A Two-Day Itinerary for Aurangabad in June 2023

1. Day 1: Ellora Caves
   10 minutes (3.6 km) from Aurangabad City Center

   Start your day by visiting the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with intricately carved cave temples. Dating back to the 6th to 10th centuries, the caves are a great example of ancient Indian art and culture. Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the caves, and don't miss Kailash Temple, the largest cave temple, which took over 100 years to complete.

2. Day 1: Bibi Ka Maqbara
   15 minutes (6.0 km) from Ellora Caves

   After visiting the Ellora Caves, head to Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the Mini Taj Mahal. Built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife, the monument is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. Spend an hour admiring the intricate carvings and taking in the serene surroundings.

3. Day 1: Panchakki
   20 minutes (8.5 km) from Bibi Ka Maqbara

   End your day at Panchakki, an ancient water mill dating back to the Mughal era. The water mill was used for grinding grains for the pilgrims visiting the nearby dargah of Baba Shah Muzafir. The peaceful surroundings and tranquil water features make it a great spot to unwind. Spend at least an hour here before heading back to your hotel.

4. Day 2: Ajanta Caves
   2 hours and 15 minutes (105 km) from Aurangabad City Center

   Start your day early and head to the Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 30 rock-cut caves. The caves are famous for their exquisite paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha, and are a great example of Indian rock-cut architecture. Spend at least 3-4 hours exploring the caves, and don't miss Cave 26, which has some of the most beautiful murals.

5. Day 2: Aurangabad Caves
   20 minutes (10.5 km) from Ajanta Caves

   After visiting the Ajanta Caves, head to the Aurangabad Caves, a group of 12 Buddhist caves dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. While not as grand as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, they are still a great example of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. Spend an hour exploring the caves before heading back to Aurangabad.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ellora Caves (2-3 hours, 600 INR)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (1 hour, 250 INR)
• Panchakki (1 hour, 50 INR)
• Ajanta Caves (3-4 hours, 750 INR)
• Aurangabad Caves (1 hour, 200 INR)
Total Estimated Costs: 1850 INR

Useful Tips

For those with more time, the Daulatabad Fort and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple are also great places to visit. If you have less time, consider skipping the Aurangabad Caves, or visiting only a few of the Ajanta or Ellora Caves. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for all the walking you'll be doing. Also, it's best to avoid visiting the caves during weekends or holidays when they can get crowded.