Cave Temples and Rock Carvings

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Aurangabad - Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 395.- per person (excluding flights)

Discover the archaeological heritage of India on this trip to the UNESCO world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. The Ellora Caves document the coexistence of the three major religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The older Ajanta Caves were an enclave for Buddhist monks, and is now known for its unique collection of rock paintings. Revel in the silence and the coolness of the caves, and take a journey to a time long forgotten.

Day 1 – Arrival in Aurangabad & city tour

Aurangabad is the starting point for this trip, but it also has a lot to offer as a city in its own right. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your central hotel. In the afternoon we’ll arrange a city tour. You’ll visit Panchakki (The Water Mill), the caves of Aurangabad and the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara (also known as the mini-Taj). It’s a copy of the famous Taj Mahal, but with much fewer tourists and crowds.

Day 2 – Ajanta caves tour

Today, you’ll be visiting the Buddhist caves of Ajanta, accompanied by our English-speaking guide. The temples date back to 200 BC – 650 AD, and due to their hidden and isolated position, are still in excellent condition. Once you climb up to the first cave, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view over the entire cave system, it’s worth the steep climb up! You’ll enjoy a full-day tour before returning to your hotel later that afternoon. We recommend packing a torch as it can be quite dark in some of the caves.

Day 3 – Ellora caves tour & departure

This morning it’s time to visit Ellora, and the 34 caves that are found here. These caves were created by the monks of the three main religions of India; Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. One of the caves particularly stands out – the Kailash Temple. It’s an architectural masterpiece carved out of a single rock. It involved removing 200,000 tonnes of rock, and the detail is impressive. It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by its beauty – an absolute must-see! In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to the airport or train station.