Ellora Caves · 30 km
|
October to March
|
IXU · 100 km

How to Reach Ajanta Caves & Get Around

Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.

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How To Get There

flight

By Air

Airport: Aurangabad Airport (IXU), 100km from caves

train

By Train

Stations:

Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB)

Major station with trains from Mumbai, Delhi, and other major cities. Located in the city center.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 20-24 hours (₹800-2500)
  • From Mumbai: 6-7 hours (₹500-1500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

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By Bus

Terminals:
  • Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (CBS)
Routes:
  • From Mumbai: 8-10 hours (₹800-1500)

Note: Trains more comfortable

Getting Around

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Taxi

₹1500-2500 per day

Best for: Comfort, reaching remote locations

Negotiate the price beforehand. Hire a taxi for the entire day for convenience.

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Bus

₹100-200 per trip

Best for: Budget travelers, covering long distances

Buses can be crowded. Check the bus schedule in advance. Be prepared for delays.

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Auto-rickshaw

₹50-150 per trip

Best for: Short distances within Aurangabad

Negotiate the price before starting the ride. Be aware of traffic.

How to Avoid Crowds

Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully

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Explore Orchha instead of Khajuraho for uncrowded temple complexes

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schedule

Visit monuments at opening time (usually 6-7 AM) to avoid tour groups

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Book first entry slot for Taj Mahal to experience it nearly empty

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Varanasi ghats are quietest 5-6 AM before sunrise rituals begin

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Visit 'secondary' UNESCO sites instead of overcrowded primary ones

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nature

Explore lesser-known national parks instead of Ranthambore/Jim Corbett

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Choose Ajanta over Ellora Caves - slightly less tourist traffic

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hiking

Walk 15 minutes beyond main monuments to find empty viewpoints

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Best Time to Travel for Fewer Crowds

Avoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).

Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.

Essential India Travel Tips

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Visit Nagaland to meet former headhunter tribes

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Squat toilets are the norm outside cities - Practice at home if you've never used one; they're actually more hygienic when used correctly.

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Bihu festivals mark Assam's seasons - Three different Bihu celebrations throughout the year reflect agricultural cycles with traditional music and dance.

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Romantic poses for photos can backfire - While taking photos together is fine, overly romantic poses (kissing poses, dramatic dips) can attract unwanted attention.

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Sitting together in public spaces is acceptable - Couples can sit together in restaurants, cafes, parks, and public transport without issue.

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Altitude sickness preparations needed - Moving to Ladakh, Sikkim, or Himachal hills requires Diamox and acclimatization time that beach states don't need.

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Food poisoning risks vary - Street food hygiene better in southern states generally; northern cities have higher contamination risks during summer.

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Mental health resources are state-specific - Better counseling and psychiatric services in metropolitan areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka than in smaller states.

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The Aravalli Range is worth exploring

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Take at least one long-distance train journey

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