Echoes of Stone: A 5-Day Journey through Ajanta, Ellora & Aurangabad's Heritage
Complete Journey Overview
Echoes of Stone: A 5-Day Journey through Ajanta, Ellora & Aurangabad's Heritage
Echoes of Stone: A 5-Day Journey through Ajanta, Ellora & Aurangabad's Heritage
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Arrival & The 'Taj of the Deccan'
Arrival in Aurangabad
Arrive at Aurangabad's Chikalthana Airport (IXU) or the Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB). Welcome to the historic heart of Maharashtra!
Check-in to Hotel
Check into your pre-booked hotel and freshen up. We recommend staying in the central part of the city for easy access to restaurants and attractions.
Authentic Maharashtrian Thali Lunch
Begin your culinary journey with a traditional Maharashtrian thali. A thali offers a complete meal with a variety of vegetable dishes, lentils, bread, rice, and sweets, giving you a taste of the local flavors.
Bibi Ka Maqbara: The 'Taj of the Deccan'
Visit the magnificent Bibi Ka Maqbara, a mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife. While it was designed to rival the Taj Mahal, it has its own unique charm and intricate marble carvings.
Panchakki (Water Mill)
Explore Panchakki, an ingenious 17th-century water mill that was designed to generate energy to grind grain for the pilgrims. It's a marvel of medieval Indian engineering and a tranquil spot to spend the evening.
Dinner with Mughlai Flavors
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant known for its Mughlai and Deccani cuisine, reflecting the city's rich history under various sultanates. Try local specialties like Naan Qalia.
Day 2: The Painted Caves of Ajanta
Early Start for Ajanta Caves
After an early breakfast, depart for the Ajanta Caves. Hiring a private car for the day is the most convenient option. The journey itself is scenic, passing through rural Maharashtra.
Explore the Ajanta Caves
Spend the day exploring the 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE. These caves are famous for their exquisite murals and sculptures, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.
Lunch near the Caves
Take a break for lunch at one of the restaurants run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) located near the cave entrance. The options are simple but provide a much-needed rest.
Return to Aurangabad
Begin your journey back to Aurangabad in the late afternoon. You can ask your driver to stop for a cup of tea at a roadside stall for a local experience.
Relaxed Dinner
After a long and rewarding day, have a relaxed dinner at a quiet restaurant in Aurangabad. Opt for something light or explore a different cuisine.
Day 3: Ellora's Monolithic Marvels & a Mighty Fort
Journey to Daulatabad Fort
After breakfast, hire a car for the day to explore the sites on the outskirts of Aurangabad. The first stop is the imposing Daulatabad Fort.
Climb the Daulatabad Fort
Explore the unconquered Daulatabad Fort, a 12th-century fortress city. Its ingenious defensive mechanisms, including multiple gates and a pitch-black spiral passage known as the 'Andheri', make it a fascinating visit. The climb to the top is rewarded with panoramic views.
Explore the Ellora Caves
Proceed to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 100 caves, of which 34 are open to the public. The caves are a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut architecture, showcasing the religious harmony of the period.
Lunch with a View of Ellora
Have lunch at a local restaurant near the Ellora Caves. Several options are available offering decent Indian food.
Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Just a short distance from the Ellora Caves, visit the Grishneshwar Temple. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva, and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Dinner and Relaxation
Return to Aurangabad and relax after a day of exploration. For dinner, you could try a restaurant that offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines.
Day 4: Local Crafts & Hidden Histories
Aurangabad Caves
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the often-overlooked Aurangabad Caves. Carved out of a soft rock hill, these 12 Buddhist caves are from the 6th and 7th centuries and offer a peaceful experience and fantastic views of the city and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
Himroo Weaving Workshop
Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting a Himroo weaving center. Himroo is a traditional fabric made of silk and cotton, known for its intricate designs. Witness the artisans at work on their looms and learn about this ancient craft.
Lunch at a Local Cafe
Enjoy lunch at a modern cafe in the city, offering a mix of local and continental snacks and beverages.
Shopping at Gulmandi Market
Spend the afternoon exploring Gulmandi, one of the oldest and largest markets in Aurangabad. It's a bustling area where you can find everything from traditional Paithani sarees to local spices and handicrafts.
Farewell Dinner
For your last evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at one of the city's top-rated restaurants, celebrating the end of a memorable journey through history.
Day 5: Last Souvenirs & Departure
Traditional Local Breakfast
Start your day like a local with a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast. Find a small, popular eatery and try dishes like 'Poha' (flattened rice) or 'Sabudana Khichdi' (sago pearl pilaf).
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Use the morning for any last-minute souvenir shopping. You can revisit a market or go to a government emporium for fixed-price, authentic handicrafts.
Check-out from Hotel
Return to your hotel to pack and complete the check-out formalities.
Departure from Aurangabad
Transfer to Chikalthana Airport (IXU) or Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) for your journey home, carrying with you memories of ancient art and architectural grandeur.
