Ajanta and Ellora Cave Tour


The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, nestled in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad region, are architectural marvels and UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. Ajanta, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, is renowned for its 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves adorned with intricate frescoes and sculptures depicting Jataka tales and Buddhist deities. The serene setting amidst lush hills enhances its spiritual allure. Ellora, from the 6th to 10th century CE, features 34 caves representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, with the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) as its crown jewel, carved from a single monolithic rock. Visitors can explore Ajanta’s vivid murals or marvel at Ellora’s detailed carvings, reflecting centuries of artistic mastery. The best time to visit is October to March for pleasant weather. Aurangabad, the nearest city (100 km from Ajanta, 30 km from Ellora), offers easy access via flights or trains, with budget hotels and guided tours available. Enjoy local Maharashtrian cuisine like misal pav nearby. This tour promises a captivating blend of history, art, and spirituality, making Ajanta and Ellora must-visit destinations for cultural explorers.

Ajanta and Ellora Cave Tour

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase the pinnacle of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture and artistry. These caves, carved into the Sahyadri Hills, offer a glimpse into India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. This guide provides everything you need to plan an unforgettable Ajanta and Ellora Cave tour, including history, key attractions, travel tips, and a suggested itinerary.

Overview of Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta Caves

  • Location: Approximately 100 km from Aurangabad, nestled in a horseshoe-shaped gorge along the Waghora River.

  • Historical Period: 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE, built in two phases (Satavahana and Vakataka periods).

  • Features: 29 rock-cut Buddhist caves, including monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas). Renowned for vibrant murals and sculptures depicting Jataka tales, the life of Buddha, and intricate Buddhist iconography.

  • Highlights:

    • Cave 1: Famous for the Bodhisattva Padmapani mural, showcasing vivid colors and expressive artistry.

    • Cave 2: Features paintings of Buddha’s birth at Lumbini and detailed ceiling decorations.

    • Cave 26: Houses a massive reclining Buddha and intricate carvings of the “Temptations by Mara.”

    • Ajanta Viewpoint: Offers a panoramic view of the caves’ scenic setting, about 10 km away.

Ellora Caves

  • Location: 30 km northwest of Aurangabad, carved into the Charanandri Hills of the Deccan Plateau.

  • Historical Period: 6th to 10th centuries CE, constructed under the Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and Yadava dynasties.

  • Features: 34 caves representing Buddhist (caves 1–12), Hindu (caves 13–29), and Jain (caves 30–34) traditions, showcasing religious harmony and architectural brilliance.

  • Highlights:

    • Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): A monolithic rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the largest of its kind in the world, adorned with intricate carvings of Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes.

    • Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave): A Buddhist chaitya with a 15-foot Buddha statue and ribbed ceiling resembling wooden architecture.

    • Cave 32 (Indra Sabha): A Jain cave with exquisite carvings of tirthankaras and lotus motifs.

Why Visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

  • Art and Architecture: Ajanta is celebrated for its ancient paintings, considered among the finest surviving examples of Indian art, while Ellora is renowned for its monumental architecture and religious diversity.

  • Cultural Significance: The caves reflect India’s spiritual evolution and artistic excellence, offering insights into ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain practices.

  • Natural Beauty: Ajanta’s horseshoe-shaped setting and Ellora’s Deccan Plateau landscapes add a serene backdrop to the historical exploration.

  • UNESCO Status: Both sites are globally recognized for their cultural and historical importance, making them must-visit destinations for history enthusiasts and travelers.

Best Time to Visit The ideal time to visit is June to March, when the weather is pleasant:

  • Monsoon (June–September): Lush greenery and waterfalls enhance Ajanta’s scenic beauty, though paths may be slippery.

  • Winter (October–March): Cool and dry, perfect for exploring without the scorching heat of summer (April–May). Avoid peak summer months due to high temperatures, and plan visits on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during national holidays.

Timings and Entry Fees

  • Ajanta Caves:

    • Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

    • Entry Fees: INR 40 (Indian nationals), INR 600 (foreign tourists), free for children under 15. Camera fee: INR 25.

    • Note: Videography is prohibited inside caves; photography without flash is allowed.

  • Ellora Caves:

    • Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (sunrise to sunset), closed on Tuesdays.

    • Entry Fees: INR 40 (Indian nationals), INR 600 (foreign tourists), free for children under 15. Camera fee: INR 25.

    • Note: Photography and videography (without flash) are permitted.

How to Reach Aurangabad is the primary base for visiting both cave complexes, well-connected by air, rail, and road:

  • By Air: Aurangabad Airport (IXU) has regular flights from Mumbai (55 minutes), Delhi, and other major cities. Taxis or local transport can be hired from the airport.

  • By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station connects to Mumbai (6 hours via Janshatabdi Express), Pune, and Delhi. From the station, hire a taxi or take a bus to the caves.

  • By Road:

    • Ajanta: 100 km from Aurangabad (2.5–3 hours by car or bus). MSRTC buses and private taxis are available.

    • Ellora: 30 km from Aurangabad (30–45 minutes by car or bus). Luxury buses depart from MTDC office or Central Bus Stand.

  • Local Transport: At Ajanta, a non-AC shuttle bus (INR 20–30) takes visitors from the parking area to the cave entrance to avoid a tiring trek. Ellora is more accessible, with some areas wheelchair-friendly.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary To fully appreciate both sites, a two-day Ajanta and Ellora Cave tour is recommended, allowing leisurely exploration and time for nearby attractions.

Day 1: Ajanta Caves

  • Morning:

    • Depart Aurangabad by 6:00 AM to reach Ajanta by 9:00 AM (opening time).

    • Hire a government-authorized guide at the entrance (rates displayed) for insights into the caves’ history and art.

    • Visit key caves (Cave 1, Cave 2, Cave 16, Cave 17, Cave 19, Cave 26) to admire murals and sculptures. Expect 3–4 hours of exploration, including ~700 steps.

  • Afternoon:

    • Enjoy lunch at a nearby MTDC-run facility or pack sandwiches to avoid crowded on-site canteens.

    • Visit the Ajanta Viewpoint (10 km away) for a panoramic view of the horseshoe-shaped gorge.

  • Evening: Return to Aurangabad by 4:00 PM (7-hour round trip). Dine at a clean, reputable restaurant in Aurangabad.

  • Overnight: Stay in Aurangabad at a budget or mid-range accommodation (INR 1,500–6,000).

Day 2: Ellora Caves and Aurangabad Highlights

  • Morning:

    • Depart Aurangabad by 8:00 AM to reach Ellora by 8:30 AM.

    • Hire a guide to explore key caves (Cave 10, Cave 12, Cave 15, Cave 16, Cave 32). Focus on the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) for its architectural grandeur.

    • Visit Grishneshwar Temple (1 km from Ellora), a revered Jyotirlinga shrine (note: it may be crowded on weekends).

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at a clean eatery near the Ellora complex.

    • Explore nearby attractions like Daulatabad Fort (14 km from Ellora), a historic fortress with a challenging 750-step climb, or Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangabad), a Mughal-era mausoleum resembling the Taj Mahal.

  • Evening: Return to Aurangabad by 4:00 PM. Optionally, visit a Paithani saree emporium for traditional weaves or the Panchakki water mill.

  • Departure: Arrange an airport or railway station drop-off by 6:00 PM if leaving Aurangabad.

Travel Tips

  • Guides: Hire government-authorized guides at the entrance for detailed insights. Avoid unofficial guides posing as experts.

  • What to Bring:

    • Comfortable footwear (slippers recommended for frequent shoe removal at caves).

    • Shoe covers to avoid removing shoes repeatedly.

    • Water, snacks (biscuits, dry fruits), and a packed lunch to avoid unreliable on-site eateries.

    • Umbrella, sunglasses, and a flashlight for cave exploration.

    • Non-drowsy motion sickness medication for the bumpy Ajanta drive.

  • Photography: Flash photography is prohibited at Ajanta to preserve paintings. Carry a flashlight to view details in darker caves.

  • Crowds and Vendors: Expect pushy vendors near Ajanta’s entrance. Bargain politely if shopping, and stay cautious in crowded areas.

  • Accessibility: Ellora is partially wheelchair-accessible; Ajanta’s steep steps and uneven terrain may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

  • Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, especially at Ajanta, due to the long walk and steps. Avoid local restaurants if you have a sensitive stomach.

  • Guidebook: Consider purchasing “India Revealed: Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, & Elephanta” (Kindle edition) for historical context and cave prioritization.

Additional Attractions

  • Ajanta Ellora Festival (November): A cultural event by MTDC featuring classical music, dance, and handicraft stalls at Sonehri Mahal.

  • Aurangabad Caves: 12 Buddhist caves, 2 km from Bibi Ka Maqbara, with intricate carvings.

  • Shopping: Explore Aurangabad’s markets for Himroo shawls, Paithani sarees, or natural crystals near Ajanta.

Tour Options

  • Private Tours: Book through reputable agencies for a private car and guide (INR 3,500–6,500 for 1–2 days).

  • MTDC Bus Tours: Affordable daily tours from Aurangabad’s Central Bus Stand (INR 711 for Ajanta, AC Volvo buses).

  • Self-Guided: Hire a taxi (INR 1,250 for Ellora, INR 2,250 for Ajanta) or use MSRTC buses for budget travel.

Conclusion An Ajanta and Ellora Cave tour is a journey through time, offering a profound connection to India’s ancient artistry, spirituality, and architectural ingenuity. Whether you’re captivated by Ajanta’s vivid paintings or Ellora’s monolithic temples, these sites promise an enriching experience. Plan your visit with this guide, and immerse yourself in the timeless wonders of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.

FAQ's: Ajanta and Ellora Cave Tour

Why are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves famous?

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are renowned for their ancient Indian art, rock-cut architecture, and spiritual significance, representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites celebrated for their murals and monolithic temples.

What are the must-visit caves at Ajanta and Ellora?

At Ajanta, visit Cave 1 (Bodhisattva Padmapani), Cave 2 (Lumbini paintings), and Cave 26 (reclining Buddha). At Ellora, explore Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple), Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave), and Cave 32 (Indra Sabha).

When is the best time to visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

June to March is ideal, with October–March offering cool, dry weather for comfortable exploration. June–September brings lush greenery but slippery paths at Ajanta. Avoid April–May due to heat.

How do I reach the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

From Aurangabad, drive 100 km to Ajanta (2.5–3 hours) or 30 km to Ellora (30–45 minutes) via MSRTC buses or taxis. Fly to Aurangabad Airport from Mumbai or Delhi, or take a train to Aurangabad Railway Station.

What are the entry fees and timings for the caves?

Ajanta: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Mondays, INR 40 (Indian nationals), INR 600 (foreigners). Ellora: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM, closed Tuesdays, same fees. Camera fee: INR 25.

Is photography allowed inside the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

At Ajanta, photography without flash is allowed; videography is prohibited. At Ellora, both photography and videography (without flash) are permitted to preserve the Indian art.

Are the caves accessible for people with mobility issues?

Ellora is partially wheelchair-accessible, especially around Cave 16. Ajanta has ~700 steps and uneven terrain, making it challenging for those with mobility issues.

What should I bring for the Ajanta and Ellora Cave tour?

Bring comfortable footwear, shoe covers, water, snacks, a packed lunch, an umbrella, sunglasses, and a flashlight for dark caves. Non-drowsy motion sickness medication is recommended for the Ajanta drive.

Are guides available at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

Yes, hire government-authorized guides at the entrance for detailed insights into the caves’ history and Indian art. Avoid unofficial guides to ensure accurate information.

What nearby attractions can I visit during the tour?

Explore Grishneshwar Temple (1 km from Ellora), Daulatabad Fort (14 km), Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Caves, or attend the Ajanta Ellora Festival (November) for cultural experiences.