Shirdi to Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Darshan

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga + Ellora Caves + Bibi Ka Maqbara in a single day

12 hrs300 kmup to 6From ₹3,400

About this trip

Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) is 150 km from Shirdi and packs three UNESCO-caliber sites into one long day: the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (12th of the 12), the Ellora Caves (34 rock-cut Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples over 1,200 years old), Bhadra Maruti (one of only three sleeping Hanuman idols in India), and Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangzeb's son's tribute to his mother — the "Mini Taj Mahal"). Being 12 hours round-trip, this is best done as an early departure from Shirdi. Pace matters — Ellora alone can eat a full day if you visit every cave. Most yatris focus on caves 16 (Kailasa) and 34 for the highlight tour.

What's included

✓AC vehicle for the full day
✓Driver + fuel + driver bhatta
✓All tolls and parking
✓Bottled water

What's not

✕Meals and refreshments
✕Ellora Caves entry fees
✕Camera / video charges
✕Personal expenses

Your day

05:30Pickup from your Shirdi hotel
Very early start — 300 km round trip means every hour saved at the front adds a stop.
08:30Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga darshan
Reach in time for the 8:30 morning aarti. Sanctum requires men to change into dhoti (temple provides).
10:00Ellora Caves — highlights tour
Cave 16 (Kailasa) is the must-see — a single rock carved into a full temple. Cave 34 (Jain) is the second stop most yatris make.
13:00Lunch break (own expense)
Ellora village has several thali restaurants; Bhadra Maruti also nearby with prasadalayas.
14:00Bhadra Maruti Temple
The sleeping-Hanuman idol; a rare form. About 15 min from Ellora.
15:30Bibi Ka Maqbara (Mini Taj Mahal)
Photo stop + brief walk-through; sits on the road back toward Shirdi.
17:00Return drive to Shirdi
~150 km, arrives back by 19:30-20:00.
20:00Drop back at your Shirdi hotel
Long day; expect to sleep well.

Places you'll visit

Grishneshwar JyotirlingaEllora CavesBhadra Maruti TempleBibi Ka Maqbara

Price by vehicle

Swift 4+1 · up to 4 guests

₹3,400

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Ertiga 6+1 · up to 6 guests

₹4,100

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Innova 6 + 1 · up to 6 guests

₹5,500

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incl all — No hidden charges after this

FAQs

Are the Ellora Caves suitable for elderly parents?

Cave 16 (Kailasa) has some uphill walking and stairs; caves 1-10 (Buddhist) are more accessible with gentler paths. For seniors we recommend limiting to Cave 16 + the visitor centre; skip 30-34 which involve more climbing.

How much is Ellora Caves entry?

Indian nationals ₹40, foreign visitors ₹600 (as of 2026). Closed Tuesdays. Camera fee ~₹25 extra for regular cameras.

Should I add Ajanta Caves too?

Not on this package — Ajanta is another 100 km further and needs a full separate day. If you want both, we recommend an overnight stay in Sambhajinagar.

Is Bibi Ka Maqbara worth the stop?

Yes if you enjoy Mughal architecture. It's a modest but well-preserved smaller Taj Mahal, and the gardens are photogenic. Skip if your priority is temples and you're running short on time.