2 daysAurangabad
Skip-the-Line: All-Inclusive 2-Day Ajanta and Ellora Private Tour
5.0(47)Free cancellation
from$152
Ellora Caves
The Deccan · UNESCO World Heritage
The Ellora Caves were carved out of a basalt cliff between about the 6th and 10th centuries. Thirty four monasteries and temples belonging to three religions sit side by side, from quiet Buddhist prayer halls to elaborate Jain shrines.
The highlight is the Kailasa temple, a full sized Hindu temple cut downward from the rock in one piece. Ellora is about 30 km from Aurangabad, now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and is usually combined with the painted Ajanta Caves, about two and a half hours away.
What to see
- Kailasa temple (Cave 16). Carved from the top down out of a single rock, with life sized elephants, towers and galleries. Climb the path above it for the best view.
- Buddhist caves (1 to 12). Monasteries and the Vishvakarma chaitya hall, whose ribbed ceiling imitates wooden beams.
- Hindu caves (13 to 29). Dramatic sculpted panels of Shiva and other gods.
- Jain caves (30 to 34). A short drive from the main group, with fine detailed carving and few visitors.
Tips for your visit
- Ellora is closed on Tuesdays and Ajanta on Mondays, so plan your two days around them.
- Bring a torch for the darker caves and wear shoes that are easy to take off.
- Visit Kailasa early, before the day trippers arrive.
Multi-day tours that visit Ellora Caves
Every tour here includes Ellora Caves in its itinerary. Best rated first.
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Ellora Caves: questions
Is Ellora open every day?
No. The Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays. The Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays.
Ajanta or Ellora, which is better?
They are very different. Ellora is about monumental sculpture, with the Kailasa temple its masterpiece, while Ajanta is famous for its Buddhist wall paintings. If you have two days, see both.