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Maharashtra / Pune To Ellora Caves Trip
Historical, Forts & Caves
Pune To Ellora Caves Trip
1 Days · WI-MH-1018
₹4,800/cab (Sedan)
Overview
Pune To Ellora Caves Trip is a 1-day historical, forts & caves package covering Maharashtra. The route takes you through Pune → 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 → Ellora 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
4:30 AM: Pickup from Pune. Keep water and a light snack in the car, and rest as much as you can on the first stretch.
8:30 AM: Breakfast at a clean restaurant near Ahilyanagar. Poha, idli or paratha with tea is enough. Use this stop to stretch, since the second half of the drive is longer.
10:30 AM: Reach Ellora Caves and buy tickets at the counter. Start with Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, before the tour groups arrive. Walk around the outside first to understand the scale, then climb to the upper level for the view over the carved courtyard.
12:00 PM: Walk to Cave 15 and Cave 14, and then to Cave 10, the Vishvakarma cave. Take a minute to look up at the ceiling, carved like wooden beams in solid rock.
1:30 PM: Lunch at a restaurant near the caves. Simple Maharashtrian meals are easy to find.
2:30 PM: Optional short Grishneshwar darshan if the queue is manageable. If it is a busy day, skip it and start the return, since the road is long.
3:00 PM: Start the drive back to Pune, with a tea stop near Ahilyanagar.
9:30 PM: Expected arrival in Pune, depending on traffic.
Note: Ellora is closed on Tuesdays. We confirm your date before booking.
Day 2: OPTION – 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Day 1: Pune to Daulatabad and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
6:00 AM: Pickup from Pune.
8:30 AM: Breakfast near Ahilyanagar.
12:30 PM: Lunch on the way, a little before Sambhajinagar, so you reach the fort with energy.
2:00 PM: Daulatabad Fort. Walk through the entrance, past the Chand Minar and into the dark winding passage. The climb is steep, so wear grippy shoes. If you have elders, explore the lower part and skip the top.
4:30 PM: Drive to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and check in at the hotel. Rest and freshen up.
7:30 PM: Dinner in the city. Naan Qalia is the signature dish for non-vegetarians. Sleep early, because Day 2 starts at sunrise.
Day 2: Ellora, Grishneshwar and Return
7:00 AM: Early breakfast and check-out.
8:00 AM: Reach Ellora Caves, about 30 km from the city. The morning light and the cooler air make a real difference. Start with Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple.
10:00 AM: Continue with Caves 15 and 14, then Cave 10. If you have energy, walk to the Jain caves, including Cave 32, Indra Sabha.
12:00 PM: Grishneshwar Temple darshan. Men may need to remove shirts in the sanctum.
1:00 PM: Lunch near the temple.
2:00 PM: Start the return drive to Pune, with a tea stop near Ahilyanagar.
8:00 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. A short rest is worth it.
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 and overnight stay.
Day 2: A Full Ellora Day
7:30 AM: Breakfast and drive to Ellora.
8:30 AM: Kailasa Temple (Cave 16). Spend at least an hour here. Walk around the outside, climb to the upper level and look at the carved elephants and the pillars.
10:30 AM: Caves 15, 14 and 10, followed by the Jain caves at the far end.
1:00 PM: Lunch near the caves.
2:00 PM: Grishneshwar Temple darshan.
3:30 PM: Khuldabad, a quiet town with Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb.
5:30 PM: Return to Sambhajinagar. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Daulatabad, Caves and Return to Pune
8:00 AM: Breakfast and check-out.
9:00 AM: Daulatabad Fort. Walk to the Chand Minar and into the dark passage, and climb as far as your energy allows.
12:00 PM: Aurangabad Caves, a quieter group of Buddhist caves on a hillside with a good view of the city.
1:00 PM: Lunch in the city.
2:00 PM: Optional shopping stop for Himroo shawls and Paithani sarees.
3:00 PM: Start the return drive to Pune.
8:30 PM: Expected arrival in Pune, depending on traffic.
(Timings may shift with queues, weather and traffic. Opening days are confirmed before booking.)
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. How far is Ellora Caves from Pune?
Ellora is about 260 to 270 km from Pune by road. The drive normally takes five and a half to six hours with stops, depending on traffic.
Q2. Is Ellora Caves open on Mondays?
Ellora is closed on Tuesdays, not Mondays, as far as I know. Please confirm the current schedule before you travel, and we do this for you when your trip is finalised.
Q3. Can we do Ellora Caves in a one day trip from Pune?
Yes, if you leave by 4:30 am and start back by 3:00 pm. It means a long day on the road, so a 2 day trip is more comfortable, especially with elders or kids.
Q4. How long does it take to see Ellora Caves?
Allow about three to four hours for the main caves. If you also want the Jain caves and Khuldabad, plan a full day.
Q5. Which is the best cave at Ellora?
Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, is the best known. It is carved from a single rock from the top down. Cave 10 and Cave 32 are also well worth seeing.
Q6. Is Ellora Caves suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, with a slow plan. The Kailasa Temple has some steps, and a few caves need walking, but the main areas are manageable. Tell us in advance and we will plan accordingly.
Q7. What is the best time to visit Ellora Caves from Pune?
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon is green and scenic but steps get slippery. In summer, visit 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 Ellora Caves Trip — Travel Guide
Pune to Ellora Caves Trip: What to Know Before You Book
Ellora is one of those places that Pune travellers keep postponing and then wonder why they waited so long. It is a long road, but the destination repays it. This guide answers the questions I hear most often when someone calls Trip Leads about a Pune to Ellora Caves trip.
How do you go from Pune to Ellora by road?
The usual route is Pune to Shikrapur, Shirur and Ahilyanagar, then onward to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Ellora is about 30 km beyond the city. The whole journey is about 260 to 270 km and takes five and a half to six hours with stops. Leave early, because the afternoon traffic near towns slows things down.
How many days do you need?
That depends on what you want. One day is enough to see the Kailasa Temple, but nothing else. Two days gives you a relaxed Ellora, a visit to Daulatabad and a night’s rest. Three days adds the city monuments and a slower pace. I usually tell first-time visitors to take two days.
A one day plan, step by step
If you do choose a Pune to Ellora Caves one day trip, the day looks like this: leave around 4:30 am, breakfast near Ahilyanagar, reach Ellora by 10:00 am, spend three hours in the caves, have lunch and start the return by 2:30 pm. Expect to be back in Pune late at night. It is a long day, so rest well the night before.
A two day plan that avoids the rush
For a Pune to Ellora Caves two day trip, I prefer to see Ellora on the second morning, when you are fresh. Day 1 is the drive, Daulatabad Fort in the late afternoon and a quiet evening. Day 2 starts early at the caves, followed by Grishneshwar and the drive home.
A three day plan for the whole region
The Pune to Ellora Caves three day trip adds the city. You see Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki on the first evening, give the whole of Day 2 to Ellora, Grishneshwar and Khuldabad, and use Day 3 for Daulatabad, the Aurangabad Caves and a shopping stop.
The caves worth your time at Ellora
If you have limited time, see these in this order:
Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): Carved from a single rock from the top down. Walk around the outside before you climb to the top.
Cave 15 (Dashavatara): A two-storey Hindu cave with detailed panels.
Cave 14: A cave with large carved walls.
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.
Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves in one place
Most heritage sites belong to one tradition. Ellora belongs to three, and they sit side by side. This is why people spend more time here than they expect.
Beyond the caves
Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is close to Ellora. Khuldabad is a quiet town with Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb. Daulatabad Fort is a massive hill fort with a dark winding passage and a steep climb. In the city, Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki make a pleasant evening.
Closing days and timings
Ellora is closed on Tuesdays. Timings and ticket rules can change, so we confirm the current details when your trip is finalised. Weekdays are calmer than weekends and holidays.
Season
October to February is the best window. The monsoon is green but slippery. Summer is hot, so go early.
Which car for which group?
Hatchback or sedan for 1 to 3 people, Ertiga for 4 to 6, Innova Crysta for extra comfort with luggage, 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 a well-known non-vegetarian dish, and vegetarians will find plenty of pure veg restaurants. Hotels are available in every budget, but book early for holiday weekends.
Small tips that save your day
Start early, wear grippy shoes, carry water and a cap, buy tickets only at the official counter, and hire a guide if you want the stories behind the carvings.
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 Ellora cab, an Ellora Caves tour package or a full Sambhajinagar plan, Trip Leads will arrange it properly.
By Baliram Dhage, Trip Leads.
Ellora is one of those places that Pune travellers keep postponing and then wonder why they waited so long. It is a long road, but the destination repays it. This guide answers the questions I hear most often when someone calls Trip Leads about a Pune to Ellora Caves trip.
How do you go from Pune to Ellora by road?
The usual route is Pune to Shikrapur, Shirur and Ahilyanagar, then onward to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Ellora is about 30 km beyond the city. The whole journey is about 260 to 270 km and takes five and a half to six hours with stops. Leave early, because the afternoon traffic near towns slows things down.
How many days do you need?
That depends on what you want. One day is enough to see the Kailasa Temple, but nothing else. Two days gives you a relaxed Ellora, a visit to Daulatabad and a night’s rest. Three days adds the city monuments and a slower pace. I usually tell first-time visitors to take two days.
A one day plan, step by step
If you do choose a Pune to Ellora Caves one day trip, the day looks like this: leave around 4:30 am, breakfast near Ahilyanagar, reach Ellora by 10:00 am, spend three hours in the caves, have lunch and start the return by 2:30 pm. Expect to be back in Pune late at night. It is a long day, so rest well the night before.
A two day plan that avoids the rush
For a Pune to Ellora Caves two day trip, I prefer to see Ellora on the second morning, when you are fresh. Day 1 is the drive, Daulatabad Fort in the late afternoon and a quiet evening. Day 2 starts early at the caves, followed by Grishneshwar and the drive home.
A three day plan for the whole region
The Pune to Ellora Caves three day trip adds the city. You see Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki on the first evening, give the whole of Day 2 to Ellora, Grishneshwar and Khuldabad, and use Day 3 for Daulatabad, the Aurangabad Caves and a shopping stop.
The caves worth your time at Ellora
If you have limited time, see these in this order:
Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): Carved from a single rock from the top down. Walk around the outside before you climb to the top.
Cave 15 (Dashavatara): A two-storey Hindu cave with detailed panels.
Cave 14: A cave with large carved walls.
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.
Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves in one place
Most heritage sites belong to one tradition. Ellora belongs to three, and they sit side by side. This is why people spend more time here than they expect.
Beyond the caves
Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is close to Ellora. Khuldabad is a quiet town with Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb. Daulatabad Fort is a massive hill fort with a dark winding passage and a steep climb. In the city, Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki make a pleasant evening.
Closing days and timings
Ellora is closed on Tuesdays. Timings and ticket rules can change, so we confirm the current details when your trip is finalised. Weekdays are calmer than weekends and holidays.
Season
October to February is the best window. The monsoon is green but slippery. Summer is hot, so go early.
Which car for which group?
Hatchback or sedan for 1 to 3 people, Ertiga for 4 to 6, Innova Crysta for extra comfort with luggage, 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 a well-known non-vegetarian dish, and vegetarians will find plenty of pure veg restaurants. Hotels are available in every budget, but book early for holiday weekends.
Small tips that save your day
Start early, wear grippy shoes, carry water and a cap, buy tickets only at the official counter, and hire a guide if you want the stories behind the carvings.
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 Ellora cab, an Ellora Caves tour package or a full Sambhajinagar plan, Trip Leads will arrange it properly.
By Baliram Dhage, Trip Leads.
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