Has anyone been to the Ellora Caves or Ajanta Caves near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India?
Just trying to gather some travel info within that general area - train, bus, tok tok, horse, foot - as well as any places to stay overnight.
I will be coming down from New Delhi, and am debating as to whether to go to Mumbai first or straight to Aurangabad. Seems they have a nice International Airport there as well. Who knew?
Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Dhanyawaad.
Cynthia
I have been to both the caves.... they are just amazing. It is better to stay at Aurangabad and from there both Ajanta(100Kms) and Ellora(25kms) can be easily visited. Various day trips are available from Aurangabad, which will also include a visit to the Lonar lake(created by a meteorite fall millions of year ago) and the Daulatabad fort. Group tours as well as individual packages can be arranged from there. Have a look at the official Maharashtra Government tourism website(www.maharashtratourism.gov.in) which has information about the places and also its hotels can be booked online too.
Aurangabad has a domestic airport and is connected by flights to many prominent india cities. You can come direct from New Delhi or even if u come to Mumbai, there are lot of trains that would take u to Aurangabad in 6-7 hrs
Hope this helps
Most helpful! Thank you.
In your opinion, how much time should be allotted for the Ellora Caves? I am going on the assumption of a full day...???
Also, if I may ask, do you know what the weather is like there in the Spring? We will be there end of March... I am assuming warm?
Hi Cynthia,
I believe half a day would be enough for Ellora if u start early, u can also cover some of the sights of the Aurangabad city during the day. The weather usually remains pleasant during March, though it will be on the warmer side. The real heat starts from April onwards !!
Cheers
Arif
P.S. Keep in mind that Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora caves on Tuesday, fix your plans accordingly.