabad, especially with three to five people sharing the vehicle. The drivers, flexible pickup support, and included road costs make the price easier to justify.

Before booking, confirm four things: your vehicle size, whether a guide is included, the exact monument ticket total, and the pickup times. Choose dates that avoid the Monday Ajanta closure and Tuesday Ellora closure. With those details settled, this is a practical two-day route that covers the region’s major sights without leaving you to organize every road transfer yourself.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately two days. Day 1 is about eight hours for Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves and back. Day 2 includes Ellora Caves and several nearby sights before returning to Aurangabad.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am. Day 2 begins early with the visit to Ellora Caves.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your selected pickup point, and drop-off in Aurangabad is also part of the route.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private tour is available for your group only. A sedan suits one to two passengers, an SUV suits one to five, and a minivan is designed for six to twelve passengers.

Are monument entry tickets included?

No. Ajanta, Ellora, and Bibi Ka Maqbara entry tickets are not included. The listed prices are INR 600 for non-SAARC visitors at Ajanta and Ellora, and INR 300 at Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Are meals and hotels included?

No. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hotel accommodation are not included in the tour price.

Which days are Ajanta and Ellora closed?

Ajanta Caves are closed every Monday. Ellora Caves are closed every Tuesday.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.