Aurangabad’s guided tours put India’s rich history and culture front and center. The standout choice is the 2-day private cave tour – it efficiently covers both Ajanta and Ellora UNESCO sites with expert commentary and zero hassle. We love the local food tours for their authentic stops at family-run spots and street vendors, giving visitors a real taste of Maharashtra cuisine. The combo tour linking the caves with Daulatabad Fort offers great historical context and smart timing. For a peaceful break, the morning nature walks through Salim Ali Lake and Himayat Bagh showcase the region’s quieter side.
Our carefully selected top tours maximize your time in this historic Indian city.
Key Points
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The 2-Day Guided Private Tour covering Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara is highly rated at 4.9 overall and praised for knowledgeable guides.
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The Explore UNESCO Ellora-Ajanta Caves tour offers a personalized experience with a private guide for a detailed exploration of the rock-cut temples.
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The Food Crawl Aurangabad tour provides a 2-hour guided local food tasting experience featuring 4-5 Maharashtrian delicacies, led by a trained storyteller/guide.
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The Nature Trails of Aurangabad tour is a 2-hour guided walking tour through Salim Lake and Himayat Bagh, highlighting the natural beauty and historical significance of the sites.
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The Half-Day City Tour includes a guided visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, Jama Masjid, and Himayat Bagh, as well as an insightful museum visit focused on the Maratha Empire and Shivaji Maharaj.
Ajanta Ellora Caves Combo- 2 Day Guided Private Tour
Though home to some of India’s most magnificent ancient cave complexes, the Ajanta and Ellora caves can be daunting to explore independently, especially for travelers short on time.
The 2-day guided private tour is an ideal solution, covering both sites along with Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara (Mini Taj Mahal). Priced from $147 per person, the tour includes round-trip transport, air-conditioned vehicles, entrance fees, meals, and insurance.
The professional guide’s expertise ensures travelers make the most of their time, while the private format provides a personalized experience. Though the tour is wheelchair accessible, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate fitness level is required.
With 37 reviews and a 4.9 overall rating, the tour earns high praise for its knowledgeable guides, seamless organization, and valuable cultural insights, though some travelers noted challenges with road conditions to Ajanta.
Read our full review: Ajanta Ellora Caves Combo- 2 Day Guided Private Tour Review
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Food Crawl Aurangabad 2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour
The Food Crawl Aurangabad 2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour offers visitors an immersive culinary experience exploring the historical city’s vibrant food scene.
This 2-hour walking tour takes travelers through the oldest food shops in Aurangabad’s old city, where they’ll savor 4-5 authentic Maharashtrian delicacies. Participants can enjoy royal snacks like dhokla and kachoris, as well as namkeen and other local dishes.
Led by a highly trained storyteller/guide, the tour provides engaging conversations, interesting stories, and local tips, focusing on hidden culinary gems often missed by travelers.
Priced at $23.94 per person, the tour is available in English and Hindi, with a flexible booking option allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers should arrive 15 minutes before the start time, as itineraries are subject to change. While hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, and water bottles aren’t provided, the Food Crawl Aurangabad tour promises an immersive and delicious exploration of the city’s rich food culture.
Read our full review: Food Crawl Aurangabad 2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour Review
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Most Popular 2-Day Guided Tour of Ajanta & Ellora Caves With Car
This 2-day guided tour is the most popular option for exploring the remarkable Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad.
With 157 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this private package includes daily pick-up and drop-off at your Aurangabad hotel. You’ll visit one group of caves each day, with the flexibility to choose between guided or transfer-only bookings.
The price covers a private AC car accommodating up to five people, a professional driver fluent in Hindi and English, and all tolls, parking, fuel, taxes, and service charges.
The experience includes bottled mineral water, a torch for the caves, and entrance tickets. Meals at the hotel, lunch, and dinner are also provided.
Pickup can be arranged from your desired location in Aurangabad, with a start time of 8 AM. The tour duration varies based on traffic, and there’s flexibility for an airport drop-off after the Ellora visit.
The Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays, while the Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
Read our full review: Most Popular 2-Day Guided Tour of Ajanta & Ellora Caves With Car Review
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Nature Trails of Aurangabad (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
Offering a captivating glimpse into Aurangabad’s natural wonders, the 2-Hour Nature Trails of Aurangabad Guided Walking Tour invites visitors to explore the city’s serene landscapes and historical highlights.
Priced at €12.00 per person, this English and Hindi-guided tour takes participants on a journey through the Salim Lake and Himayat Bagh, showcasing the region’s lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere.
Led by highly trained storyteller guides, the tour provides access to hidden lanes and local insights, creating an engaging and immersive experience.
Travelers can look forward to learning about the Salim Lake, named after the renowned ornithologist, as well as the 17th-century Mughal Garden of Himayat Bagh, spanning over 300 acres.
With complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, water bottles, and entrance tickets, this tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to discover Aurangabad’s natural treasures.
Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve their spot now with no payment due until later.
Read our full review: Nature Trails of Aurangabad (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour) Review
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Ellora Caves Guided Tour With Other Attractions
A private day tour from Aurangabad takes visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves, showcasing the region’s rich history and architectural marvels.
The tour includes visits to Daulatabad Fort and Bibi ka Maqbara, a replica of the Taj Mahal. Designed for history and architecture enthusiasts, the tour starts at 7:30 am and provides private transportation, bottled water, and entry tickets to all mentioned sites.
While an English-speaking guide is included for the Ellora Caves, additional guide fees apply for Daulatabad Fort and Bibi ka Maqbara. Lunch isn’t included, but the tour offers on-call service for local suggestions.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. Travelers with knee problems should exercise caution.
With an overall rating of 4.6 stars from 8 reviews, the tour is priced at $49.67 per person, with no refunds for cancellations.
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Heritage & Cultural Walk of Aurangabad (2 Hours Guided Tour)
Travelers seeking a deeper immersion into Aurangabad’s rich heritage and vibrant culture can embark on a 2-hour guided walking tour. Priced at €12.00 per person, this Heritage & Cultural Walk of Aurangabad is led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who share local stories and lesser-known facts.
The tour starts at the historic Jama Masjid and includes visits to iconic sites like the Bibi Ka Maqbara, Bhadkal Gate, Makai Gate, and Killa Arrak.
Participants can expect to learn about the city’s history, architecture, and traditions while exploring hidden lanes and unique locations. The tour is available in English and Hindi, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
With comfortable attire and shoes recommended, the Heritage & Cultural Walk of Aurangabad offers an immersive and engaging experience for those interested in discovering the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Heritage & Cultural Walk of Aurangabad (2 Hours Guided Tour) Review
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Explore UNESCO Ellora-Ajanta Caves-Two Days Guided Tour With Other Attraction
Though the UNESCO-listed Ellora and Ajanta Caves are the highlight, this two-day guided tour in Aurangabad also includes a visit to the magnificent Bibi ka Maqbara, known as the “Mini Taj Mahal.”
Travelers can expect personalized attention from a private guide as they explore the intricate Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries across the two sites.
The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, with bottled water and parking fees included. Entrance fees to Ellora, Ajanta, and Bibi ka Maqbara are also covered.
While meals aren’t included, on-call English assistance is available during the stay in Aurangabad. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Priced at $222.76 per group (up to 2 travelers), the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 6 days in advance.
With a 4.6 overall rating from 5 reviews, the host acknowledges some issues with guide quality and communication, promising improvements based on guest feedback.
Read our full review: Explore UNESCO Ellora-Ajanta Caves-Two Days Guided Tour With Other Attraction Review
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A Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora From Aurangabad With Guide.
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora in a single day from Aurangabad is an efficient way to experience these remarkable archaeological marvels. Priced from $52.04 per person, this 1-day tour offers free cancellation and flexible booking options.
With hotel, airport, or station pickup, you’ll be whisked away on a scenic countryside drive to the Ajanta Caves, where you’ll spend 2 hours marveling at the ancient Buddhist art and exquisite frescoes. After an optional 1-hour lunch, you’ll continue to the Ellora Caves to explore the architectural wonders of its Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, including the iconic Kailasa Temple.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide available in multiple languages, ensuring an insightful and enriching experience. With private air-conditioned transportation, toll parking, and bottled water included, all you need to bring is your passport or ID and a camera.
Rated 5/5 by travelers, this comprehensive tour is an excellent way to discover the cultural riches of Aurangabad in a single day.
Read our full review: A Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora From Aurangabad With Guide. Review
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Ellora Caves Guided Day Tour With Other Attractions
Accompanied by a professional guide, guests can expect a personalized experience as they uncover the rich history and architectural wonders of these remarkable sites.
The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as the option for transportation to Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
With pickup from Aurangabad hotels, airports, and stations, the tour starts at 8:00 am and caters to visitors of all abilities, from wheelchair and stroller users to those requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and lowest price guarantee for a hassle-free booking experience.
Read our full review: Ellora Caves Guided Day Tour With Other Attractions Review
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Highlights of Aurangabad (Guided Half-Day City Tour by Car)
Visitors to Aurangabad can embark on a guided half-day city tour by car, delving into the city’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. Priced at $79.11 per group (up to 3 participants), the 4-hour tour highlights the iconic Bibi Ka Maqbara, a 17th-century tomb commissioned by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Travelers will also visit the grand Jama Masjid and explore the expansive 17th-century Mughal Garden, Himayat Bagh. The tour includes an insightful museum visit, showcasing the Maratha Empire and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Accompanied by a personal guide fluent in English and Hindi, the tour provides in-depth insights into the local culture and history. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned car, with flexibility for on-demand pickups outside a 5 km radius of Aurangabad.
However, recent reviews suggest significant room for improvement in the guide’s expertise and overall tour experience alignment. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Highlights of Aurangabad (Guided Half-Day City Tour by Car) Review
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The Sum Up
Aurangabad offers a range of guided tours to explore its historical and natural wonders. From the iconic Ajanta and Ellora Caves to food crawls and nature trails, visitors can tailor their experience to their interests. These tours provide knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable destination.