Aurangabad to Ajanta Ellora Private Tour: An Honest Review
Alright, so, you’re probably planning a trip to Aurangabad and you’re seriously considering a day tour to Ajanta and Ellora, isn’t that so? Maybe you’re asking yourself if a private tour is really worth the expense? Well, you’ve shown up at the correct spot. I actually did this very trip, and I’m going to share all the bits and pieces of my experience, without any sugarcoating at all.
Why Choose a Private Tour? That Is The Big Question!
Okay, so first thing you could consider is the why of a private tour? With the group tours being available, what is it actually buying you, actually? For me, it was pretty much about time. Ajanta and Ellora, you see, are just a little far away from Aurangabad—we’re discussing a decent bit of driving—and I simply didn’t wish to be held to the pace of a group or, well, to invest energy holding up for other people. A private tour provides you, almost, with the opportunity to go at your own speed, spend time at the spots that grab you, and, of course, skip the ones that do not. Plus, let’s face it, after waking up really early to begin these journeys, it’s extremely good to unwind in your own vehicle, especially, instead of a jam-packed tour bus, that could be argued. The comfort factor is, arguably, enormous!
Booking Your Trip: What To Really Consider
Okay, so the booking, yeah? I mostly used one of those travel websites for this. See if you could explore around a bit; costs can really fluctuate. I’d read some really very terrible stories, you know, of individuals turning up and the tour wasn’t what they expected or, too it’s almost, the vehicle wasn’t good, and stuff. So, too, I made a point to actually check testimonials cautiously. And I’m suggesting, in that case, actually reaching out to the tour operator prior to really sealing the deal. A really speedy email just to sort of gauge their responsiveness and resolve any inquiries can go far. Make absolutely sure you’re clear on what’s incorporated — is it simply transport, or does it incorporate the guide expenses, entry fees and so forth? What appeared as a truly discounted rate can, possibly, end up costing you much more!
The Drive: Expect an Early Start, So It Is!
Alright, early start is no joke, right? Depending upon who you decide to believe, expect approximately a two- to three-hour trip just to Ajanta. So, that, very depends on the traffic and how bold your driver actually is in overtaking each and every truck on the road, obviously. So, it’s really advisable to perhaps pack some snacks and water—you may actually find yourself hungry and thirsty, yeah. The street itself is very what one would really expect; sections are entirely fine, and afterward, suddenly, bam! — potholes that apparently will gobble your vehicle whole. Basically, do not expect a super-smooth ride at all. My driver, for example, actually made a pitstop at a neighborhood tea stall, that, arguably, was a truly pleasant little experience. It granted me, basically, to extend my legs, utilize the restroom, and experience a taste of roadside India.
Ajanta Caves: Art That Leaves You Stunned
Ajanta, you know, are basically rock-cut cave monuments highlighting some very old Indian craftsmanship, very? The paintings and figures mostly recount stories from Buddhism. Alright, the caves are truly amazing—the way they were made and the way the colors have withstood, that, seems like, the trial of time, for example, is absolutely mind blowing. If you actually get a guide (which I strongly propose) they really give life to the paintings; and make a point to actually inquire concerning the methods the artists utilized. Seriously, it isn’t just about glancing at the work; and about seriously grasping the story at the back of them.
Okay, very few functional things you can consider, it tends to be really hot, especially during the afternoons. Be certain to wear cap and take sunscreen. Also, you need to leave your footwear at the entry, in order to go into the caves, and in the event that the stone is actually hot, it really tends to be unpleasant. Socks could be a smart idea. Something different to note is that photography is permitted inside very few caves, it really tends to be extremely dim inside, which may be argued. Be prepared to perhaps strain your eyes a bit.
Lunch Break: Finding a Good Spot
After Ajanta, you are mostly going to be truly ravenous. Your driver must have the option to recommend a spot; you may even inquire ahead of time in the event that they have a suggestion or, too it’s almost, want to try some food that you like to explore? I asked my driver to find some genuine, more neighborhood food, instead. It may actually not have been the fanciest spot, but the flavors, you see, were the real deal. Do actually take a stab at something local—it’s, honestly, part of the adventure!
Ellora Caves: A Mix of Faiths
Alright, so, Ellora is unlike Ajanta in that it includes temples devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Basically, it shows religious agreement and tolerance that’s extremely amazing. Cave 16, you see, the Kailasa Temple, is something different altogether. This humongous structure carved out of a solitary rock is, just, spectacular. Allow a significant amount of time there to actually stroll around and really grasp its size. Yet again, guides really make a major difference. They understand the iconography and the historical events of each religion represented, and so on.
Actually, comparable to Ajanta, Ellora also needs you to actually remove your footwear to go into certain caves. So that may also be uncomfortable and sunglasses, a cap, sunscreen and so forth are really smart, because the sun may burn you. I would say it might actually be smarter to hit this location later in the day and not first.
The Guide Situation: Totally Worth It?
Yeah, so I’ve touched on this before, but here’s a reminder, that you can find licensed guides at both Ajanta and Ellora, for example. I will seriously suggest employing them. Yes, there’s an extra expense related with this, yet the understanding they provide will seriously make the places considerably more significant. They will also deal with a great deal of the swarming individuals; especially the truly persistent hawkers hoping to offer you things, for instance. It might be smarter to sort of make the cost and length of the tour crystal clear right off the bat to actually forestall any awkward price discussions a while later, if that’s alright?
The Drive Back: Reflecting on the Day
Okay, so, the trip back to Aurangabad from Ellora is much like what you went to visit Ajanta only in reverse; which, apparently, is a really long one. So, you can plan to feel, really tired yet absolutely delighted. Perhaps now is a good time to perhaps engage the driver to stop somewhere to truly experience the dusk or have a chai. Looking back at the images and processing the experiences of the day became, too, part of the experience for me. And make absolutely sure you actually hydrate! A very long day in the sun can really zap your energy. When I came to my accommodation, it tends to be safely argued I dropped directly down in the bed, actually. Exhausted but satisfied.
Would I Recommend It? Oh Yeah!
Alright, so, after doing it, would I seriously prescribe an Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora private tour? Absolutely, actually! Basically, there’s truly no question. Is it somewhat expensive? Yes. However, the adaptability, the comfort, and simply the capacity to really experience the caves at your own pace is certainly justified, really. I feel you get a great deal more out of the experience when you are not surge or packed into a bus full of tourists, in my experience, for example. Perhaps doing your homework, arranging cautiously, and truly knowing what to expect is crucial to having a wonderful outing.
Basically, ensure that you take sunscreen, wear shoes that feel comfortable, and basically prepare yourself for the hot day in India! Make sure that you find a tourist guide so you will have more comprehension and will know more about Ajanta and Ellora!
#Aurangabad #AjantaEllora #IndiaTravel #CaveTemples #MaharashtraTourism
