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Aurangabad Sightseeing Tour by Cab: Your Complete 2025 Guide to Ajanta, Ellora & Every Hidden Gem
From UNESCO caves to Mughal mausoleums — here’s everything you need to plan the perfect Aurangabad trip.
Why Aurangabad Is One of India’s Most Rewarding Travel Destinations
People often visit Aurangabad as a stopover on their way to Shirdi or Pune — and leave completely blown away. That happens because they weren’t expecting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a mini Taj Mahal, a fort that almost became India’s capital, and a Jyotirlinga — all within 120 kilometres of each other.
The city sits right in the heart of Marathwada and has been shaped by Buddhist monks, Yadava kings, Mughal emperors, and Maratha warriors — all leaving behind something remarkable. Whether you’re a history lover, a spiritual traveller, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who wants a great family trip with easy road access, Aurangabad delivers every single time.
🏛️ Did you know? Aurangabad has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites within 100 km than almost any other city in Maharashtra. The Ajanta Caves (2nd century BCE) and Ellora Caves (6th–11th century CE) together represent over 1,000 years of unbroken artistic genius — all carved by hand, from solid rock.
Top Sightseeing Places to Cover in Your Aurangabad Tour
Here’s a rundown of the places that should absolutely be on your itinerary — and what makes each one special.
Ajanta Caves
30 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating to the 2nd century BCE. The murals inside are considered the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian painting. Plan at least 3–4 hours here. Located 100 km from Aurangabad.
UNESCO World Heritage Site • Closed MondaysEllora Caves
34 caves spanning Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. Cave 16 — the Kailasa Temple — is the world’s largest single rock-cut structure and is absolutely jaw-dropping. Just 35 km from Aurangabad city.
UNESCO World Heritage Site • Closed TuesdaysBibi Ka Maqbara
Called the “Mini Taj Mahal of the Deccan” — this Mughal mausoleum built by Azam Shah for his mother is genuinely stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset. It’s right inside the city.
Mughal Architecture • 17th CenturyDaulatabad Fort
One of the most impregnable forts in medieval India — built on a volcanic rock cone. It was even briefly declared the capital of the Tughlaq Empire. It’s 16 km from Aurangabad, right near Ellora.
12th Century Fort • Near ElloraGrishneshwar Jyotirlinga
The 12th and last of the sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located right next to the Ellora Caves — so you can combine both in a single trip. Especially crowded during Shravan and Mahashivratri.
One of 12 Jyotirlingas • Near ElloraPanchakki
A 17th-century water mill complex and Sufi dargah that’s surprisingly peaceful. The garden, the underground channels, and the waterfall create a lovely atmosphere. Easy to combine with Bibi Ka Maqbara on the same day.
Sufi Heritage • Inside CityBeyond these top spots, our Aurangabad tour packages also include lesser-known gems like Aurangabad Caves (a small Buddhist cave site right within the city), the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Salim Ali Lake, and the Lonar Crater — a meteorite-formed lake about 150 km away that’s truly one-of-a-kind in Asia.
Best Itinerary: How to Plan Your Aurangabad Sightseeing Trip
The biggest mistake most travellers make is trying to combine Ajanta and Ellora in a single day. You can physically do it, but you’ll rush through both and feel exhausted. Here’s what we recommend based on years of operating tours in this region:
Day-Wise Plan (2 Days, 1 Night is Ideal)
| Time | Day 1 — Ajanta Caves | Day 2 — Ellora + City Tour |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Pickup from hotel / railway station / airport in Aurangabad | Pickup from hotel after breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at Ajanta Caves. Explore for 3–4 hours with guide | Arrive Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. Darshan + temple visit |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch near Fardapur. Return drive towards Aurangabad | Walk to Ellora Caves (just 500m away). Spend 3 hours exploring |
| 3:30 PM | En route visit to Daulatabad Fort (optional stopover) | Quick lunch near Ellora |
| 5:00 PM | Bibi Ka Maqbara + Panchakki (city sightseeing) | Daulatabad Fort → Bibi Ka Maqbara if not covered on Day 1 |
| 7:00 PM | Drop at hotel in Aurangabad | Drop at railway station / airport / hotel |
Doing It in One Day (Not Ideal, But Possible)
If you only have a single day in Aurangabad and want to cover both caves, it’s doable — but you’ll need to start very early (around 6 AM) and stick to a tight schedule. Ajanta is 100 km away while Ellora is only 35 km. You’d have to choose between covering each site briefly or skipping the city sightseeing. This option works best for experienced travellers who’ve done the research beforehand.
For a single-day itinerary that actually feels satisfying, most of our guests choose to do Ellora + Grishneshwar + Bibi Ka Maqbara + Daulatabad in one day and save Ajanta for a separate trip or an early-morning start.
Which Vehicle Should You Book for Your Aurangabad Tour?
The right vehicle makes a massive difference — especially on the Aurangabad to Ajanta road, which is a 2-hour drive. You want something with proper AC, legroom, and a driver who knows the route well. Here’s what we at Singhavis Tours offer, and which vehicle suits which group:
Solo Travellers and Couples
A Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, or Toyota Etios is perfect — comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easy to navigate through cave parking areas. Starting from just ₹12/km.
Families of 4–6
The Toyota Innova Crysta is the most popular choice for family groups. It’s spacious, comfortable over long distances, has good AC, and your driver can store luggage comfortably while you’re inside the caves. You can also consider the Kia Carens or Toyota Rumion for a slightly more economical option with the same comfort level.
Groups of 8–17
The Force Tempo Traveller (17 seater) or Force Urbania (16 seater) are excellent for extended families, school groups, or office trips. Fully air-conditioned, push-back seats, and plenty of space even for long journeys. The Urbania Maharaja version takes group comfort to a completely different level with its luxury interior.
Large Groups of 20–40
Our 40 Seater Premium Pushback A/C Bus is the obvious choice for school excursions, corporate team outings, pilgrimage groups, and wedding parties. You get a professional driver and the convenience of everyone travelling together in one comfortable vehicle.
You can check our full fleet, seating capacity, and photos at the Singhavis Tours fleet page — we also have luxury vehicles like the Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 Series, and Toyota Fortuner Legender for guests who want a premium experience.
Ready to Book Your Aurangabad Sightseeing Tour?
Call us or WhatsApp right now — we’ll confirm your vehicle, share the itinerary, and handle everything from pickup to drop.
Aurangabad to Shirdi: Adding a Pilgrimage to Your Tour
If you’re already in Aurangabad, Shirdi is just about 115 km away — roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour drive depending on traffic. Many families plan a 3-day trip covering Ajanta, Ellora, and Shirdi in one seamless journey. It makes perfect geographical sense because Nashik and Trimbakeshwar (another Jyotirlinga) are also in the same direction.
We run dedicated Aurangabad to Shirdi cab services — both one-way and round-trip — and can customise the route to include Shani Shingnapur, Nashik, or any other stops you want. Just tell us your plan and we’ll put together an itinerary that covers the most ground without the rush.
Explore all our customised routes on the Singhavis Tours services page — we handle everything from airport pickups to multi-day outstation tours, flight and railway bookings, and even passport assistance.
✅ Practical Tips for a Smooth Aurangabad Trip
- Book your cab at least a day in advance — especially during peak season (October to March) when Aurangabad sees heavy tourist footfall.
- Carry water and snacks for the Ajanta trip — the drive is long and food options between Aurangabad and Ajanta are limited beyond basic dhabas near Fardapur.
- Wear comfortable footwear — both cave sites involve significant walking on uneven terrain, and some paths have stairs.
- Entry tickets: Ajanta Caves — ₹40 (Indian nationals), ₹600 (foreign nationals). Ellora Caves — same rates. Bibi Ka Maqbara — ₹30 (Indian), ₹300 (foreign).
- Photography: Cameras are allowed at Ellora but inside Ajanta caves, flash photography is prohibited to protect the ancient paintings.
- Best time to visit: October to March. Summers in Marathwada can be brutally hot (40°C+), making cave visits uncomfortable. The monsoon months are actually quite scenic if you don’t mind some rain on the drive.
- Ask your driver about local restaurant recommendations — our drivers at Singhavis have been doing this route for years and know the best spots for authentic Marathwada food along the way.
Why Travellers from Across India Choose Singhavis Tours and Travels
We’re based right here in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), at Savitaraj Complex, CIDCO — which means we actually know this region. Our drivers aren’t strangers to these roads; many of them have been navigating the Aurangabad–Ajanta–Ellora belt for over a decade. When you’re looking for a cab service for a sightseeing trip, local knowledge genuinely matters.
A few things that set us apart from other services you might find online:
Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Charges
We quote clearly upfront — per kilometre rates with driver allowance and fuel included. No surprises at the end of the trip. If you’re travelling outstation, we share the complete fare breakup before you confirm.
Well-Maintained, Modern Fleet
We invest in our vehicles because we know that a breakdown in the middle of the Ajanta highway is not just inconvenient — it ruins a trip entirely. Every vehicle in our fleet is regularly serviced and cleaned before every journey.
Professional, Courteous Drivers
Our drivers speak Hindi, Marathi, and basic English. They’re trained to be punctual, helpful with luggage, and respectful — especially with family groups and senior travellers. Several of our guests specifically mention their driver when they write reviews.
End-to-End Travel Support
Beyond cab services, we also handle domestic and international tour packages, flight and railway tickets, passport and visa assistance, and airport transfers — all under one roof. So if you’re planning a bigger trip around Aurangabad, you don’t have to coordinate with multiple agencies.
You can learn more about how we work and what drives us on our About Us page.
Our Popular Tour Packages from Aurangabad
If you’d rather have everything planned for you — vehicle, itinerary, hotel recommendations, and stops — we have a range of tour packages specifically designed for Aurangabad and nearby destinations.
Aurangabad Heritage Tour (1 Day)
Best for people with limited time. Covers Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and Ellora Caves (or Ajanta — your choice). A clean, no-rush day tour that hits all the major spots within 120 km.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves Tour (2 Days)
Our most popular package. Day 1 covers Ajanta Caves and day 2 covers Ellora, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Comfortable vehicle, experienced driver, flexible timings.
Aurangabad + Shirdi Pilgrimage Tour (3 Days)
Combines the heritage of Aurangabad with the spiritual experience of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Can be extended to include Shani Shingnapur, Nashik, and Trimbakeshwar depending on your schedule.
Maharashtra Jyotirlinga Tour
Grishneshwar, Bhimashankar, Aundha Nagnath, Parli Vaijnath — covering the Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra in a multi-day outstation trip. This is one of our most requested pilgrimage packages.
Browse all available packages and get a customised quote on the Singhavis Tours tour packages page.
🔗 Explore More on Singhavis Tours and Travels
Frequently Asked Questions About Aurangabad Sightseeing Tour
These are the questions we get most often — answered straight from experience, not from a brochure.
Plan Your Aurangabad Tour with Singhavis Today
Whether it’s a family trip to the caves, a pilgrimage to Shirdi, or a corporate outing — we’ll take care of everything from vehicle to itinerary. No hidden charges. No stress. Just a great journey.