Ajanta Ellora Tour from Pune

Package Itinerary Expand All [+]

• Day 01 – Pune - Aurangabad

  On the first day of the tour, you will travel to Aurangabad from Pune. After arriving at Aurangabad you’ll meet our representative who will transfer you to your pre-reserved hotel. You’ll relax for a while and then you’ll go for a sightseeing tour of Aurangabad. The first destination that you will visit is the Bibi Ka Maqbara. Bibi Ka Maqbara is the final resting place of Rabia-ud-Daurani, the wife of Aurangzeb. It resembles the Taj Mahal and comprises a mausoleum and a garden. In the main mausoleum, you will find the body of the queen. It was commissioned by Aurangzeb and spans fifteen thousand square feet. Some of the decorative elements that enhance the beauty of this monument are mosaic works, stucco paintings, glazed tiling, and marble screens with latticework.

  Next, you’ll visit Sunehri Mahal which is around two kilometers away from the Bibi Ka Maqbara. Sunehri Mahal is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It was built in the seventeenth century and its name has been derived from the golden hues adorning its domes and walls. The palace's design blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, showcasing delicate filigree work, intricate stone carvings, and mesmerizing geometric patterns. The palace houses a museum where you can see a rich collection of artifacts, such as ornamental pieces, intricately crafted furniture, and ancient manuscripts that offer a deeper insight into the region’s culture and history.

  After visiting the Sunehri Mahal you’ll head to the Shivaji Maharaj Museum. The museum was built in the fond memory of the greatest Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As you enter the museum you will see a huge portrait of Shivaji. The museum has a huge collection of artifacts, coins, weapons, and paintings from the seventeenth century. The main highlights of the museum are a four-hundred-year-old Paithani saree, a five-hundred-year-old war suit, and a copy of the Quran that was handwritten by Aurangzeb. In the evening you’ll get back to your hotel and have an overnight stay.

• Day 02 – Visit Ajanta Caves

  On the second day, you’ll relish a tasty breakfast in your hotel and then get ready to visit the Ajanta Caves. You will have to cover around ninety-eight kilometers of distance to reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad. Ajanta Caves comprise around thirty Buddhist caves. They were constructed by followers of Buddhism and are ancient worship halls and monasteries hailing from different Buddhist traditions. Ajanta Caves are renowned for the beautiful paintings that adorn the walls. For about nine sanctuaries the Buddhist monks resided in these caves. Return to your hotel in the evening via a private vehicle and have a soothing sleep rejoicing in the memories of the day.

• Day 03 – Travel to Pune & Ellora Sightseeing

  Your third day will be dedicated to exploring the Ellora Caves and various other popular attractions of Aurangabad. You will first visit Daulatabad Fort, a hill fort located on the way to Ellora Caves. It is India’s most famous medieval fort situated on a two-hundred-meter-high conical granite rock formation. The fort’s main attraction is its towering walls equipped with bastions, a strategic defense system including sturdy dry and wet moats, and gates at regular intervals. This Fort is also known for its cannons. It houses around two hundred and eighty-eight cannons displaying a variety of sizes, shapes, and compositions.

  You’ll then visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve sacred jyotirlingas. It exhibits Hemadpanti architecture and is visited by thousands of visitors annually. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Jyotirlinga Grishneswar. The temple comprises an Antarala, a Garbhagriha and a Sabha Mandapa.

  Your last destination will be the Ellora Caves, located at a distance of around twenty-eight kilometers from Aurangabad. These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top most places to visit in Aurangabad. Ellora houses Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cave temples built during the rule of the Rashtrakuta, Kalachuri, and Chalukya dynasties. It is not as ancient as the Ajanta Caves but is a melting pot of beliefs.

  In the evening you’ll travel to Pune from Ellora Caves and your trip will come to an end.