Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour

Day 1: Arrive Aurangabad

On arrival at airport assistance & transfer to hotel.

Later city tour of Aurangabad, visit the Aurangabad Caves, which are artificial caves that were dug out of soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. Then, visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara the burial place of Aurangzebs first wife. Also visit a small archeological museum nearby. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Aurangabad - Ajanja - Aurangabad (210kms round)

Excursion to Ajanta (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while hunting tiger. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between AD 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora which date from about 200 BC to 650 AD. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha`s life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves. Drive back to Aurangabad for overnight stay.

Day 3: Aurangabad - Departure

Excursion to visit Ellora Caves. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. Grishneshwar Temple one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan.

Later transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.