Aurangabad offers three very different ways to plan a heritage-focused trip: a two-day private circuit, a longer three-day itinerary that adds Shirdi, and a shorter guided day tour. Each one centers on Ajanta and Ellora, but they differ in pacing, guide support, and whether the day is built around a single outing or multiple days.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Aurangabad. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and India tours and experiences.
Compare the 3 Tour Options
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Private 2-day circuit | Travelers who want a slower pace with included entry tickets and private transport | ★ 5.0/5 | 22 reviews | Approx. 48 hr | Private air-conditioned car with driver throughout the tour | View on Viator |
 3-day heritage add-on | Travelers who want to combine Aurangabad caves with a visit to Shirdi | ★ 5.0/5 | 10 reviews | Approx. 72 hr | Covers three days instead of compressing everything into one or two | View on Viator |
 Guided day tour | Travelers who want a single-day outing with a guide and organized transport | ★ 5.0/5 | 9 reviews | Approx. 10 hr | Single-day format from Aurangabad with round-trip transport | View on Viator |
Explore Each Tour in Detail
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare this if you want a slower private itinerary
Skip-the-queue private Ajanta & Ellora 2-Day Tour
Best for: Travelers who want a slower pace with included entry tickets and private transport
This option is built for travelers who want a more relaxed schedule and do not want to manage the logistics themselves. The itinerary is split over two days: Ajanta viewing point and Ajanta Caves on day one, then Ellora Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara on day two. It uses a private air-conditioned car with a driver, and the listed inclusions confirm entrance fees for all three sites. Guide service is not included, but you can choose to hire an ASI-approved guide at the sites. It suits visitors who prefer flexibility and a private, point-to-point format rather than a fixed group-style day.
Two-day private heritage tour with included admissions
- Private air-conditioned car with driver throughout the tour
- Entry tickets to Ajanta, Ellora, and Bibi Ka Maqbara are included
- You can explore independently or hire an ASI-approved guide at the sites
Compare this if you want to expand the trip beyond Aurangabad
From Aurangabad: 3-Day Tour of Shirdi Sai Baba, Ajanta, & Ellora.
Best for: Travelers who want to combine Aurangabad caves with a visit to Shirdi
This is the most extended of the three options and is designed for travelers who want to add Shirdi Sai Baba Temple to the Aurangabad cave circuit. The itinerary notes show separate days for Shirdi, Ajanta, and a third day covering Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara before returning to Aurangabad. The product includes a private air-conditioned car, driver, water, and a torch for cave visits, but entry tickets and guide service are not included. It is a practical fit for visitors who want a broader multi-day plan rather than a single sightseeing day.
Three-day private itinerary with Shirdi included
- Covers three days instead of compressing everything into one or two
- Private air-conditioned car with driver for transfers and sightseeing
- Pickup is offered from airport, railway station, hotel, or another pickup location in Shirdi
Compare this if you want the most time-efficient sightseeing day
Private Ajanta Ellora Guided Day Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry
Best for: Travelers who want a single-day outing with a guide and organized transport
This option keeps the itinerary compact and is built for travelers with limited time. It offers a private day tour from Aurangabad with flexible pickup and drop-off, round-trip transport, and skip-the-line entry. The inclusions also confirm bottled water, tolls, parking, fuel taxes, and a professional driver, with a private local English guide available as a booking option. The itinerary notes show the tour is centered on Ajanta and Ellora, with room to choose one or both at your own pace. It works well for visitors who want a structured day rather than a multi-day private circuit.
One-day guided Ajanta and Ellora tour
- Single-day format from Aurangabad with round-trip transport
- Skip-the-line entry is part of the experience
- Private English guide can be booked with the tour
Choosing an Aurangabad itinerary style
If you want the simplest planning, the one-day guided tour keeps the schedule concentrated and easy to fit into a short stay. If you prefer a slower pace or want to add more stops, the two-day private tour or the three-day route give you more time on the road and at the sites.
Two-day route
Ajanta viewing point and Ajanta Caves on the first day; Ellora Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara on the second day.
Three-day route
Aurangabad to Shirdi and back, then separate days for Ajanta and for Ellora with Bibi Ka Maqbara and other listed stops.
One-day route
A single-day Aurangabad outing centered on Ajanta, Ellora, or both, with pickup and drop-off.
Travel planning tip
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Booking notes
- Check whether your preferred option includes entry tickets, since the inclusions differ across the three tours.
- Guide service is not included in every product, so confirm whether you want a guided visit or a driver-only format.
- Review the listed pickup and pickup-location details carefully, because they are not the same for each tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option is best if I only have one day in Aurangabad?
The private guided day tour is the most time-efficient choice because it is built as a single-day outing from Aurangabad.
Which tour includes a visit beyond Ajanta and Ellora?
The two-day private tour includes Bibi Ka Maqbara, and the three-day tour adds Shirdi Sai Baba Temple plus other listed stops.
Do all three tours include a guide?
No. Guide service is included or available on some options, but not all. Check each product carefully if a guide matters to you.