Discovering Maharashtra’s Ancient Marvels: The Private Ajanta & Ellora 2-Day Tour
If you’re looking to explore some of India’s most iconic archaeological sites without the hassle of long lines or confusing logistics, this private Ajanta & Ellora 2-Day Tour might just be your best bet. It promises a smooth, personalized journey through two UNESCO-listed marvels, with the comfort of private transport and the flexibility to customize your experience.
What really stands out are the skip-the-queue tickets, the friendly bilingual driver, and the option to indulge in traditional Indian Thali lunches. Plus, the small thoughtful gift at the end adds a personal touch that makes the experience memorable.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves some walking and stair climbing, which is typical for these historic caves. So, if you’re not comfortable with physical activity or have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering.
This tour suits travelers who want an efficient, comfortable, and culturally rich visit to these historic sites—perfect for history buffs, first-timers, or anyone eager to maximize their time in Maharashtra.
Good To Know
- Private, hassle-free experience with skip-the-queue tickets
- Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- Flexible stops and local restaurant recommendations
- Authentic Indian meals included, with veg and non-veg options
- Expert driver who can offer insights and assistance
- Small gift to remember your trip by
- Good To Know
- An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Ajanta & Ellora Tour
- Day 1: Ajanta Caves and the Viewpoint
- Day 2: Ellora Caves and the Mini Taj Mahal
- Food and Comfort
- Extra Details That Make the Difference
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- Summary
- FAQs
- More Tours in Aurangabad
- More Tour Reviews in Aurangabad
- Looking for something different? Other Aurangabad activities we've written about
An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Ajanta & Ellora Tour

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive yet relaxed experience of two of India’s most famous UNESCO sites, without the stress of planning every detail yourself. You’ll start in Aurangabad, where a private, air-conditioned car will whisk you away. The tour is ideal for those who prefer a guided feel but with the freedom to explore at their own pace.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Aurangabad.
Day 1: Ajanta Caves and the Viewpoint
The first day kicks off early to make the most of the cooler morning hours. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel, providing a friendly welcome and a smooth ride ahead. The journey to Ajanta is about an hour or so, depending on your hotel location.
Ajanta Caves are the main event. These Buddhist rock-cut caves, carved into cliffs around 200 BCE to 650 CE, are famous for their intricate murals, sculptures, and monasteries. A key benefit of this tour is the skip-the-queue tickets—a major time-saver, especially during peak tourist season when lines can be long. Your driver will also inform you about how to get a government guide on-site, which many travelers find helpful for understanding the detailed art and history.
What makes Ajanta particularly special is the atmosphere of serenity and the stunning artwork that covers entire walls and ceilings. As one reviewer shared, their experience was made easier thanks to the driver’s assistance and the pre-booked tickets, allowing them to focus solely on the awe-inspiring sights. The viewpoints offer excellent panoramas of the caves set against lush greenery, perfect for photos.
After exploring Ajanta, you’ll have the option to grab a traditional Indian Thali for lunch—delicious vegetarian or non-vegetarian options served in a traditional style. Many guests appreciated the quality and authenticity of the food, which adds to the culture.
The day ends with a comfortable return drive, where your driver might stop for coffee or a quick leg stretch, making the journey feel more relaxed and personal.
Day 2: Ellora Caves and the Mini Taj Mahal
The second day is equally packed but still easygoing. After breakfast, your driver will once again pick you up, heading toward Ellora Caves—a sprawling complex of 34 monasteries, temples, and sculptures carved into volcanic rock.
Ellora is renowned for its religious diversity, with Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments all coexisting. The highlight often cited is the Rashtrakuta Kailasa temple, a massive rock-cut Hindu temple that looks almost surreal. As another reviewer pointed out, they appreciated the driver’s insights about the site’s significance, making the visit more meaningful.
The tour also includes a stop at the mini Taj Mahal, Bibi-ka-Maqbara. Its elegant architecture and peaceful gardens offer a nice contrast to the caves’ grandeur, and many visitors find it a lovely, less crowded way to round out their day.
Transportation is a key part of this experience. The private vehicle offers the freedom to stop whenever you want, whether for a quick photo, a bathroom break, or to sample local snacks. The driver is bilingual and friendly, often sharing stories or helpful tips based on traveler reviews—one guest specifically praised their driver Mohd for being helpful and approachable.
Timing is optimized so you can comfortably see both sites and still catch a late afternoon flight or onward travel plans. The tour documents mention that most travelers can complete the Ellora visit and still have time for a flight after 4 PM, making it suitable for day-trippers with tight schedules.
Food and Comfort
The offered Indian Thali lunches are a highlight—guests frequently mention how tasty and filling they are, giving them energy for the day’s exploration. The options cater to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, and many reviews note the authenticity and quality of the food.
Transport options are tailored to group size—sedan for groups of up to 3 and SUV for up to 5—ensuring comfort and space. All tolls, taxes, fuel, and service charges are included, and bottled water is provided throughout, which is crucial for staying hydrated in the Indian heat.
More Great Tours NearbyExtra Details That Make the Difference
The tour’s value is enhanced by the small thoughtful gift at the end—something many reviewers appreciated as a personal touch. The booking process is flexible, allowing you to reserve now and pay later, which is ideal if you’re finalizing your trip details.
Most travelers found the driver’s timing punctual and appreciated the flexibility to customize stops and meal times. Their guides are not included in the standard package, but the driver can advise on how to hire a guide on-site if desired.
Prefer private tours? More Aurangabad exclusive experiences we've written about
- From Aurangabad: Private Ajanta & Ellora Caves Full-Day Tour
- Ajanta & Ellora Caves Private 2-Day Tour With All Inclusion
- Private Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora Caves With All Inclusion
- Ajanta & Ellora Caves Private 2-Day Tour With All Inclusion
- Caves in Aurangabad Private Full-day Sightseeing Tour
- Private 2 Days Tour: Ajanta Ellora Caves and Aurangabad City
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for visitors who want a seamless experience without the stress of logistics or crowds. It suits those interested in history, art, and architecture, especially if you’re short on time but want to see the highlights. The inclusion of local food and personalized transport makes it great for travelers who value comfort and authenticity.
However, it’s less suitable for people with mobility issues or those who cannot handle stairs or walking on uneven surfaces. The tour is also not designed for pregnant women, recent surgery patients, or elderly over 70, given the physical demands involved.
Summary

This private Ajanta & Ellora tour offers an excellent balance of convenience, culture, and value. The skip-the-queue tickets, comfortable transport, and thoughtful touches make it a fantastic choice for those eager to explore these UNESCO sites efficiently.
The inclusion of authentic food, flexible stops, and friendly drivers make the experience not just educational but genuinely enjoyable. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply want a stress-free way to see Maharashtra’s incredible caves, this tour promises a memorable day or two.
FAQs

Does the tour include entrance tickets?
You have the option to book with all entrance fees included, covering Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, and Bibi-ka-Maqbara, so you won’t need to worry about buying tickets on-site.
Is transportation air-conditioned?
Yes, the private car used for the tour is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable ride in hot weather.
Can I get traditional Indian food during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour offers the choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian Thalis, which are well-reviewed for their authenticity and flavor.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While most parts are suitable, keep in mind the physical demands like stair climbing and walking. Young children who can handle these may enjoy it, but always check with the provider for specific age recommendations.
What if I want a guide at the sites?
The driver can advise you on how to hire a government guide on-site, but guided tours are not included in the standard package.
How flexible are the stops during the day?
Very. One of the benefits of private transport is you can request stops for photos, snacks, or bathroom breaks whenever needed.
Can I do this tour if I have limited time?
Yes, most travelers find they can comfortably visit both sites in a day, with plenty of time for breaks and lunch, making it suitable even for those with tight schedules.
This tour offers a rare chance to see some of India’s most breathtaking historic sites with ease and comfort. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking a balance of guided expertise, local flavor, and hassle-free logistics—all for an honest, reasonable price.
You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours NearbyMore Tours in Aurangabad
- Exclusive Ajanta Ellora Caves: 1.5-Day Guided Tour- Only Caves
- Ajanta or Ellora Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara Day Tour.
- Audio Guided Tour Of Ellora Buddhist Caves, Aurangabad on HopOn India App
- From Aurangabad: Ajanta & Ellora Day Tour with All Inclusion
- Aurangabad: 3-day Lonar Crater, Ajanta, & Ellora Caves Tour
- Private 3 days Ajanta, Ellora caves and Aurangabad city tour
More Tour Reviews in Aurangabad
- Exclusive Ajanta Ellora Caves: 1.5-Day Guided Tour- Only Caves
- Ajanta or Ellora Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara Day Tour.
- Audio Guided Tour Of Ellora Buddhist Caves, Aurangabad on HopOn India App
- From Aurangabad: Ajanta & Ellora Day Tour with All Inclusion
- Aurangabad: 3-day Lonar Crater, Ajanta, & Ellora Caves Tour
- Private 3 days Ajanta, Ellora caves and Aurangabad city tour
Looking for something different? Other Aurangabad activities we've written about
- Ajanta or Ellora Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara Day Tour.
- Audio Guided Tour Of Ellora Buddhist Caves, Aurangabad on HopOn India App
- From Aurangabad: Ajanta & Ellora Day Tour with All Inclusion
- Aurangabad: 3-day Lonar Crater, Ajanta, & Ellora Caves Tour
- Private 3 days Ajanta, Ellora caves and Aurangabad city tour
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour
- From Bhusawal: 1-day or 2-day Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour.
- Aurangabad Private 3-Day Tour with the Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Audio Guided Tour of Ellora Hindu Caves, Aurangabad on HopOn India App
- Ajanta and Ellora 2-Day Private Guided Tour from Aurangabad
- A Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora Caves with Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Timeless Aurangabad: A Half-Day Heritage Walk
