Maharashtra, India
Explore 30 ancient rock-cut Buddhist monuments carved into a 75-meter rock wall along the Waghur River gorge.
4.9 from 281 traveller reviews on Viator & GetYourGuide
Tickets & tours
Find a guided option or a private transfer from Aurangabad.
Most bookedExplore the rich heritage of Aurangabad on this budget-friendly 2-day tour of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this smart tour offers a...
Top ratedAurangabad, which was declared by the Government as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra back in 2010, is a famous tourist hub that greets its visitors with a richly woven...
Best valueThis HopOn audio guide walks you through the marvels of the Buddhist Caves built between the 2nd century BC and 7th century AD. It describes in detail the cave...
Explore
The site features both monasteries and prayer halls.
4 spotsMain Cave ComplexThe main horseshoe-shaped gorge with 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsEllora Caves ComplexA multi-religious cave complex located 100 km from Ajanta.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsAurangabad City BaseThe main travel hub and accommodation base for visiting the caves.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Flash photography is strictly prohibited inside all caves.
This protects the fragile ancient frescoes.
Plan your visit
Allow 3 to 4 hours to explore the caves. Add 6 hours for round-trip transit from Aurangabad.
Visit between October and March. Arrive at 9:00 AM to beat the crowds and afternoon heat.
Take a taxi or bus from Aurangabad to Fardapur. Everyone must take a 10-minute eco-shuttle to the entrance.
Foreigners pay ₹600, while Indians and SAARC citizens pay ₹40. Book online to save ₹5 to ₹50.
The site consists of 30 Buddhist cave monuments built over two main phases. The first phase began in the 2nd century BCE. The second concluded around 480 CE. Today, it is recognized globally for its ancient Indian art.
A British cavalry officer named John Smith discovered the site in 1819 during a hunting expedition. Visitors can hike to the Main Cave Complex viewpoint where he first spotted the caves.
Inside, you will find intricate murals depicting the life of the Buddha. Bring a flashlight and slip-on shoes. The interiors are kept dark. Read more about Cave Dress Code before you go.
We check whether private A/C transfers or public buses are included.
We verify if the tour provides a professional historian or an app.
We review itineraries to ensure enough time is spent at the site.
From Viator
281 reviews of the 2-day ajanta & ellora tour on Viator & GetYourGuide
Visiting the Ajanta Caves was an unforgettable experience, made even better by this audio tour. I loved being able to explore at my own pace while still learning the rich stories behind the site and caves. The content felt well-curated and truly brought the caves to life. The app is a perfect companion and definitely worth it👍
Awesome trip. Enjoyed the immersive experience. The audio experience was the best thing and everyone must take it.
I spent 2 wonderful days exploring Ajanta and Ellora caves. Our driver Mr. Mannan was a great host and provided great service. He drove carefully and always double-checked with us about the meeting point and time. Also, he was very flexible when we asked to change the itinerary a bit. I will recommend this trip to all who wish to have a self-paced Ellora and Ajanta trip.
As advertised and promised for a 2 day tour of Ajanta/Ellora and adjoining sites, including pick up and drop. The booking experience was quick and smooth. Very professional. Always on time. No hidden costs or any kind of harassment. Mr. Mannan was very humble, accommodating and a polite driver. He had a fair knowledge of visited sites with adequate command over English.
Helpful planning and flexibility. Adapted to change and unforeseen very well. Quick responses & good communication Good staff
The caves are beautiful, like something from a movie. Would recommend making the trip. Our driver Irfan was very sweet and polite, maybe the best driver I’ve had in my three months in India.
The driver Karim was excellent. Despite extremely heavy trafgic due to Diwali holiday, he took me to Ajanta and Ellora in one day and I was able to see spectacular caves. He took me to a delicious restaurant that produced its own vegetables.
Great experience. Totally breathtaking 👍 we had a GREAT tour guide 🙌 lots of walkibg but well worth it... would definitely highly recommend 👌🙏❤️
I would say that the experience was amazing. The driver and the staff were always attentive to our needs. They provided us with snacks. I would definitely recommend to use this service for exploring Aurangabad.
Travel tips
Online TicketsSave money and skip the queues by booking ASI e-tickets in advance.Read 
Ajanta vs ElloraCompare Ajanta's paintings with Ellora's monolithic architecture.Read 
Aurangabad Bus GuideTake the MSRTC bus and eco-shuttle to the Ajanta Caves.Read 
Best time to visitFind the ideal months and the best time of day to see the caves.Read 
Cave Dress CodePractical tips on what to wear and pack for the Ajanta Caves.Read 
One Day or Two?Why you should split Ajanta and Ellora over two days.Read No. The Ajanta Caves are closed every Monday. They are open all other days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Foreign tourists pay ₹600 at the counter or ₹550 online. Indians and SAARC citizens pay ₹40 at the counter or ₹35 online. Children under 15 enter free.
The site is about 100 kilometers from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). The drive takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and transport mode.
You can take a private taxi for ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 round trip. Alternatively, take an MSRTC bus for ₹150 to ₹300. Read more about the Aurangabad Bus Guide.
Ajanta features 30 ancient Buddhist caves known for highly expressive mural paintings. Ellora contains 34 Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves known for massive monolithic architecture. Read our Ajanta vs Ellora guide.
Yes, but it requires a fast pace. The sites are far apart. Consider booking a dedicated combo tour if you are short on time. See our One Day or Two? tips.
Check ticket options and find the best transport for your schedule.
