Pilgrimage to Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Arrive in Aurangabad, an ancient city in the state of Maharashtra. You will be met at the airport by an Ekno representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and soaking up the rich local culture. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand should you need recommendations or general provisions.

After an early breakfast at the hotel you will be escorted by private vehicle to the Ajanta Caves. On arrival you will catch a bus into the caves to enjoy a full day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Buddhist cave temples. Located northeast of Aurangabad, the caves date from around 200BC to 650AD and are cut into the side of a cliff that is on the south side of a U-shaped gorge on the river Waghur. The caves house 29 spectacular monastic buildings that encompass both the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. On your tour you will be able to explore several distinct monasteries as well as view murals which are amongst the best examples of Buddhist art in India.

This morning you will be driven to the caves of Ellora for a full day of sightseeing. The caves consist of 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art and date back to the 6^th and 10^th centuries AD. Marvel at the paintings and exquisite sculptures that are recognised as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, representing depictions of the Buddha’s life and the Jataka tales.

After breakfast at the hotel we will transfer you to the airport in time for your return flight. If your flight is not until the evening you might enjoy exploring the richly diverse city of Aurangabad which is famous for its Mughal era architecture.

We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno experience soon. If you wish this pilgrimage package can be combined with one of our other tours or India extensions.