8 Days Tour From Aurangabad to Ajanta Ellora Hampi & Badami Caves

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of India’s Deccan region, this 8-day tour from Aurangabad promises an unforgettable journey through the country’s most remarkable historical sites. From the stunning Ajanta and Ellora Caves, UNESCO World Heritage marvels adorned with intricate carvings and ancient frescoes, to the captivating ruins of Hampi and the sandstone wonders of Badami, travelers will be immersed in a tapestry of Indian history. Comfortable air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable local guides ensure a seamless experience as visitors explore the region’s architectural and artistic splendor. With this comprehensive itinerary, the stage is set for an enriching exploration of India’s cultural legacy.

Key Points

• An 8-day private car tour covering Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, and Badami Caves, with a professional driver fluent in Hindi and English.
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and explore historical sites such as Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, and Hampi.
• Discover the rich architectural heritage of India, including intricately carved temples, mosques, and mausoleums in Aurangabad, Vijayapura, and Badami.
• Experience the scenic countryside and explore the local markets during the journey from Aurangabad to Vijayapura and Badami.
• Accommodation, entry fees, and meals are not included in the package, allowing for flexibility in customizing the tour to suit your preferences.

Tour Overview and Logistics

This 8-day tour from Aurangabad covers the renowned historical sites of Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, and Badami Caves.

Travelers will be based in Aurangabad and have a private 3-day car service with a professional driver fluent in Hindi and English. Bottled water is provided, while accommodation, entry fees, and meals are extra.

Transfers and sightseeing are in an air-conditioned vehicle, including tolls, fuel, taxes, and service charges. The itinerary is flexible, with adjustments made if a monument is closed on a particular day.

Guides are available upon request at each site. The tour has received positive customer feedback, with a 5-star rating and remarks on the ease, safety, and quality of service.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a city tour of Aurangabad, where visitors will explore the Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Caves, and Panchakki on Day 1.

On Day 2, the group will travel 100 km to the iconic Ajanta Caves.

The next day, they’ll visit the nearby Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort, just 35 km from Aurangabad.

Day 4 involves a 400 km, 6-hour journey to Vijayapura, followed by a local market visit in the evening.

On Day 5, the group will tour Vijayapura’s highlights like the Gol Gumbaz and Jama Mosque before traveling 120 km to Badami.

Exploration of Historical Sites

Travelers explore Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami Caves on Day 6.

Aihole, an archaeological site, features intricately carved temples dating back to the 6th century.

Just 13 km away, Pattadakal showcases a unique blend of North and South Indian architectural styles.

At Badami Caves, visitors marvel at the well-preserved cave temples carved into sandstone cliffs.

The tour then continues to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site with the Virupaksha Temple, Queens Bath, and Vitthal Temple as highlights.

The final day allows travelers to depart from Hubli, with convenient flight and train connections available.

Aurangabad City Tour

On the first day of the tour, visitors explore the historic city of Aurangabad. They start with a visit to the Bibi Ka Maqbara, a stunning 17th-century mausoleum often referred to as the "Mini Taj Mahal."

Next, they explore the Aurangabad Caves, a series of ancient rock-cut Buddhist shrines dating back to the 6th century.

The final stop is the Panchakki, a 17th-century water mill and pilgrimage site.

Throughout the day, the professional driver provides commentary, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of Aurangabad’s rich history and architectural wonders.

This comprehensive city tour sets the stage for the upcoming visits to the renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Ajanta Caves Visit

Leaving Aurangabad behind, the tour heads to the renowned Ajanta Caves, located about 100 kilometers away.

The 2-hour journey takes visitors through the scenic countryside to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive rock-cut cave temples and monasteries, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, feature awe-inspiring Buddhist art and architecture.

Tourists will explore the intricately carved facades, explore the richly decorated interiors, and marvel at the ancient fresco paintings that depict the life of Buddha.

With the Ajanta Caves closed every Monday, the tour ensures visitors make the most of their time at this cultural and historical treasure.

Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort

After visiting the ancient Ajanta Caves, the tour proceeds to the nearby Ellora Caves, located just 35 kilometers from Aurangabad.

Ellora is home to 34 monasteries and temples, carved into a 2-mile-long face of a basalt cliff. Highlights include the massive Kailasanath Temple, a colossal rock-cut temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Nearby, Daulatabad Fort is an impressive 12th-century fortified city with towering walls and a massive citadel. Visitors can explore the fort’s underground passages, granaries, and the imposing Chand Minar tower.

The tour provides a deep dive into India’s architectural marvels and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Vijayapura Sightseeing

The next leg of the tour takes travelers to the historical city of Vijayapura, located roughly 400 kilometers from Aurangabad.

In Vijayapura, the group will visit the iconic Gol Gumbaz, known for its massive dome and impressive architecture.

They’ll also explore the Jama Masjid, a stunning 17th-century mosque, and the Ibrahim Roza, a mausoleum complex showcasing intricate carvings and Islamic design.

Plus, the tour includes a stop at the Bara Kaman, a series of arched entrances that were once part of a grand palace.

After the Vijayapura sightseeing, the group will travel to the town of Badami, located about 120 kilometers away.

Hampi Tour and Departure

On the seventh day, the tour group makes its way to the historic city of Hampi, located approximately 170 kilometers from their previous destination of Badami.

They’ll spend the full day exploring the ruins and temples of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include the Virupaksha Temple, the Queen’s Bath, the Vitthal Temple, and the on-site museum.

The guide will provide in-depth information about the significance and history of these magnificent structures.

After the Hampi tour, the group will travel 170 kilometers to Hubli, where they’ll make their flight or train connections for their onward journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour information does not specify the average group size. This is a private tour with a personal driver, so the group size is likely flexible and tailored to the individual traveler’s needs.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any explicit discounts for seniors or students. The pricing is the same for all travelers, regardless of age or student status. The tour provides a private car service, so group size is not a factor in the pricing.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized or Rearranged?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized or rearranged. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate traveler preferences and adjust the schedule as needed, subject to monument opening hours and travel times.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring Each Site?

The tour allots a varied amount of time for exploring each site. Visitors typically have 2-3 hours to explore the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, while they get a full day to tour Hampi’s historical monuments and ruins.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended if requested. The standard 8-day itinerary can be customized to accommodate longer stays or additional destinations based on the traveler’s preferences and interests. Extended tours are subject to availability and additional costs.

Recap

This 8-day tour from Aurangabad offers a captivating exploration of India’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will marvel at the intricate carvings and ancient frescoes of the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves, as well as the historic sites of Hampi and Badami. Comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides ensure a seamless and immersive experience through this culturally vibrant region.