7-Day Ellora Caves Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival at Aurangabad
   5 minutes (3.7 km) from Aurangabad Airport

   After arriving at Aurangabad, check-in at the hotel and spend the day relaxing.

2. Day 2: Ellora Caves
   30 minutes (30 km) from Aurangabad city center

   Start early and head to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the morning exploring the ancient rock-cut temples, shrines, and monasteries. In the afternoon, head to Daulatabad Fort, a magnificent 14th-century fortress built on a hilltop. End the day with a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, a beautiful mausoleum that resembles the Taj Mahal.

3. Day 3: Ajanta Caves
   110 minutes (100 km) from Aurangabad city center

   Take a day trip to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments and paintings from the 2nd century BCE. Spend the day exploring the many caves and enjoying the scenic surroundings. Return to Aurangabad in the evening.

4. Day 4: Ellora Caves Museum
   30 minutes (30 km) from Aurangabad city center

   Visit the Ellora Caves Museum, located near the cave entrance, to learn more about the history and architecture of the caves. Spend the afternoon exploring the local markets and bazaars for souvenirs and handicrafts. In the evening, watch a traditional Marathi play at the Natraj Mandir Natya Griha.

5. Day 5: Siddharth Garden and Zoo
   15 minutes (3.5 km) from Aurangabad city center

   Visit the Siddharth Garden and Zoo, a beautiful botanical garden with a small zoo. Spend the morning admiring the exotic plants and animals, before heading to the Aurangabad Caves, a group of rock-cut Buddhist shrines and monasteries. End the day with a hot air balloon ride over the city.

6. Day 6: Panchakki and Jama Masjid
   20 minutes (5 km) from Aurangabad city center

   Visit the Panchakki, a 17th-century water mill with a beautiful garden, and the Jama Masjid, a stunning mosque with intricate carvings and decorations. Spend the afternoon visiting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, which showcases the life and times of the legendary Maratha king. In the evening, attend a classical music concert at the Ellora Festival.

7. Day 7: Departure
   15 minutes (9 km) from Aurangabad city center

   After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and head to the airport for your flight back home.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, or the Lonar Crater Lake, a unique and beautiful natural wonder. Day trips to Shirdi, a famous pilgrimage site, or the stunning Ajanta-Ellora Wildlife Sanctuary are also highly recommended. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, go on a heritage walk, or attend a cultural event.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ellora Caves (4 hours, INR 600)
• Daulatabad Fort (3 hours, INR 100)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (2 hours, INR 50)
• Ajanta Caves (6 hours, INR 750)
• Ellora Caves Museum (2 hours, INR 100)
• Natraj Mandir Natya Griha (3 hours, INR 250)
• Siddharth Garden and Zoo (4 hours, INR 150)
• Aurangabad Caves (3 hours, INR 100)
• Hot air balloon ride (1 hour, INR 10,000)
• Panchakki (2 hours, INR 50)
• Jama Masjid (2 hours, INR 0)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum (3 hours, INR 200)
• Ellora Festival (3 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 13,000