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Maharashtra / Pune To Ajanta Ellora Caves Trip
Historical, Forts & Caves
Pune To Ajanta Ellora Caves Trip
1 Days · WI-MH-1020
₹4,800/cab (Sedan)
Overview
Pune To Ajanta Ellora Caves Trip is a 1-day historical, forts & caves package covering Maharashtra. The route takes you through Pune → Ajanta - Ellora 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 - Ellora Caves → Pune
Choose Trip DurationStandard itinerary shown below — every route can be shortened or extended on request.
1D
Standard itinerary for this package
Selected
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
4:30 AM: Pickup from Pune. Keep water and a light snack in the car, and rest on the first stretch.
8:30 AM: Breakfast near Ahilyanagar.
10:30 AM: Reach Ellora. Buy tickets and head straight to the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16). Walk around the outside, then climb to the upper level.
12:00 PM: Caves 15, 14 and 10.
1:30 PM: Lunch near the caves.
2:30 PM: Start the return drive, with a tea stop near Ahilyanagar.
9:30 PM: Expected arrival in Pune, depending on traffic.
Ajanta version
3:00 AM: Pickup from Pune.
6:30 AM: Breakfast near Ahilyanagar.
9:00 AM: Tea stop at Sambhajinagar.
11:00 AM: Reach Ajanta, take the shuttle bus and start with Caves 1 and 2, then 16, 17, 19 and 26.
2:00 PM: Lunch, then start back by 2:45 PM.
11:30 PM: Expected arrival in Pune, depending on traffic.
Note: This is a long day, and it covers one site only. Choose Option B or C for both.
Day 2: OPTION – 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Day 1: Pune to Ajanta and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
4:00 AM: Pickup from Pune. This is an early start, so sleep during the first stretch.
7:30 AM: Breakfast near Ahilyanagar.
10:30 AM: Quick tea stop at Sambhajinagar.
12:30 PM: Reach Ajanta, take the shuttle bus and start with Cave 1 and Cave 2.
2:00 PM: Quick lunch, then Caves 16, 17, 19 and 26 as time allows. Give your eyes time to adjust in the dim halls.
4:00 PM: Start the drive to Sambhajinagar, about two to two and a half hours.
6:30 PM: Hotel check-in, dinner and early sleep.
Day 2: Ellora, Grishneshwar and Return
7:00 AM: Breakfast and check-out.
8:00 AM: Reach Ellora. Start with the Kailasa Temple, then Caves 15, 14 and 10.
11:00 AM: Grishneshwar Temple darshan.
12:30 PM: Lunch near the temple.
1:30 PM: Start the return drive to Pune.
8:30 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: Bibi Ka Maqbara. Walk the garden.
5:00 PM: Panchakki, a historic water mill and Sufi shrine.
7:30 PM: Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Ajanta
6:30 AM: Breakfast and drive to Ajanta.
9:00 AM: Reach Ajanta, take the shuttle bus and start with Caves 1 and 2.
10:30 AM: Caves 9, 10, 16 and 17.
12:30 PM: Caves 19 and 26.
1:30 PM: Lunch near the entrance.
2:30 PM: Viewpoint across the gorge.
3:30 PM: Start the drive back to Sambhajinagar.
6:00 PM: Hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Ellora, Grishneshwar and Return to Pune
7:30 AM: Breakfast and check-out.
8:30 AM: Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), followed by Caves 15, 14 and 10.
11:00 AM: Grishneshwar Temple darshan.
12:30 PM: Lunch near the temple.
1:30 PM: Khuldabad, a quiet town with Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb.
2:30 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)
- -------------------------------
- --------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.
- ------------------------------
- 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. Can we see Ajanta and Ellora in one day from Pune?
No, it is not practical. Ajanta and Ellora lie in opposite directions from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and the driving alone is over 600 km. A one day trip covers one site. For both, choose the 2 or 3 day option.
Q2. How far are Ajanta and Ellora from Pune?
Ellora is about 260 to 270 km and Ajanta about 330 to 340 km from Pune by road. Ajanta is around 100 km from the city and Ellora about 30 km, in opposite directions.
Q3. Which days are Ajanta and Ellora closed?
Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. We plan your trip around these days and confirm the current schedule before booking.
Q4. How many days are needed for Ajanta and Ellora from Pune?
Two days is the minimum to see both, and three days is the comfortable choice. The 3 day plan gives each site proper time and a rested drive back.
Q5. What is the difference between Ajanta and Ellora?
Ajanta is entirely Buddhist and known for ancient paintings. Ellora has Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves and is known for huge sculpture such as the Kailasa Temple.
Q6. Which is better, Ajanta or Ellora?
It depends on your interest. If you love paintings and quiet halls, Ajanta is special. If you love large sculpture and variety, Ellora is the better pick. If you have time, see both.
Q7. What is the best time to visit Ajanta and Ellora from Pune?
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon is green and scenic but paths 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 Ellora Caves Trip — Travel Guide
Pune to Ajanta Ellora Caves Trip: How to Plan It Properly
Ajanta and Ellora are always mentioned together, but they are not next to each other, and they are not close to Pune. Many people book a trip, then realise on the road that the distances are bigger than they thought. This guide explains how to plan a Pune to Ajanta Ellora Caves trip so that you enjoy the sites and not just the highway.
How far are Ajanta and Ellora from Pune?
Ellora is about 260 to 270 km from Pune and Ajanta about 330 to 340 km, both reached via Ahilyanagar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Ellora is about 30 km from the city and Ajanta about 100 km, in opposite directions. Between them lies roughly 100 km of road, so seeing both always needs at least two days.
Can you do Ajanta and Ellora in one day from Pune?
No, not comfortably, and I would not plan it. The driving alone is more than 600 km. A one day trip from Pune should cover one site, either Ellora or Ajanta. For both, start with a two day plan.
Option A: A one day express for one site
A one day trip means leaving Pune before dawn and reaching Ellora by about 10:00 am or Ajanta by about 11:00 am, spending three to four hours inside and starting back after lunch. It is long, and it suits fit adults.
Option B: A 2 day, 1 night circuit
Day 1 is an early drive to Ajanta and then on to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Day 2 covers Ellora and Grishneshwar, followed by the return to Pune. It is compact, with long drives on both days.
Option C: A 3 day, 2 night circuit
Day 1 is the drive and the city evening. Day 2 is a full Ajanta day. Day 3 is Ellora, Grishneshwar and Khuldabad before heading home. This is the plan with the most breathing room, and it is the one families enjoy most.
What to see at Ajanta
Caves 1 and 2: Painted walls and ceilings, including the famous Bodhisattva figures.
Caves 9 and 10: Early prayer halls from the first phase.
Caves 16 and 17: Large monasteries with wall paintings.
Cave 19: A carved prayer hall with a decorated facade.
Cave 26: A large prayer hall with a reclining Buddha.
Viewpoint: A wide look at the horseshoe gorge.
What to see at Ellora
Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): A temple carved from a single rock, from the top down.
Caves 14 and 15: Hindu caves with large carved panels.
Cave 10 (Vishvakarma): A Buddhist prayer hall with a ceiling carved like wooden beams.
Cave 32 (Indra Sabha): A Jain cave with delicate carved pillars.
Other stops that fit the circuit
Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is close to Ellora. Khuldabad has Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb. Daulatabad Fort is a large hill fort with a dark winding passage. In the city, Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki make a pleasant evening.
Closing days
Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. These two days decide which dates you can travel. We confirm the current schedule when your trip is finalised.
Best time to visit
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon is green but slippery. Summers are hot, so go early. Weekdays are calmer than weekends.
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 route, 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, buy tickets only at the official counter and follow the rules inside the caves, including no flash photography at Ajanta.
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 Ellora cab, an Ajanta Ellora tour package or a complete Sambhajinagar plan, Trip Leads will arrange it properly.
By Baliram Dhage, Trip Leads.
Ajanta and Ellora are always mentioned together, but they are not next to each other, and they are not close to Pune. Many people book a trip, then realise on the road that the distances are bigger than they thought. This guide explains how to plan a Pune to Ajanta Ellora Caves trip so that you enjoy the sites and not just the highway.
How far are Ajanta and Ellora from Pune?
Ellora is about 260 to 270 km from Pune and Ajanta about 330 to 340 km, both reached via Ahilyanagar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Ellora is about 30 km from the city and Ajanta about 100 km, in opposite directions. Between them lies roughly 100 km of road, so seeing both always needs at least two days.
Can you do Ajanta and Ellora in one day from Pune?
No, not comfortably, and I would not plan it. The driving alone is more than 600 km. A one day trip from Pune should cover one site, either Ellora or Ajanta. For both, start with a two day plan.
Option A: A one day express for one site
A one day trip means leaving Pune before dawn and reaching Ellora by about 10:00 am or Ajanta by about 11:00 am, spending three to four hours inside and starting back after lunch. It is long, and it suits fit adults.
Option B: A 2 day, 1 night circuit
Day 1 is an early drive to Ajanta and then on to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Day 2 covers Ellora and Grishneshwar, followed by the return to Pune. It is compact, with long drives on both days.
Option C: A 3 day, 2 night circuit
Day 1 is the drive and the city evening. Day 2 is a full Ajanta day. Day 3 is Ellora, Grishneshwar and Khuldabad before heading home. This is the plan with the most breathing room, and it is the one families enjoy most.
What to see at Ajanta
Caves 1 and 2: Painted walls and ceilings, including the famous Bodhisattva figures.
Caves 9 and 10: Early prayer halls from the first phase.
Caves 16 and 17: Large monasteries with wall paintings.
Cave 19: A carved prayer hall with a decorated facade.
Cave 26: A large prayer hall with a reclining Buddha.
Viewpoint: A wide look at the horseshoe gorge.
What to see at Ellora
Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): A temple carved from a single rock, from the top down.
Caves 14 and 15: Hindu caves with large carved panels.
Cave 10 (Vishvakarma): A Buddhist prayer hall with a ceiling carved like wooden beams.
Cave 32 (Indra Sabha): A Jain cave with delicate carved pillars.
Other stops that fit the circuit
Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is close to Ellora. Khuldabad has Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb. Daulatabad Fort is a large hill fort with a dark winding passage. In the city, Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki make a pleasant evening.
Closing days
Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. These two days decide which dates you can travel. We confirm the current schedule when your trip is finalised.
Best time to visit
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon is green but slippery. Summers are hot, so go early. Weekdays are calmer than weekends.
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 route, 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, buy tickets only at the official counter and follow the rules inside the caves, including no flash photography at Ajanta.
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 Ellora cab, an Ajanta Ellora tour package or a complete Sambhajinagar plan, Trip Leads will arrange it properly.
By Baliram Dhage, Trip Leads.
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