How do I reach Sambhajinagar from Mumbai or Pune?

By air to Aurangabad Airport (IXU) — about 1 hour from Mumbai. By road, Mumbai to Sambhajinagar is roughly 7 hours and Pune is about 4–5 hours via the Samruddhi expressway. Direct trains and the Tapovan and Janshatabdi expresses also run daily.

Plan Your Trip to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)

Q: How many days do I need for Ajanta and Ellora?

Minimum 3 days for a comfortable trip including the city; ideally 5 days to include both UNESCO caves without rushing.

Last updated: 14 June 2026

How to reach Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

✈️ By air

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar International Airport (IXU) has daily direct flights from Mumbai (~1 hr), Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, with seasonal connections to Pune and Ahmedabad. The airport is about 10 km from the city centre — pre-paid taxis run ~₹400–₹600.

🚆 By train

The city's railway station, recently renamed in line with the city, is on the Manmad-Kachiguda line and well-connected to Mumbai (Tapovan Express, ~7 hr), Pune (Jan Shatabdi, ~5 hr), Hyderabad and Nagpur. Book on IRCTC well in advance during October–March.

🚗 By road

The 700 km Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway from Nagpur and the Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway have brought Mumbai to within ~7 hours of comfortable driving. Pune is roughly 4.5 hours. Self-drive and pre-booked SUV options are both reliable.

Planning a trip — notebook, compass, camera and marigolds flat lay

Best time to visit (month-by-month)

Months	Weather	Verdict
Oct – Nov	22–32°C, dry, clear	★ Excellent
Dec – Feb	14–28°C, cool mornings	★ Excellent (peak season)
Mar	20–34°C, dry	Good
Apr – Jun	26–42°C, very hot	Difficult outdoors
Jul – Sep	22–32°C, monsoon rain	Lush but slippery; cave gorges become dramatic

Where to stay

Three sensible "bases" depending on your priorities:

Central city (CIDCO / Jalna Road): Best for food, nightlife and proximity to the railway station. 4–5 star hotels around N-1 area.
Near Bibi Ka Maqbara / Cantonment: Heritage feel, quieter, walkable to Panchakki.
Near Ellora / Khuldabad: A handful of mid-range resorts ideal if Ellora & Grishneshwar are your sole focus.

Budget travellers will find clean ₹1,200–₹2,500 hotels around the railway station; mid-range options sit between ₹3,500–₹6,500; the city has 2–3 luxury 5-star options in the ₹9,000+ range.

What & where to eat

Naan Qalia — the signature spicy mutton curry of Aurangabad

Aurangabadi cuisine is a delicious crossroads of Mughlai richness and Marathi spice. Don't leave without trying:

Naan Qalia — the city's signature spiced mutton curry, eaten with hot naan. Bhoj, Tara Paan Centre's adjoining stalls and Foodwala's Bhoj are reliable.
Tahri / Hyderabadi-style biryani — slow-cooked, layered, fragrant.
Pithla bhakri for a Marathi village-style meal.
Khichdi at Tara Paan Centre — late-night legend.
Sweets: basundi, shrikhand and the local khova jalebi.

Getting around

Ola / Uber work in the city but are sparse for the caves — pre-book a full-day taxi instead.
Auto-rickshaws are everywhere; agree fare upfront or insist on meter.
MSRTC buses reach Ellora frequently; for Ajanta a private taxi is far more practical.
Bicycle & e-scooter rentals exist for the city centre but are best for confident riders.

Entry fees & rules at a glance

Site	Indian	Foreign	Closed
Ellora Caves	₹40	₹600	Tuesdays
Ajanta Caves	₹40	₹600	Mondays
Bibi Ka Maqbara	₹25	₹300	Open daily
Daulatabad Fort	₹25	₹300	Open daily
Grishneshwar Temple	Free	Free	Open daily
Panchakki	~₹20	~₹100	Open daily

Always reconfirm at the ASI gate — fees update annually each April.

Responsible & respectful travel

Don't touch the carvings or murals. Ever. Skin oils accelerate decay.
Use only natural light photography inside caves. Flash is genuinely banned for a reason.
Dress modestly at temples — shoulders covered, knees covered, footwear removed at sanctums.
Carry a reusable water bottle; refill points exist near the cave gates.
Tip your guide. They keep this storytelling tradition alive.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar?

October to March, when daytime temperatures are pleasant (15–28°C) and the caves are comfortable to walk through. Avoid April–June (very hot) and check forecasts during the July–September monsoon.

Is "Aurangabad" still used, or only "Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar"?

Both. Officially the city was renamed in 2023, but the older name is still widely used in conversation and across older signage. Most modern guides use both together to avoid confusion.

How many days do I need for Ajanta and Ellora?

Three days is a comfortable minimum if you include the city. For both UNESCO caves without rushing, five days is ideal — see our 5-day itinerary.

Is it safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, generally. The city sees regular heritage tourism, taxis are reliable through hotel desks or Ola/Uber, and the cave sites are well-monitored. Standard precautions apply: pre-booked transport at night and modest dress at temples.

Can I do Ajanta and Ellora in the same day?

Strongly not recommended. Ajanta is 100 km north-east and Ellora is 30 km north-west of the city — they're in opposite directions. Treat them as separate days.

Is photography allowed at the caves?

Yes for still photography. Flash photography is forbidden inside caves (it damages the pigment). Tripods and drones require advance permission from the ASI.