Best time to visit: October, November, December, January, February, March.
4.9 (250 reviews) Last updated: 14 July 2025
Day 1: City Sights & Mughal Grandeur
Arrival in Aurangabad & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Aurangabad Airport or Railway Station. Take a taxi/auto to your hotel. Check in and freshen up.
Travel: Taxi/Auto
Time: Morning/Afternoon arrival
Settle In
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Visit the "Taj of the Deccan," a beautiful mausoleum resembling the Taj Mahal, built by Prince Azam Shah, son of Aurangzeb.
Entry: Nominal fee
Travel: Auto/Taxi
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Mughal Architecture
Panchakki (Water Mill)
Discover Panchakki, a 17th-century water mill complex known for its ingenious engineering.
Entry: Nominal fee
Travel: Auto/Taxi
Time: 1 hour
Historical Engineering
Aurangabad Caves
Explore the ancient Buddhist caves carved out of rock, offering insights into early Buddhist architecture and art.
Entry: Nominal fee
Travel: Auto/Taxi
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Ancient Art
Himroo Shawl Factory / Local Market
Visit a Himroo Shawl weaving factory to see the traditional craft, or explore the local markets for souvenirs and regional specialties.
Cost: Varies
Time: 1-2 hours
Local Crafts
Accommodation: Day 1
Stay overnight at a hotel/resort in Aurangabad.
Prices of accommodations vary, generally ₹1500-₹7000+ per night.
Day 2: Ajanta Caves Exploration
Travel to Ajanta Caves
Embark on a day trip to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located approximately 100 km from Aurangabad.
Travel: Taxi/Bus (approx. 2.5-3 hours one way)
Time: Morning departure
Journey to Ancient Art
Explore Ajanta Caves
Spend the day exploring the magnificent rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, famous for their ancient frescoes and sculptures.
Entry: Nominal fee (Indian/Foreigner)
Time: 4-5 hours
Art & History
Return to Aurangabad
Head back to Aurangabad in the evening. Relax at your hotel or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Travel: Taxi/Bus (approx. 2.5-3 hours)
Time: Evening
Evening Relaxation
Accommodation: Day 2
Stay overnight at a hotel/resort in Aurangabad.
Prices of accommodations vary, generally ₹1500-₹7000+ per night.
Day 3: Ellora Caves, Fort & Departure
Daulatabad Fort
Start your day by visiting the formidable Daulatabad Fort, known for its unique defense mechanisms and historical significance.
Entry: Nominal fee
Travel: Auto/Taxi from Aurangabad (approx. 30 min)
Time: 2-3 hours
Fortress Exploration
Ellora Caves
Proceed to Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rock-cut temples and monasteries representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Don't miss the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16).
Entry: Nominal fee (Indian/Foreigner)
Travel: Auto/Taxi from Daulatabad Fort (approx. 30 min)
Time: 3-4 hours
Architectural Marvels
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple & Departure
Visit the sacred Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, located very close to Ellora Caves. Afterwards, head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Entry: Free
Travel: Walk/Auto from Ellora Caves; Taxi/Auto to Airport/Station
Time: 1-1.5 hours (temple) + Flexible for departure
