Visit to Aurangabad - Ajanta Ellora

hetapeta · May 4th, 2009, 13:03

I plan to visit Aurangabad in the last weekend of May. However, given the hot temperature, I am wondering whether to reschedule it to June? I have to complete my travel before June end in any case.

Can anyone tell me whether it will make a big difference in the climate between May & June, or is it marginal?

Thanks

gaurav1441 · May 4th, 2009, 13:08

May and June are very similar in Nature...

Only in towards the later part of June . It might start raini which would be a bit better..

Quote:

Originally Posted by hetapeta

I plan to visit Aurangabad in the last weekend of May. However, given the hot temperature, I am wondering whether to reschedule it to June? I have to complete my travel before June end in any case.

Can anyone tell me whether it will make a big difference in the climate between May & June, or is it marginal?

Thanks

delhiwala · May 4th, 2009, 13:09

It's always hot in Aurangabad....So better do it now...June will be even hotter...

dillichaat · May 4th, 2009, 13:14

I'm in Delhi so it would be better to get advise of a mumbaikar but lacking that, I don't think the difference will be huge. Monsoon should arrive in Aurangabad around june 10 or so I think. That means that the temperature goes down but humidity shoots way up. It depends a bit on whether you better support dry heat or humidity I guess. If the former, stick to may.

If you want to visit Ellora/Ajanta and some other sights el cheapo style, book seats on the MTDC bus, costs next to nothing and I found it good value for money. A nice, albeit expensive hotel with good service is the Lemontree hotel.

And finally, whatever the vendors say, 'Aurangabad silk' is not silk but a synthetic. If they insist, pull out a thread and light it, silk doesn't melt :-)

Have fun!

hetapeta · May 4th, 2009, 13:18

Many thanks all. I think will stick to May end. Also, one more question: does one need a whole day to visit Ajanta?

gaurav1441 · May 4th, 2009, 13:23

If you can start early Ajanta not more than an half day soujorn.If you need to cover Ellora as well than it is a full day event.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hetapeta

Many thanks all. I think will stick to May end. Also, one more question: does one need a whole day to visit Ajanta?

hetapeta · May 4th, 2009, 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaurav1441

If you can start early Ajanta not more than an half day soujorn.If you need to cover Ellora as well than it is a full day event.

Will probably do that. We are staying for 2 nights in Aurangabad so one half day will do Ajanta and the next day Ellora with Daulatabad and other places.

delhiwala · May 4th, 2009, 14:16

Both are in opposite directions.....and doing both in one day will be too rushed.

And yes ! If you combine Daulatabad Fort, Bibi ka Makbara, Panchakki, Auranzeb's mausoleum, Ellora & Ghrishneshwar Temple it'll be a full day trip.

On the way to Ellora is a very nice dhaba (I can' recall the name) run by a Sikh family. It's on left side while going to Ellora just after the Cantt. It serves very tasty north Indian food.

Ajanta caves can be done in 3-4 hrs. however long traveling time from Aurangabad means, it needs a full day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hetapeta

Will probably do that. We are staying for 2 nights in Aurangabad so one half day will do Ajanta and the next day Ellora with Daulatabad and other places.

patilsushant001 · May 6th, 2009, 02:10

It's all depends on starting of rain. If there is good pre monsoon and rain arrives on time 7 June for Maharashtra, I think, there would be considerable difference in weather. However, I have no idea about road conditions there in rainy season.

machadinha · May 6th, 2009, 03:07

I've never been there, but have always heard while Ellora and Ajanta can be "done" on a day trip, they really need at least a day each to do them any justice yes.

bruce3404 · May 6th, 2009, 03:14

I have been there and I agree with Machadinha. The drive out to Ajanta takes almost three hours; perhaps if you got a private car, you could cut down the time; the MTDC bus leaves around 8:30 and doesn't return until about 6:00PM. If I remember correctly, they allow for around 3-3.5 hours at the site. On the way to the site, there's a 30 minute refreshment stop. It's a full day, as is the Ellora "package" tour.

patilsushant001 · May 6th, 2009, 14:08

If you are coming with study in your mind, one day (rather a few hours considering travel time) would not be enough.
Otherwise, I think, one day should be good enough to enjoy the beauty of the caves.

hetapeta · May 8th, 2009, 15:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce3404

I have been there and I agree with Machadinha. The drive out to Ajanta takes almost three hours; perhaps if you got a private car, you could cut down the time; the MTDC bus leaves around 8:30 and doesn't return until about 6:00PM. If I remember correctly, they allow for around 3-3.5 hours at the site. On the way to the site, there's a 30 minute refreshment stop. It's a full day, as is the Ellora "package" tour.

I am unable to get through MTDC Aurangabad office. What is the package cost per person for Ajanta and Ellora? Also, is the Coach air conditioned? Many thanks

dillichaat · May 8th, 2009, 16:08

If I recall correctly the cost per excursion was about 300-330 rupees. The bus didn't have a working a/c system but that was compensated for by driving with an open door

They have 2 buses I believe so your mileage may vary.

Edited to add: price excludes the admission fee for the monuments of course.

I took both tours and found them good value for money, especially the ellora/daulatabad...one. A lot depends on the guide of course. Be sure to take a hat (sun) and use sunscreen. During one of the tours the bus made a stop to show 'traditional himroo weaving' which was obviously meant to generate healthy commissions for the guide and driver but there's no pressure to buy.

The Ajanta visit was nice but personally I preferred Ellora. One drawback of the tours is that you arrive at both sites when it's peak visiting time and especially at Ajanta, that means huge crowds.

If you're in Aurangabad and have time to burn, charter a cab and visit Lonar, the site of a meteorite impact. It's a 3.5-hours drive one-way and costs about 1600 but I found it worth it. When at Lonar, check out the MTDC hotel...I felt like I walked into a Stephen King novel.

gaurav1441 · May 8th, 2009, 16:13

Need not worry much there will be numerous travel agents and conducted tours available in Aurangabad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hetapeta

I am unable to get through MTDC Aurangabad office. What is the package cost per person for Ajanta and Ellora? Also, is the Coach air conditioned? Many thanks

May 4th, 2009, 13:03	#1
hetapeta Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 33	Visit to Aurangabad - Ajanta Ellora I plan to visit Aurangabad in the last weekend of May. However, given the hot temperature, I am wondering whether to reschedule it to June? I have to complete my travel before June end in any case. Can anyone tell me whether it will make a big difference in the climate between May & June, or is it marginal? Thanks

May 4th, 2009, 13:09	#3
delhiwala IM what IM Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Indeyah ! Posts: 4,813	It's always hot in Aurangabad....So better do it now...June will be even hotter... __________________ Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone. - The Dhammapada

May 6th, 2009, 03:07	#10
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,357	I've never been there, but have always heard while Ellora and Ajanta can be "done" on a day trip, they really need at least a day each to do them any justice yes. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Aurangabad/Ajanta Ellora to Khajuraho	jerry1	India Travel Itinerary Advice	4	Oct 23rd, 2008 23:55
Ajanta and Ellora in one day from Aurangabad?	eureka	Maharashtra	3	Aug 1st, 2008 17:19
Jaipur to Aurangabad for Ajanta/Ellora	camilla	India Travel Itinerary Advice	6	May 31st, 2007 05:07
Aurangabad - Ajanta - Ellora	man-go-tree	Maharashtra	6	Jan 10th, 2007 21:19
help needed in Aurangabad to Ajanta-Ellora	nomadelmundo	Indian Railways	3	Oct 28th, 2004 03:29

May 4th, 2009, 13:14	#4
dillichaat Professional cynic Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: जोर बाग़,New Delhi Posts: 431	I'm in Delhi so it would be better to get advise of a mumbaikar but lacking that, I don't think the difference will be huge. Monsoon should arrive in Aurangabad around june 10 or so I think. That means that the temperature goes down but humidity shoots way up. It depends a bit on whether you better support dry heat or humidity I guess. If the former, stick to may. If you want to visit Ellora/Ajanta and some other sights el cheapo style, book seats on the MTDC bus, costs next to nothing and I found it good value for money. A nice, albeit expensive hotel with good service is the Lemontree hotel. And finally, whatever the vendors say, 'Aurangabad silk' is not silk but a synthetic. If they insist, pull out a thread and light it, silk doesn't melt :-) Have fun!

May 4th, 2009, 13:18	#5
hetapeta Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 33	Many thanks all. I think will stick to May end. Also, one more question: does one need a whole day to visit Ajanta?

May 6th, 2009, 02:10	#9
patilsushant001 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 218	It's all depends on starting of rain. If there is good pre monsoon and rain arrives on time 7 June for Maharashtra, I think, there would be considerable difference in weather. However, I have no idea about road conditions there in rainy season.

May 6th, 2009, 03:14	#11
bruce3404 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Eugene, Oregon USA Posts: 351	I have been there and I agree with Machadinha. The drive out to Ajanta takes almost three hours; perhaps if you got a private car, you could cut down the time; the MTDC bus leaves around 8:30 and doesn't return until about 6:00PM. If I remember correctly, they allow for around 3-3.5 hours at the site. On the way to the site, there's a 30 minute refreshment stop. It's a full day, as is the Ellora "package" tour.

May 6th, 2009, 14:08	#12
patilsushant001 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 218	If you are coming with study in your mind, one day (rather a few hours considering travel time) would not be enough. Otherwise, I think, one day should be good enough to enjoy the beauty of the caves.

May 8th, 2009, 16:08	#14
dillichaat Professional cynic Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: जोर बाग़,New Delhi Posts: 431	If I recall correctly the cost per excursion was about 300-330 rupees. The bus didn't have a working a/c system but that was compensated for by driving with an open door They have 2 buses I believe so your mileage may vary. Edited to add: price excludes the admission fee for the monuments of course. I took both tours and found them good value for money, especially the ellora/daulatabad...one. A lot depends on the guide of course. Be sure to take a hat (sun) and use sunscreen. During one of the tours the bus made a stop to show 'traditional himroo weaving' which was obviously meant to generate healthy commissions for the guide and driver but there's no pressure to buy. The Ajanta visit was nice but personally I preferred Ellora. One drawback of the tours is that you arrive at both sites when it's peak visiting time and especially at Ajanta, that means huge crowds. If you're in Aurangabad and have time to burn, charter a cab and visit Lonar, the site of a meteorite impact. It's a 3.5-hours drive one-way and costs about 1600 but I found it worth it. When at Lonar, check out the MTDC hotel...I felt like I walked into a Stephen King novel.