How to See Ajanta and Ellora Caves on Your Own | Itinerary with Costs
This has been my dream for the longest time, and it was quite shameful that despite having stayed just hours away from these two iconic world heritage sites, I hadn’t visited them. In any case, 2023 was my year to visit all Maharashtra’s UNESCO sites such as this and this. Therefore, on my birthday weekend, I decided to gift myself a trip: a visit to the world-famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India, served as the home base for this trip.
Here is how you can do it on your own, comfortably, and for cheap. Read on.
About
Aurangabad
Aurangabad is a city on the Deccan Plateau in west-central India, in the state of Maharashtra. It was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1610, and it became the main city of the Mughals in the Deccan until their empire fell apart in the 1700s. The city, located on the banks of the Kham River, is a major tourist destination today. It is known for historical monuments such as the Bibi Ka Maqbara, the Daulatabad Fort, and, most importantly, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Aurangabad has a hot and dry climate, with summer temperatures hovering at 40°C and winter temperatures at 20°C. Thus, November to February is a good time to visit.
How to reach
Aurangabad is in the western state of Maharashtra, India, and can be reached via train or a 55-minute flight from Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. Janshatabdi is the fastest train from Mumbai. It takes about 6 hours from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), to arrive at Aurangabad Station (AWB). After reaching Aurangabad, you can hire a private car (more on this later) or use State Transport buses departing from the Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (CBS) every few hours to reach the caves. MTDC also runs tours although I didn’t see any signs of them on my visit.
Now diving into the most interesting part – about the Ajanta and Ellora caves…
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. and enhanced further during the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.). These caves are known for their exquisite murals depicting Buddhist tales, fables, and mythological scenes. The caves were accidentally discovered in 1819 by a British cavalry officer while he was out hunting tigers. The caves were carved out of the vertical cliff face along the Waghora River. Found in a state of disrepair, the Ajanta Caves have been painstakingly restored, today drawing visitors from around the globe as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were carved out of the basaltic Charanandri Hills between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. The caves are spread over two kilometres along the escarpment of the Charanandri Hills and are divided into three distinct groups: Buddhist (caves 1–12), Hindu (caves 13–29), and Jain (caves 30–34). The Hindu caves are renowned for their intricate sculptures and carvings. For example, Cave 16, the Kailasha temple, is a marvel of rock-cut architecture, showcasing a monolithic temple complex carved out of a single basalt rock. The Buddhist caves are characterized by their serene atmosphere, with carvings and murals depicting the life of Buddha and Buddhist teachings. The Jain caves, the most recent addition to the Ellora complex, showcase the Jain concept of non-violence and asceticism, often featuring intricate carvings of Jain deities and Tirthankaras.
Ellora was also accidentally discovered in the 18th century by British officers. That makes one wonder how many more such wonders are tucked away, waiting to be found. Also, makes one wonder about the thought process that triggered the creation of these cave sites in the first place. They must have taken centuries to plan, build, carve, and enrich. All for meditation and prayer. Lastly, I also wonder, have we built anything that will stand the test of time and fill future generations with such awe?
How are Ajanta and Ellora different?
- Ajanta Caves are known largely for their paintings, while the Ellora Caves mostly house sculptures.
- Ajanta Caves are all Buddhist, while Ellora Caves comprise Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sculptures.
- Ajanta Caves are farther away from the city of Aurangabad.
- The Ajanta Caves, due to their earlier construction and the use of natural pigments, have faced greater degradation over time. The Ellora Caves are in a much better state.
- In my view, if you are pressed for time, the Ellora Caves are the better choice to visit. They are easier to get to, are much better preserved because they are largely comprised of sculptures, and are incredibly impressive. However, for the same reason, the complex draws massive crowds. I found Ajanta more peaceful and fun to visit.
Other Notable Sites in Aurangabad District
Apart from Ajanta and Ellora Caves, here are some of the other must-see sites in and around Aurangabad:
- Grushneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, and the last one, and is considered an auspicious place to visit by the Hindus. The temple is a national protected site and close to the Ellora Caves.
- The Daulatabad Fort is a historic fortified citadel located in Daulatabad village 20 km from Aurangabad. It was the capital of the Yadavas (9th century – 14th century CE) and, for a brief time the capital of the Delhi Sultanate (1327 – 1334).
- The Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful 17th-century mausoleum commissioned by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum. It is also known as mini-Tajmahal, well, because it is a slimmer version of it.
- Panchakki is a water mill complex in Aurangabad. It displays medieval Indian ingenuity with a system designed to generate energy via water brought down from a spring on a mountain.
- The Aurangabad Museum houses a collection of artefacts from the region’s history.
- The Aurangzeb Tomb is located in the city of Khuldabad 24 kilometres from Aurangabad. Unlike other Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb’s final resting place is modest.
How to See
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are located about 105 kilometres (65 miles) from Aurangabad, India. The drive from Aurangabad to the Ajanta Caves takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The site is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM and is closed on Mondays. It requires about 3 hours to explore. Tickets for Indians: INR 40. Tickets for foreigners: INR 600. You can buy tickets on the ASI website. However, on non-peak days, the queues are short and manageable, and you can buy onsite.
My tips for visiting Ajanta Caves
- Overall: There are 30 caves, some of them unfinished and negligible. 16 contain mural paintings, but the best work is found in caves 1, 2, 16, 17, and 19. The best sculptures are in caves, one for 17, 19, 24, and 26. Do not miss these. Five of the caves 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29 are Chaityas, while, the others are Viharas. The central theme on the walls comes under two heads: narrative scenes from Buddha’s life and illustrations of Jataka Tales. Caves 1, 2, 9, 10, 16, and 26 were my favourites, but the smaller ones were quieter, and more atmospheric, offering a sense of peace, and perfect for the introvert.
- When to start: The Ajanta caves open at 9 AM and close at 5:30 PM. Start early from Aurangabad, at 6:30 or 7 AM, to beat the crowds. I arrived at 9:30 AM and enjoyed exploring many caves in solitude.
- The Viewpoint: Get dropped off at the “Viewpoint” for breathtaking views of the caves (ask your driver). The Viewpoint is located a few kilometres before the official entrance of the caves, so starting from here saves you time. It also saves you from what happens at the actual entrance—waiting for the government bus that takes tourists from the parking lot to the caves (bus fare: INR 25 p.p.); the buses only ply when they fill up and can get crowded. This is what I did and it worked out perfectly. I came down the Viewpoint and reached cave 8 (which has the second ticket counter) at 9:30 AM and moved to cave 26, finding myself on my own in many of the caves. The walk down from the Viewpoint is easy in good weather but can be slippery during monsoon season. Locals around that point will offer to guide you but it’s unnecessary. I did buy a guidebook from one of them which came in handy later. Expect your car driver to charge extra to reach the Viewpoint.
- Guides and Guards: You cannot hire guides if you start from the Viewpoint, but overall, I didn’t think it was required. Cave inscriptions and the guard at each cave will happily answer questions you have. Tipping guards 50-100 rupees is much cheaper than official guides charging 1800 rupees, and since I was travelling solo, it didn’t make much sense to me. Also, I could enjoy at my own pace without feeling rushed.
- Peak Season and Timing: Avoid peak months (December 20th to January end) and peak hours (11 AM to 3 PM, weekends) for a less crowded experience.
- Navigation and Amenities: A leisurely walk through all caves takes about 2.5-3 hours. Water dispensers and toilets are available at regular intervals. Wear flip-flops or easy-to-remove footwear for cave entry. Set your camera to low-light mode for better photography, although photos cannot capture the true beauty of the place. Hawkers and locals will try to sell you things; be polite but firm.
A visit to Ajanta Caves was a truly remarkable experience. While some of the paintings have degraded beyond recognition, their beauty as what-once-was is undeliable. The caves transported me back 2,000 years, offering a glimpse into the lives of Buddhist monks who once prayed, lived, and meditated inside their confines. It was a Buddha Idol overload for sure, but you cannot but help marvel at the sheer artistry and grandeur of that era. I was reluctant to leave and truly enjoyed my time at Ajanta.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves are located about 29 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of Aurangabad, India. The drive from Aurangabad to the Ellora Caves takes 30-45 minutes depending on the time of day. The ticket price is INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners. The caves are open from sunrise to sunset each day. A trip to Ellora Caves is usually clubbed with a city tour.
The Ellora Caves consist of 12 Buddhist caves (1–12), 17 Hindu caves (13–29), and 5 Jain caves (30–34).
My tips for visiting Ellora Caves
- Ellora gets super crowded, much more than Ajanta. Be sure to reach as soon as the caves open at sunrise, and avoid weekends if possible. Buy a ticket online (ASI website) in case the ticket counter is not open that early.
- As soon as you enter, finish Cave 16, i.e. the Kailasha Temple. I got the edifice all to myself and I had the best time ever. The only bummer? There was no one around to take my pictures as I was solo. But if you go to Cave 16 later in the day, you will realize what a privilege and experience it was to enjoy it alone. Cave 16 is stunning beyond belief. My jaw was on the floor the whole time.
- Finish Cave 16 and then walk to Cave 1 to do the Buddhist and Hindu caves in order and return to the starting point at Cave 16
- Next, from Cave 16 take the golf cart to Cave 30 (and see the Jain Caves 30 through 34) and then go to 29 using the cart and walk back to 16 (or take the cart). Cave 29 (Dumar Lena) is another massive, impressive Hindu cave
- Keep the receipt of the golf cart because it is checked during return
- My favourite Ellora Caves were 16 (Kailasha, the largest monolithic temple), 10 (Vishwakarma), Cave 21 (Ramesvara), and 12 (Teen Tal). Cave 15 (Dasavatara) was super impressive with the Dashavatara but it needed serious lighting to enjoy. Cave 30 was an impressive Jain Cave. Not to be missed.
- Ellora has more massive sculptures than Ellora but they are not well lit. Thus, photography is harder.
- Ravana shaking the Kailasha mountain is a popular theme in Ellora. Try to catch it in every cave.
- There is no need to remove slippers in a majority of the caves except for the sanctum of Kailasha Temple
The Kailasha temple of Ellora is a megalith carved from a rock cliff face. It is considered the most remarkable cave temple in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment and “the climax of the rock-cut phase of Indian architecture”. It’s gorgeous beyond imagination.
Seeing Both Together
The best way to do Ajanta and Ellora caves is to do it leisurely over two days. I stayed at Hotel Green Olive, which provided me with a driver and car. A trip to Ellora and city sightseeing cost me INR 1700, and a trip to Ajanta cost me INR 2800. They also arranged for airport pick-up and drop-off for INR 400. Pretty cost-effective. Contact their travel Agent (Zafar: +91 97644 07200)
I briefly considered a package from Tour My Choice which quoted INR 6,500 for a car and driver hire over two days. They also had a one-day Ajanta and Ellora package, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m., and costing INR 4,800 for the car and driver hire. But I guessed this whirlwind of a tour might not do justice to the beauty and grandeur of the marvellous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tour guides to see the caves can be obtained on-site. One cannot pre-book a guide. The guides are allocated based on a queue.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, i.e., MTDC, also runs tours although I didn’t see any evidence of it.
Note that the Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday, and the Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesday.
Three Other Places to Visit
Grishneshwar Temple
Not far from Ellora Caves, lies Grishneshwar Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s not just any temple, though. It’s one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus, and for a special reason: it houses the 12th and last Jyotirlinga on earth. It was Sunday when I went and the rush was mad so I skipped the trip inside, but it may be of interest to devotees or those who want to sample what crazy devotion looks like.
Daulatabad Fort
Close to Ellora is also Daulatabad Fort.
Daulatabad Fort, a historic fortified citadel located in Daulatabad village near Aurangabad, is more about the legends than the place itself. It is a long, arduous hike to the top even in December but more interesting are the points in between. For example, Chini Mahal, where the last Qutb Shahi ruler was imprisoned until he died, or Chand Minar, a replica of the Qutb Minar of Delhi, made of Lapis Lazuli & Red Ocher, now shut due to suicide, and more interestingly (and tragically) the story of Muhammad bin Tughluq, who in a moment of folly, relocated the entire Delhi population to Daulatabad (formerly Devagiri). When he realized his mistake, he reversed his decision, forcing everyone back to Delhi, resulting in the death of nearly half the population. Occupied since at least 100 BC, the site served as the Yadava capital from the 9th to the 14th century before briefly becoming the Delhi Sultanate’s capital. Inside the fort, the main attraction is not the structure itself but rather the various cannons strategically placed at different levels, serving as a reward for the challenging climb. The top offers a good view of the city. As I was travelling alone, I faced some staring and mild heckling. A lot many young men make the hike. I didn’t see any foreigners.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Taj Mahal, it is not, but it ain’t bad either. Bibi Ka Maqbara, located in Aurangabad, is a mausoleum commissioned and built by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum, wife of Aurangzeb. Bibi Ka Maqbara is often referred to as the “Mini Taj” due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in honour of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Bibi Ka Maqbara features gorgeous white marble inlay work, intricate floral designs, and four minarets flanking the central dome. The day I visited, the place was teeming with schoolchildren. Never visit Indian heritage monuments on a Sunday after 11 AM.
Where to Stay
There are a couple of good hotels next to each other. They are:
Budget: 7 Apple Hotel (next to DMart), Click Hotel, Hotel Green Olive (Where I stayed)
Moderate: Lemon Tree, Fern Residency, Enrise by Sayaji
Luxury: Vivanta, Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels
Total Trip Cost
- The flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad (return) cost INR 8,000 (Indigo)
- The 3-night hotel stay cost INR 10,000 at Hotel Green Olive (including breakfast)
- Two-day car and driver hire: INR 4500 (Alternately, you go in local buses)
- Airport pick-up and drop: INR 800 (INR 400 one-way) Uber charges less.
- Meals: INR 2500
- Entry fees: INR 200
- (Optional) Guides at Ajanta and Ellora: INR 1800 * 2
- Total = about INR 26,000
ASI Notes of the Sites
Source: Archaeological Survey of India, Aurangabad Circle
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves (75° 40′ E:20°30’M) are famous for their murals which are among the first surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting. These caves were excavated horse-shoe-shaped bend of rock scarp nearly 76 mt. in height overlooking a stream known as Waghpra. The location of this valley provided a calm and serene environment for the Buddhist monks who retreated to these secluded places during the rainy season. Each cave was connected to the stream by a flight of steps, which are now almost obliterated, albeit traces of some could be noticed in some places. In all 30 caves were hewn out of the living rock in different periods according to the necessity.
Out of these, five (cave no. 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are Chaityagrihas and the rest are viharas. In date and style also these caves can be divided into two broad groups. Out of the 30 caves, 6 caves belong to the earliest phase of Buddhism i.e. Hinayana. Caves 9 and 10 which are Chaityagrihas and 8, 12, 13 and 15A which are Viharas belong to this phase. These caves are datable to the pre-Christion era, the earliest among them being Cave 10 dating from the second century B.C where the object of worship is a stupa. These caves are imitations of contemporary wooden constructions even to the extent of fixing wooden rafters and beams to the ceiling even though they are non-functional.
These early caves were painted but nothing substantial has survived, Caves No.9 and 10 clearly show some vestiges of painting. The headgear, and ornaments of the images in these paintings resemble the bas-relief sculptures of Sanchi and Bharhut. The addition of new caves could be noticed again during the period of Vakatakas, the contemporaries of the imperial Guptas. These were caused to be excavated by the royal family and also the feudatories owing allegiance to the Vakatakas. Varahadeva, the minister of Vakataka king Harishena (475-500 A.D.) dedicated Cave 16 to the Buddhist Sangha while Cave 17 was the gift of a prince (who subjugated Asmaka) a feudatory of the same king. A flurry of activity at Ajanta was between mid 5th century A. D. to mid 6th century A.D. Hieun Tsang, the famous Chinese traveller who visited India during the first half of 7th century A.D. has left a vivid and graphic description of the flourishing Buddhist establishments here even though he did not visit the caves. A solitary Rashtrakuta inscription in cave no. 26 indicates its use during the 8th and 9th centuries A.D. The second phase departs from the earlier one with the introduction of a new pattern in layout as well as the centrality Buddha image, both in sculpture as well as in paintings.
All these caves were once painted, but now the best examples of these exemplary paintings of the Vakataka period can be noticed only in caves 1,2,16 and 17. The variation in style and execution in these paintings also are noticed, mainly due to different authors who followed contemporary style. The main theme of the paintings is the depiction of various Jataka stories-different incidents associated with the life of Buddha, and contemporary events and social life. The ceiling decoration invariably consists of decorative patterns, geometrical as well as floral. Apart from painted representations, Sculptural panels also adom the beauty of the caves.
Ajanta paintings are the best examples of the Tempera technique, executed after elaborate preparation of rock surface. After chiselling the rock surface, different layers of clay mixed with ferruginous earth, sand, and fibrous material of organic origin were applied very carefully. Then the surface was finally finished with a thin coat of lime wash. Over this surface, outlines are drawn boldly, then the spaces are filled with requisite colours in different shades and tones to achieve the three-dimensional effect of rounded and plastic volumes. The colours and shades utilised also vary from red and yellow ochre, and terra verte, to lime, kaolin, gypsum, lamp black and lapis lazuli. The chief binding material used here was glue. The group of caves is inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Monument in the year 1983.
CAVE 16 Ellora
The Kailasha is a great monolithic rock-cut temple isolated from the surrounding rock and excavated from top to bottom and scooped out all through from outside to inside. It is said that ten generations worked for it and took more than 200 years for its completion. The temple was planned and begun under the Rastrakuta King Dantidurga (735-757 Α. D.) and the major work went on in the reign of Krishna I (757-773A.D.). The artistic activities of Kailasha were carried out in several phases and spread over many reigns of the Rastrakuta Rulers. This cave is locally known as Kailasha, the abode of Siva the patron deity of the temple. Kailasha is a temple complex, with all essential elements of the temple, including the main shrine, Nandi shrine, gateway, surrounding cloisters and subsidiary shrines. The temple is richly carved with niches, pilasters, windows and cornices. The whole temple is decorated with gigantic images of deities, amorous couples, and friezes of epic scenes along with faunal, floral and geometrical designs. After the completion of the temple, there is evidence of renewed plaster and painting in about the 9th – 11th centuries A.D.
Various sculptures carved here in the temple are not there by accident but by deliberate design. Every sculpture has a meaning and a purpose. The two elephants and free-standing Pillars of Victory in the courtyard reflect Rashtrakuta’s supremacy and power. The figures of Sankha-Nidhi, Padma-Nidhi and the panel of Gajalaxmi in the courtyard symbolize their prosperity. The figures of river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, symbolize Purity, Devotion and Knowledge respectively. The enormous animals supporting the superstructure of Kailasha show the great importance given to the animal world in Hindu mythology. The whole temple complex is surrounded by a raised pillar corridor decorated with huge panels of mythological stories.
The main temple is called Rang-Mahal (Painted-palace) because, after its completion, the temple was plastered and painted. Rang-Mahal is rectangular on plan. The 7-meter-high plinth is decorated with life-size elephants and mythical animals and friezes illustrating two great epics. Ramayana and Mahabharata. The main temple has a Vadya Mandapa, Nandi Mandapa, a pillared hall, an antechamber and a small sanctum surrounded by five subsidiary shrines (Panchayatana). The ceilings of the sanctum, antechamber and hall have pendentive rosettes, goddess Anna-Purna and Dancing Siva respectively. The whole temple is also decorated with beautiful paintings. Lankeshvara temple carved on the Northern corridor is dedicated to Lord Siva. The temple consists of a pillared hall, an antechamber sanctum and a Nandi shrine. On the parapet wall outside is a frieze of amorous couples carved in bass relief. The pillars and walls are decorated with several interesting panels. The sanctum houses a linga and the back wall is carved with the Maheshmurthi in low relief.
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort (19°57′ N: 75° 15’E) built on a 200-meter-high conical hill, was one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. The entire fort complex consists of an area measuring approximately 94.83 hectares and represents a unique combination of military engineering, amazing town planning with a unique water management system and architectural marvels with strong political and religious hold. It was founded by The Yadavas of Deogiri (“The hill of Gods”) in the 11th Century A.D. After Various attacks, the Khilji Dynasty annexed Daulatabad in the 12th Century A. D. Sultan Muhammad-bin Tughluq, renamed Deogiri as Daulatabad (“Abode of Wealth”) and got the capital shifted from Delhi to Daulatabad in 1328 A.D. but for various reasons, he re-transferred his capital back to Delhi. In a quick succession of political events the area was wrested from the imperial authority and the Bahamani rulers under Hasan Gangu Extended their control over Daulatabad as well. By 1499 the Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar not only captured but also made Daulatabad their capital in 1607 A. D. Daulatabad was finally captured by Mughals under Akbar and Shah Jahan, after a prolonged siege in 1633 A.D. For a short period, Daulatabad was under the control of the Marathas before the Nizams of Hyderabad took control of it in 1724 A.D.
The fort is one of the most complex and intricate forts of Deccan, having the honour of being the capital of Yadavas for over a Century (1187-1294), the capital of India during the Tughlaq period (1328), and the Capital of Nizamshahis of Ahmednagar (1607 A. D.). Daulatabad is also important from a religious point of view, and from here Sufism spread in Deccan. It is here that the famous medieval saint Janardhana Swami, the Guru of Ekanath attained Samadhi on the top of the hill.
The defence system consists of two moats (dry and wet moat) and a glacis, three encircling fortification walls with wall walks, machicolations bastions at regular intervals, zigzag and lofty gates with iron spinks, the strategic position of gun-turrets. The combination of hill and land fort is divided into small sectors encircled by fortification walls. The fortified Ambarkot is planned for common people. Mahakot area having four distant lines of enclosure walls served as the residential area for a higher class of the society. The Kalakot is a royal residential area with a double line of fortifications. The Balakot is the pinnacle portion where the pride of honour, the flag flutters. The fort consists of structures like stepped wells, reservoirs, a minar, hammams, baradari, various palaces, temples, and mosques, besides 10 unfinished rock-cut caves. The water management system is unique with a network of terracotta pipelines, drains etc. Because of its strategic location and its strong protective defences, it is aptly called an impregnable fort and its possession was craved by the most powerful dynasties ruling between the 12th and 17th Century A. D. Its ownership became a matter of pride prestige and haughty arrogance.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
This beautiful mausoleum was constructed in memory of Aurangzeb’s wife Dilras Banu Alias Rabia-ud-daurani between 1651-1661 CE. It is built on a high square platform of polished red porphyritic stone provided with a railing in trellis work at its edge. It was approached by a flight of steps from all sides earlier but at present, it has no approach on the western side as a mosque was constructed by Nizam of Hyderabad in a later period. Four tapering octagonal minarets with domed pavilions at the top stand freely at the corners of the square platform. Several rooms with arched domes in diamond cut design are made beneath the platform from all sides. The walls and roof of these rooms are decorated with graffiti designs. There is another tomb adjacent to the southern part of the platform believed to be of the nurse of Rabia Daurani.
The mausoleum is square in shape with a lofty pointed arch on each side. The lower part of the mausoleum along with its dome is made with white marble while the middle portion is of basaltic trap plastered by a fine coat of lime, rendered with a marble finish and adorned with stucco work. The doorway on the south leads to an octagonal gallery with a low barricaded marble screen running around the interior enabling an imposing view of the grave at the lower level. The interior portion of the mausoleum is decorated with beautiful carvings. There are windows of marble at the corner angles. Four little chattries with corresponding minarets to each are also seen at the corners of the dome. A flight of steps descend into the basement of the mausoleum from the southern side, where the grave of Rabia-ud-daurani is enclosed by an octagonal screen made of delicately carved marble.
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It is a very well elaborated tour itinerary and much useful. Thank you so much for all pocket friendly options included.
Thank you! I am glad you found it useful.
Hello,
Thank you for writing a detailed post about visiting Ajanta and Ellora caves. It helped me immensely to plan for my trip which I just finished today. I am writing this comment from my hotel in Aurangabad after just returning from Ellora caves.
Zafar, who’s number you have mentioned in the post was very helpful. He arranged the cab for me and charged me very less when compared with the other operators.
Thanks also for mentioning the caves that you enjoyed. It helped me to prioritise those particular caves more.
I’m glad I could help, and I hope you had a great trip! I appreciate you taking the time to drop me a note of thanks.
hello
On google maps there are many viewpoints at Ajanta. Are you talking about viewpoint at the end of Caves View Point Road? Looks like there is a circular building at end of road. Did you find Ajanta Cave Reflection interesting?
thanks Michael
This is the Upper View Point.
Hi Smita, Could you please let me know if 2 days are enough to cover Ajanta and Ellora caves plus Aurangabad city sightseeing including 3-4 other spots you have mentioned? I assume going to Ajanta caves would consume a full day, so can we cover ellora plus city sight seeing next day? or would need to cover in a hurry?
Hi Vandy. Yes it can be done in 2 days. As you mentioned – Ajanta day one, Ellora and the city on day 2. You can skip the climb at Daulatabad fort, if needed, as it can get tiring.
Hi Smita,
Thanks for your story on how to see Ellora & Ajanta on one’s own. I’m from San Francisco, California and coming to India for a seven-week trip in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, then Mumbai, then Aurangabad. I booked the flights and a room at the Hotel Green Olive, so I feel like I’m following your footsteps. Just WhatsApp’d Zafar. Should I ask him to arrange the driver to the caves or do I ask the Hotel? Also, I’m staying three nights, so do you have suggestions on what to do on Day 3. It sounds like there’s a lot of historical sites in Aurangabad as well. Thanks again for sharing your experience with us!
Hi! You may contact either the hotel or him directly – the charges do not differ. Contacting Zafar directly might be better – and he may be able to suggest what to do on day 3. Perhaps you can stagger the city sight seeing to day 3 or check out some good eating places in Aurangabad. You could also try the spa at the nearby Taj Hotel. Zafar or the hotel maybe able to advise better.
Thank you for such a detailed write up. I went to Ajanta Ellora and followed most of your tips. Wonderful experience. Took my cab from Zafar, great service.
Your highlights on the important caves was the most useful piece for me. I took a screenshot and referred to it while I was there.
I appreciate you letting me know, Shaguna. And it’s great to hear you had a wonderful time!