Perfect 2-Day Aurangabad Itinerary: Ajanta, Ellora & More
Aurangabad is a city that rewards thorough exploration — it's the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jyotirlingas, and centuries of Mughal and Hindu history. If you have exactly 2 days, here's how to make every hour count.
🌅 Day 1: Aurangabad City + Ellora + Grishneshwar
7:00 AM — Bibi Ka Maqbara
Start your Aurangabad journey at the iconic "Mini Taj Mahal" (5 km from most hotels). Built in 1660 by Mughal Prince Azam Shah for his mother Dilras Banu Begum, it's most beautiful in the early morning light. Entry: ₹25 for Indians.
9:00 AM — Aurangabad Caves
Just 3 km from Bibi Ka Maqbara, these 7 Buddhist rock-cut caves from the 6th-7th century are completely overlooked by most tourists — making them wonderfully peaceful. Free entry. Takes 45-60 minutes.
10:30 AM — Panchakki (Water Mill)
This 17th-century Sufi shrine complex features an underground water channel system that powers a large mill. The garden setting is beautiful. Takes 30 minutes.
12:00 PM — Daulatabad Fort
15 km from Aurangabad on the way to Ellora, Daulatabad Fort is one of the strongest medieval fortifications in India. The 14th-century Chand Minar and the hilltop citadel accessible by a tunnel (bring a torch) are unforgettable. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Entry: ₹25 for Indians.
2:30 PM — Lunch at Ellora Dhaba
Multiple restaurants near the Ellora entrance serve thali and Mughlai food. Fuel up — you'll need energy for the caves.
3:00 PM — Ellora Caves
Start with the Hindu caves (13-29), especially Cave 16 — the magnificent Kailasa Temple. The scale of this single-rock carving is mind-boggling. Then visit the Buddhist caves (1-12) and end with the ornate Jain caves (30-34) near closing time (6 PM). Allow 2.5-3 hours.
Evening — Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Just 1 km from Ellora, the Grishneshwar temple houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Evening aarti (around 7 PM) is deeply atmospheric. The temple is free, but donations welcome.
🌄 Day 2: Full Day Ajanta Caves
6:30 AM — Depart Aurangabad
Ajanta is 100 km away. Departing by 6:30 AM means you arrive before the tourist buses and have the caves mostly to yourself in the first hour.
9:00 AM — Ajanta Caves (Full Exploration)
Take the shuttle bus from the parking area to the cave entrance. Start at Cave 1 (beautiful bodhisattva murals), proceed through the U-shaped ravine, don't miss Cave 2 (ceiling paintings), Cave 9 and 10 (chaitya halls), Cave 16 (dying princess fresco), Cave 17 (narrative murals), and Cave 26 (reclining Buddha).
Hire a licensed guide (₹500-800) — without interpretation, the frescoes lose much of their meaning. Allow at least 4-5 hours for a proper visit.
2:00 PM — Viewpoint & Lunch
The Ajanta horseshoe viewpoint is spectacular — the entire cliff face of caves visible from above. Lunch at one of the restaurants near the parking lot.
3:30 PM — Return to Aurangabad
Back by 6 PM, in time for a last dinner at one of Aurangabad's excellent Mughlai restaurants like Tandoor Restaurant or Hotel Welcomhotel's restaurant.
🚌 Vehicle Recommendation for This Itinerary
For solo travelers or couples: Innova Crysta (6 seater at ₹17/km). For families of 4-13: Maharaja 10 or 13 Seater. For groups of 14-20: Force Urbania or Maharaja 20. We recommend hiring one vehicle for both days — it's more economical and comfortable than changing vehicles.
Estimated total distance for this 2-day itinerary: approximately 300 km. At ₹17/km (Innova), total vehicle cost for 2 days ≈ ₹5,100.
🚌 Book with Jaingiri Travels
Ready to visit? Jaingiri Travels provides comfortable AC vehicles from Aurangabad for all destinations covered in this guide.
