Plan your visit
Plan your visit
The caves are located in a remote gorge. Good planning ensures you handle transport links and site rules easily.
Getting there
Getting to the site from Aurangabad.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi: Private taxi from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) to the Ajanta parking area. | 2.5 to 3 hours | ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 round trip | The most convenient way for a day trip; allows for early departure to beat the crowds and heat. |
| Bus: MSRTC bus from Aurangabad Central Bus Stand to Fardapur/Ajanta Village. | 3 to 3.5 hours | ₹150 - ₹300 | Budget-friendly option; drops you near the parking area where you must catch the site's shuttle. |
| Bus: Mandatory eco-shuttle from the Fardapur parking area to the cave entrance. | 10 minutes | ₹20 - ₹30 | Private vehicles are not allowed past the parking area; everyone must use the green shuttle for the final stretch. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best time to visit is from October to March during the cooler winter months. The caves are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Mondays.
Arrive right at 9:00 AM to explore Caves 1 and 2 before crowds arrive. Read more about the Best time to visit.
What to bring
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The caves are closed on Mondays.
Plan your regional itinerary around this closure.
How the day runs
A realistic schedule for a day trip.
A standard day trip focusing entirely on the Ajanta complex.
- Depart Aurangabad
Leave early via taxi or the MSRTC bus to beat the heat.
- Arrive at Fardapur
Park your vehicle and catch the mandatory green eco-shuttle.
- Explore Cave 1 & 2
See the famous Padmapani and Vajrapani frescoes first.
- Walk the gorge
Visit Caves 16, 17, and the reclining Buddha in Cave 26.
- Viewpoint hike
Take a short hike to the spot where John Smith discovered the caves.
- Return shuttle
Take the eco-shuttle back to Fardapur to catch your return transport.
An aggressive itinerary hitting both major sites. Start very early.
- Depart early
Hire a private car and head straight to Ajanta first.
- Ajanta Caves
Spend exactly two hours prioritizing Cave 1, 16, and 26.
- Drive to Ellora
The drive between the sites takes at least two hours.
- Ellora Caves
Explore Kailasa Temple and the Buddhist caves.
- Return
Head back to your hotel in Aurangabad before dark.
Practical packing advice
You must remove your shoes before entering many inner caves. Wear slip-on shoes or sandals. Bring thick socks so you can walk comfortably on the stone floors when your shoes are off. Light, breathable clothing is essential due to the heat.
The cave interiors are intentionally kept dim to protect the paintings. Bring an LED flashlight or headlamp. Read our full guide on Cave Dress Code for more details.
Easiest way to do it
Day tour of Ajanta caves
8 h to 12 h 4.6 (23)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
- Hotel pickup
- Transport by private vehicle
From$55per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is photography allowed inside the Ajanta Caves?
Photography is allowed, but flash photography is strictly prohibited everywhere inside. Tripods and professional video equipment require prior permission from the ASI.
Are there places to eat near the Ajanta Caves?
Food and edibles are not allowed inside the monument. There are basic food options near the Fardapur parking area, but it is best to bring your own snacks for the journey.
Can you visit both Ajanta and Ellora in one day?
Yes, but it is a rushed experience. The sites are roughly 100 kilometers apart. See our guide on One Day or Two? to decide if it suits your travel style.