Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora, Lonar Crater

Upon arrival at the Aurangabad Airport/Railway Station, get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Nestled on the banks of the Kham River, Aurangabad is one of the royal cities of the state of Maharashtra. Relax for a short period of time. Then you will leave to explore another architectural wonder of the ancient period, the ELLORA CAVES. Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave complexes in the world, with artwork dating from the period 600-1000 CE with largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world

Located around 29 km from the city center, Ellora Caves is a group of around 34 Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves. These caves which were constructed in the period between 6th and 11th-century AD are the perfect example of the prehistoric time.

When you explore this archaeological wonder, visit the Vishwakarma – cave number 10, Dashavatara – cave number 15, Kailasanatha Temple – cave number 16, Rameshwara – cave number 21 and Indra Sabha – cave number 32.

Also visit GRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE dedicated to Lord Shiva, 2 km away from the Ellora Caves, it is considered the 12^th Jyotirlinga.

Later, visit one of the most impressive and undefeatable forts in the entire country, DAULATABAD FORT. The Fort was an old Hindu stronghold originally called DEVGIRI FORT. Emperor Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq captured and plundered it in 13^th century and made it the second capital of Delhi Sultanate renaming it DAULATABAD. It is famous for its series of trick defence, secret escape routes.

Around 15 km away from the major city of Aurangabad, Daulatabad Fort stands strong on a 200 meters high conical hill. The hill provides this Fort a strategic position, architectural beauty and protection from the enemies. Another unique aspect of the mighty Daulatabad is its architectural brilliance. Its three layers of defensive walls, moat, scrap, the solid rocks of subterranean passage and a large pit of fire in its upper outlet give hard times to the enemies. Last but not least, marvel at a mesmerizing view of the entire city by climbing some 750 odd steps up to the top.

Also visit BIBI KA MAQBARA, a close resemblance to Taj Mahal from a distance with identical pillars and a central dome. It was built in memory of Aurangzeb’s wife Rabia Durrani.

Later, in the evening you can visit the local markets and pick up your favorite items. Overnight stay at the Aurangabad hotel

On the second day of your Tour, after having breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the prime attraction in the city, the AJANTA CAVES. Situated around 99 km north of Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves is a group of around 30 Buddhist caves that are carved out of rocks. These caves which were constructed in the period between 2nd-century BC and 6th-century AD are considered as the most brilliant examples of ancient Indian art and architecture. Besides, it’s believed that the ancient Buddhist monks used these caves for studying, living, and worship purposes. The murals, paintings, and carvings on the walls reveal many unknown facts about the way of living, the cultures and traditions of the ancient period. These caves are designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After exploring Ajanta Caves, you will return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.