Tours · IND-21

9-Day Deccan Caves & Citadels: Elephanta, Ellora, Ajanta & Daulatabad

Mumbai · Elephanta · Lonavala · Pune · Nashik · Daulatabad · Khuldabad · Aurangabad · Ellora · Ajanta

Duration9 Days, 8 Nights

PaceModerate pace

Best timeOct–Feb

Journey typeDeccan & Rock-Cut Heritage

PricePrivate quotation in 24 h

The journey

Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta and Daulatabad: nine days among India's most remarkable rock-cut caves and Deccan forts.

Highlights premier UNESCO rock-cut cave sanctuaries (Ajanta & Ellora) combined with formidable Deccan fortresses and sacred pilgrimage shrines across Maharashtra. Comfortable rhythm with time at each site.

Highlights

UNESCO Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Kailash Temple / Cave 16).
Elephanta Caves rock-cut Shiva sculptures.
Daulatabad Fort fortifications, wet moat, and subterranean Andhari.
Karla & Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Shaniwar Wada, and Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple.

Route and day by day

Schematic route, not to scale.

Day 1Arrival in Mumbai

Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Marine Drive. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 2Mumbai to Lonavala via Elephanta Caves

Morning ferry to UNESCO Elephanta Caves (5th–6th-century Maheshamurti Shiva). Drive to Lonavala (approx. 3.5–4 hours). Overnight in Lonavala.

Day 3Lonavala Ancient Caves & Lohagad Fort

Tour Karla and Bhaja Buddhist rock-cut halls (2nd century BCE onward). Explore Lohagad Fort (Vinchu Kata spur, bastions). Overnight in Lonavala.

Day 4Lonavala to Pune

Tour Shaniwar Wada (spiked Dilli Darwaza), Pataleshwar rock-cut temple, and Aga Khan Palace. Overnight in Pune.

Day 5Pune to Nashik

Drive to Nashik (approx. 4.5–5 hours); visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Ramkund ghats, and Pandavleni Buddhist Caves. Overnight in Nashik.

Day 6Nashik to Aurangabad via Daulatabad Fort

Study military architecture at Daulatabad Fort (rock scarp, wet moat, Andhari dark maze passage, Mendha cannon). Visit Aurangzeb's tomb at Khuldabad. Drive to Aurangabad (approx. 4.5–5 hours in total including stops). Overnight in Aurangabad.

Day 7UNESCO Ellora Caves & Bibi Ka Maqbara

Full day at Ellora Caves focusing on Kailasa Temple (Cave 16 monolith). Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara in afternoon. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Day 8UNESCO Ajanta Caves Excursion

Full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves (approx. 2.5–3 hours each way); examine ancient Buddhist frescoes and viharas. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Day 9Departure

Transfer to Aurangabad Airport/Station for onward travel (not included).

Best time to visit

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Best Fair Avoid

Best time: Oct–Feb. Also good: Mar, Jun–Sep.

October to February is cool and ideal for the caves and forts. The monsoon (June to September) turns the Sahyadri green but can disrupt boats to the sea forts and some cave visits.