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Maharashtra / Pune To Ajanta Caves Trip
Historical, Forts & Caves
Pune To Ajanta Caves Trip
1 Days · WI-MH-1019
₹4,800/cab (Sedan)
Overview
Pune To Ajanta Caves Trip is a 1-day historical, forts & caves package covering Maharashtra. The route takes you through Pune → Ajanta Caves → Pune, with a private cab and driver for your group the whole way — no fixed group tour timings, no sharing with strangers. Pricing is transparent — cab-wise, per-person and per-couple rates are shown above — and every booking is backed by a confirmation voucher, a dedicated support number, and the Tripleads policy document below. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a longer family holiday, this Maharashtra package can be tailored to your travel dates — just call ahead for a custom itinerary.
Route Covered
📍 Pune → Ajanta Caves → Pune
Choose Trip DurationStandard itinerary shown below — every route can be shortened or extended on request.
1D
Standard itinerary for this package
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Shorter
Trim a stop or two to fit a tighter schedule
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2D
Add an extra day/stop to explore more of Maharashtra
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Day-wise Itinerary
Day 1: OPTION – 1 DAY TRIP
3:00 AM: Pickup from Pune. This is a very early start, so settle in and sleep on the first stretch. Keep water, a light snack and a power bank handy.
6:30 AM: Breakfast stop near Ahilyanagar. Poha, idli or paratha with tea is enough. Stretch your legs, because the next stretch is long.
9:00 AM: Short tea stop at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and a quick restroom break. Fill the water bottles.
11:00 AM: Reach Ajanta. Park at the designated area, buy tickets and take the shuttle bus to the caves. Start with Cave 1 for its famous paintings, then Cave 2. Give your eyes a few minutes in each dim hall.
12:30 PM: Continue with Cave 16 and Cave 17, then walk to Cave 19, the carved prayer hall.
1:30 PM: Cave 26, the large prayer hall with the reclining Buddha, if time and energy allow.
2:00 PM: Quick lunch near the entrance.
2:45 PM: Start the return drive to Pune. The road is long, so plan a tea stop near Sambhajinagar and another near Ahilyanagar.
11:30 PM: Expected arrival in Pune, depending on traffic.
Note: Ajanta is closed on Mondays. This option is very long. We strongly suggest Option B for elders and kids.
Day 2: OPTION – 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Day 1: Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
6:30 AM: Pickup from Pune.
9:00 AM: Breakfast near Ahilyanagar.
12:30 PM: Reach Sambhajinagar, check in and have lunch. A short rest here is worth it, because Day 2 starts early.
3:00 PM: Bibi Ka Maqbara. Walk through the garden and take photos from the front gate.
5:00 PM: Panchakki, a historic water mill and Sufi shrine with a calm garden.
7:30 PM: Dinner. Naan Qalia is the signature dish for non-vegetarians. Sleep early.
Day 2: Ajanta and Return to Pune
6:00 AM: Early breakfast and check-out.
6:30 AM: Drive to Ajanta, about 100 km and two to two and a half hours.
9:00 AM: Reach Ajanta, buy tickets and take the shuttle bus. Start with Cave 1 and Cave 2 while the crowds are thin and the light is soft.
10:30 AM: Move on to Cave 16 and Cave 17, then Cave 19 and Cave 26.
12:30 PM: Walk to the viewpoint for a wide look at the horseshoe gorge. This is the best photograph spot at Ajanta.
1:30 PM: Lunch near the entrance.
2:30 PM: Start the return drive to Pune, with a tea stop near Sambhajinagar.
10:00 PM: Expected arrival in Pune, depending on traffic.
Day 3: OPTION – 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS TOUR PACKAGE
Day 1: Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
6:30 AM: Pickup from Pune.
9:00 AM: Breakfast near Ahilyanagar.
12:30 PM: Reach Sambhajinagar, check in and have lunch.
3:00 PM: Aurangabad Caves, a quieter group of Buddhist caves on a hillside with a good view of the city. They are a good warm-up for Ajanta.
5:00 PM: Bibi Ka Maqbara. Walk the garden, and catch the evening light on the white dome.
7:30 PM: Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: A Full Day at Ajanta
6:30 AM: Breakfast and drive to Ajanta.
9:00 AM: Reach Ajanta. Take the shuttle bus and start with Cave 1 and Cave 2.
10:30 AM: Cave 9 and Cave 10, the early prayer halls, followed by Caves 16 and 17.
12:30 PM: Cave 19 and Cave 26. Take your time at the reclining Buddha.
1:30 PM: Lunch near the entrance.
2:30 PM: Walk to the viewpoint across the gorge.
3:30 PM: Start the return drive to Sambhajinagar.
6:00 PM: Reach the hotel. Rest, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Ellora, Grishneshwar and Return to Pune
7:00 AM: Breakfast and check-out.
8:00 AM: Reach Ellora Caves. See the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) while it is quiet, and then Caves 15, 14 and 10.
11:00 AM: Grishneshwar Temple darshan. Men may need to remove shirts in the sanctum.
12:30 PM: Lunch near the temple.
1:30 PM: Start the return drive to Pune, with a tea stop near Ahilyanagar.
8:30 PM: Expected arrival in Pune, depending on traffic.
(Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so the order of days may change with your dates. Timings may shift with queues, weather and traffic.)
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ What's Included
- Destination :
- Duration :
- Hotel Name : No
- Hotel : No
- Meal Plan : No
- Vehicle : Selected
- ----------------------------------------
- INCLUSIONS (STANDARD — ALL PACKAGES)
- 1 Day Trips | 2 Day Trips | Packages
- ----------------------------------------
- • Pick-up and drop from the nearest Airport / Railway Station / Bus Stand / Hotel
- • Private AC vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per the confirmed itinerary (vehicle will run Non-AC on hill/mountain routes)
- • Transportation at disposal for the number of days mentioned in the itinerary
- • All sightseeing and excursions specifically listed in the itinerary
- • Driver's allowance (bata), toll tax, parking, road tax, fuel charges
- • Airport Parking ( paid by gust / extra charges )
- • Local assistance available 24x7 throughout the trip
- -------Selected Package--------
- • Accommodation on double-sharing basis at the hotel(s) specified, or similar
- • Meal plan as booked — Breakfast only (CP), or Breakfast & Dinner (MAP), as per hotel menu
- • Any destination-specific inclusion (welcome drink, houseboat stay, boat/shikara ride, etc.) as mentioned in the individual package itinerary (s)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
✘ What's Not Included
- EXCLUSIONS: (ALL PACKAGES - 1 Day Trips | 2 Day Trips | Tour Packages )
- ----------------------------
- • Airfare / train fare / bus fare of any kind
- • Airport Parking ( paid by gust )
- • Travel insurance and medical/emergency paid by gust.
- • 5% GST and TCS, as applicable
- • Entry / entrance fees for monuments, temples, gardens, parks, safaris, rides, boating, shows, museums and interstate/state permit charges
- • Any adventure activity, ropeway, cable-car/gondola ride, or 4x4/chain-vehicle and other charges
- • Room heater / air-conditioning charges where not part of the standard/other room tariff
- • Extra charges for early check-in or late check-out
- • Tips/gratuities for driver, guide and restaurant staff
- • Personal expenses — laundry, telephone, internet, mini-bar, and alcoholic/other beverages (unless specifically mentioned)
- • Portage at airports and hotels
- • Travel cost from your residence up to the point of pick-up
- • Any expense arising from circumstances beyond our control — political disturbance, strike, landslide, heavy rainfall, roadblock, vehicle breakdown, or flight/train/bus delay
- • Any increase in taxes, fuel prices or land-arrangement costs coming into effect prior to departure
- • Any service or sightseeing not specifically mentioned under Inclusions for that package
- • If cab used before 6:00 AM or after 10:00 PM Driver Night Allowance extra charges ₹250/- extra
- • Extra Kilometre/Hours charges (beyond the package limit)
- • AC may be switched off in hill/ghat areas (at some locations)
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- --------IMPOTAN NOTE-------
- -------------------------------
- Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for Day Trip / Tour package. Ideally this half/full day tour package cannot be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places during this sightseeing tour by private car/group tour, they can check the possibility of the same with the above listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote. We recommend our guests to stick to the time spent at each tourist attraction in ( city ) as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary. Please note also if a particular sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it may not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with listed cab vendor before you book the tour.
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- CAB SERVICE EXCLUSIONS ( Outstation / Local / One Way / Airport Transfer )
- ------------------------------
- 1. Toll Tax, Permit/State Tax, Parking, Entry/Entrance Fees
- 2. Driver Allowance ₹400-500/- per day, Outstation Trip
- 3. If cab used before 6:00 AM or after 10:00 PM Driver Night Allowance ₹250/- extra charges
- 5. Waiting Charges (Free waiting: 15-20 min, extra beyond that)
- 6. Night Halt Charges
- 7. Extra Kilometre/Hours charges (beyond the package limit)
- 8. AC may be switched off in hill/ghat areas (at some locations)
- 9. Kilometer and time will be charge from garage to garage
- 10. Par day Minimum 300/kms run will be charge as specified city wise for outstation duty
- 11. After 12 midnight 2nd day will be counted ( for outstation use)
- 12. GST as applicable
- ------------------------------
- OUTSTATION TRIP: (Round Trip / Multi-day)
- ------------------------------
- Inclusion:
- • Km + Fuel + Driver (Garage to Garage)
- Exclusion:
- • Toll, Parking, Permit/State Tax, Driver Allowance, Entry Fees.
- • Par day Minimum 300/kms run will be charge as specified city wise for outstation duty
- • Driver night allowance (before 6AM/after 10PM - ₹250/- extra)
- • Night halt (charged separately if applicable),
- -----------------------------
- LOCAL PACKAGE: (8hr/80km, etc.)
- ----------------------------
- Inclusion:
- •Package Km + Time + Fuel (Garage to Garage)
- Exclusion:
- • Toll, Parking, Permit/State Tax, Driver Allowance, Entry Fees.
- • Driver night allowance (before 6AM/after 10PM - ₹250/- extra)
- • Extra Kilometre/Hours charges (beyond the package limit)
- • GST as applicable
- ----------------------------
- AIRPORT TRANSFER: (Pickup/Drop - 15km/1hr)
- ----------------------------
- Inclusion:
- • Point to Point Fare + Fuel
- Exclusion:
- • Toll, parking, waiting charges (Free wait: Domestic 20 min / International 40 min)
- • Extra Kilometre/Hours charges (beyond the package limit)
- • Night Allowance (before 6AM/after 10PM - ₹250/- extra)
- • GST as applicable
- ------------------------------
- ONE WAY TRIP
- ------------------------------
- Inclusion:
- • One-side Km + Driver Allowance
- Exclusion:
- • Toll, Parking, Permit/State Tax, Driver Allowance, Entry Fees.
- • Driver night allowance (before 6AM/after 10PM - ₹250/- extra)
- • Extra Kilometre/Hours charges (beyond the package limit)
- • GST as applicable
- -----------Thank You-----------
Traveller Image Gallery
Know Before You Go
- Carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/DL) for every traveller — hotels and some checkpoints ask for it.
- Pack according to Maharashtra's season — check the local weather a few days before departure and pack accordingly.
- Keep your booking voucher and driver/vehicle details handy (sent by Tripleads after confirmation).
- Please be ready at the pickup point 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time to keep the itinerary on track.
- Carry some cash for personal expenses, tips and anything not covered under Inclusions — card/UPI acceptance can be patchy in remote areas.
- Mobile network can be weak in ghats, valleys and remote stretches of the route — inform family of your rough schedule in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How far is Ajanta Caves from Pune?
Ajanta is about 330 to 340 km from Pune by road. The drive takes roughly seven to eight hours with stops, via Ahilyanagar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Q2. Can we visit Ajanta Caves in one day from Pune?
It is possible if you leave by 3:00 am and start back by 2:45 pm, but you will drive about 670 km and return close to midnight. We suggest it only for fit adults. A 2 day trip is far more comfortable.
Q3. Which day are Ajanta Caves closed?
Ajanta is closed on Mondays. Ellora is closed on Tuesdays. We confirm the current schedule before booking so your trip never lands on a closed day.
Q4. How many caves are there at Ajanta?
Ajanta has about 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves. Caves 1, 2, 16, 17, 19 and 26 are the most visited.
Q5. How much time do we need to see Ajanta Caves?
Allow about three to four hours for the main caves and the viewpoint. If you want to see more caves or take photographs slowly, plan a little longer.
Q6. Is photography allowed inside Ajanta Caves?
Photography rules can change, but flash photography is generally not allowed because it damages the paintings. Please follow the rules at each cave and confirm the current policy at the entrance.
Q7. What is the best time to visit Ajanta Caves from Pune?
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon is green and scenic but steps get slippery. In summer, go early in the morning.
Terms & Conditions
- Booking is confirmed only after receipt of payment as per the Payment Policy below.
- Rates shown are per the pricing shared on this page and are subject to change during peak season, long weekends and festival dates until booking is confirmed.
- Valid government photo ID is mandatory for every traveller at hotel check-in and at applicable checkpoints.
- Itinerary timings may vary due to traffic, weather, road/ghat closures or local restrictions — Tripleads is not liable for delays caused by such factors.
- Any entry tickets, permits, meals or stays not listed under Inclusions are payable directly by the traveller.
- Full cancellation, refund and payment terms are governed by the Tripleads Policy Document below, which forms part of these Terms & Conditions.
Tripleads – Policy Document
Powered by Tripleads📌 Important Disclaimer
- Tripleads operates only for marketing purposes.
- The company does not provide any medical, accident, or emergency claim services.
- In case of accidents or emergencies, claims (if any) are strictly subject to the cab owner's insurance policy.
- Tripleads will not be liable for any damages, losses, or compensation claims.
- By booking through Tripleads, you confirm that you understand and accept this disclaimer.
✅ Confirmation Policy
- As soon as you make the payment, you will receive a confirmation email from Tripleads.
- The remaining balance must be paid before the travel date.
💰 Refund Policy
- Refunds (if applicable) will be processed within 10 business days.
- All refunds will be credited to the traveler's Tripleads wallet.
❌ Cancellation Policy
- 60+ days before travel → 10% cancellation fee.
- 30–60 days before travel → 25% cancellation fee.
- 15–30 days before travel → 50% cancellation fee.
- 7–15 days before travel → 75% cancellation fee.
- Within 7 days of travel → 100% cancellation fee (no refund).
⚠️ In case of unforeseen weather conditions, union issues, government restrictions, or other uncontrollable circumstances, trips may be cancelled. Alternate feasible options will be provided. Cash refunds will not be available.
💳 Payment Policy
- 100% of the tour cost must be paid at the time of booking.
✍️ Final Note: This policy ensures transparency and protects both the traveler and Tripleads. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to all terms mentioned above.
Pune To Ajanta Caves Trip — Travel Guide
Pune to Ajanta Caves Trip: A Practical Guide by Trip Leads
Ajanta is often described as the most beautiful of Maharashtra’s caves, and it is also the farthest from Pune. That is why good planning matters. This guide explains the distance, the route, the caves worth seeing and how to choose between a one, two or three day trip.
How far is Ajanta from Pune?
Ajanta is about 330 to 340 km from Pune by road. The drive takes roughly seven to eight hours with stops, via Ahilyanagar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. From Sambhajinagar, Ajanta is around 100 km, or two to two and a half hours. Start early, because the stretch after the city takes longer than people expect.
Option A: A 1 day trip
A Pune to Ajanta Caves one day trip means about 670 km of driving in one day. Leave at 3:00 am, reach the caves by 10:00 am, spend three to four hours inside and start back by 2:00 pm. You will return close to midnight. It is possible, but tiring, and I suggest it only for fit adults.
Option B: A 2 day, 1 night trip
Day 1 is the drive to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with a city evening. Day 2 starts early for Ajanta, with a relaxed visit before the drive back. This Pune to Ajanta Caves two day trip is the minimum I suggest for most people.
Option C: A 3 day, 2 night trip
Day 1 covers the drive and city monuments. Day 2 is Ajanta. Day 3 is Ellora, the Kailasa Temple and Grishneshwar before the return. It is a complete Ajanta Ellora tour package from Pune.
The caves worth your time at Ajanta
Cave 1: Famous for the painted Bodhisattva figures, including Padmapani.
Cave 2: Known for its richly painted ceilings and walls.
Cave 9 and Cave 10: Among the earliest caves, with simple, powerful prayer halls.
Cave 16 and Cave 17: Large monasteries with important wall paintings.
Cave 19: A beautifully carved prayer hall with a decorated facade.
Cave 26: A large prayer hall with a reclining Buddha sculpture.
Ajanta paintings
The wall paintings show Buddhist stories, daily life and ornamental patterns, and they are rare survivors of ancient Indian art. Because they are delicate, lighting is limited and flash photography is not allowed. Give your eyes a few minutes to adjust, and you will notice much more.
The Ajanta viewpoint
A short walk away, the viewpoint gives you a wide view of the horseshoe gorge and the line of caves cut into the rock. It is also the best place for photographs, especially in the morning.
Ajanta or Ellora?
Ajanta is entirely Buddhist and known for paintings. Ellora has Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves and is known for huge sculpture such as the Kailasa Temple. They lie in opposite directions from the city, so we keep them on separate days.
Opening days
Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. We build your plan around these days and confirm the current schedule when your trip is finalised.
Best time to visit Ajanta
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon gives green hills and a flowing river, but steps get slippery. Summers are hot, so go early. Weekdays are calmer than weekends and holidays.
Which car for which group?
Hatchback or sedan for 1 to 3 people, Ertiga for 4 to 6, Innova Crysta for comfort on this long drive, Tempo Traveller for 8 to 17, and a mini bus for larger groups.
Food and stay
Maharashtrian thalis, misal pav and bhakri are easy to find on the highway. In Sambhajinagar, Naan Qalia is the signature non-vegetarian dish, and vegetarians will find plenty of pure veg restaurants. Hotels are available in every budget, and rooms fill up on holiday weekends, so book early.
Practical tips
Start early, wear grippy shoes, carry water and a cap, keep valuables minimal, buy tickets only at the official counter and follow the rules inside the caves.
Book with Trip Leads
Share your date, Pune pickup point, group size and preferred option, and we will send a clear quotation. Whether you need a Pune to Ajanta cab, an Ajanta Caves tour package or the full Ajanta Ellora circuit, Trip Leads will arrange it properly.
By Baliram Dhage, Trip Leads.
Ajanta is often described as the most beautiful of Maharashtra’s caves, and it is also the farthest from Pune. That is why good planning matters. This guide explains the distance, the route, the caves worth seeing and how to choose between a one, two or three day trip.
How far is Ajanta from Pune?
Ajanta is about 330 to 340 km from Pune by road. The drive takes roughly seven to eight hours with stops, via Ahilyanagar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. From Sambhajinagar, Ajanta is around 100 km, or two to two and a half hours. Start early, because the stretch after the city takes longer than people expect.
Option A: A 1 day trip
A Pune to Ajanta Caves one day trip means about 670 km of driving in one day. Leave at 3:00 am, reach the caves by 10:00 am, spend three to four hours inside and start back by 2:00 pm. You will return close to midnight. It is possible, but tiring, and I suggest it only for fit adults.
Option B: A 2 day, 1 night trip
Day 1 is the drive to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with a city evening. Day 2 starts early for Ajanta, with a relaxed visit before the drive back. This Pune to Ajanta Caves two day trip is the minimum I suggest for most people.
Option C: A 3 day, 2 night trip
Day 1 covers the drive and city monuments. Day 2 is Ajanta. Day 3 is Ellora, the Kailasa Temple and Grishneshwar before the return. It is a complete Ajanta Ellora tour package from Pune.
The caves worth your time at Ajanta
Cave 1: Famous for the painted Bodhisattva figures, including Padmapani.
Cave 2: Known for its richly painted ceilings and walls.
Cave 9 and Cave 10: Among the earliest caves, with simple, powerful prayer halls.
Cave 16 and Cave 17: Large monasteries with important wall paintings.
Cave 19: A beautifully carved prayer hall with a decorated facade.
Cave 26: A large prayer hall with a reclining Buddha sculpture.
Ajanta paintings
The wall paintings show Buddhist stories, daily life and ornamental patterns, and they are rare survivors of ancient Indian art. Because they are delicate, lighting is limited and flash photography is not allowed. Give your eyes a few minutes to adjust, and you will notice much more.
The Ajanta viewpoint
A short walk away, the viewpoint gives you a wide view of the horseshoe gorge and the line of caves cut into the rock. It is also the best place for photographs, especially in the morning.
Ajanta or Ellora?
Ajanta is entirely Buddhist and known for paintings. Ellora has Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves and is known for huge sculpture such as the Kailasa Temple. They lie in opposite directions from the city, so we keep them on separate days.
Opening days
Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. We build your plan around these days and confirm the current schedule when your trip is finalised.
Best time to visit Ajanta
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon gives green hills and a flowing river, but steps get slippery. Summers are hot, so go early. Weekdays are calmer than weekends and holidays.
Which car for which group?
Hatchback or sedan for 1 to 3 people, Ertiga for 4 to 6, Innova Crysta for comfort on this long drive, Tempo Traveller for 8 to 17, and a mini bus for larger groups.
Food and stay
Maharashtrian thalis, misal pav and bhakri are easy to find on the highway. In Sambhajinagar, Naan Qalia is the signature non-vegetarian dish, and vegetarians will find plenty of pure veg restaurants. Hotels are available in every budget, and rooms fill up on holiday weekends, so book early.
Practical tips
Start early, wear grippy shoes, carry water and a cap, keep valuables minimal, buy tickets only at the official counter and follow the rules inside the caves.
Book with Trip Leads
Share your date, Pune pickup point, group size and preferred option, and we will send a clear quotation. Whether you need a Pune to Ajanta cab, an Ajanta Caves tour package or the full Ajanta Ellora circuit, Trip Leads will arrange it properly.
By Baliram Dhage, Trip Leads.
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