Explore the jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. You will be astounded as you journey through the 34 rock-cut caves, representative of the three distinct religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Dating back to the 8th century, the Ellora Caves are home to some of the most impressive constructions of its time, including the world-renowned Temple of Kailasa, a brisk climb from Cave 16, towering magnificently at the peak of the cliff.
A tour around this impressive archaic masterpiece of the monolithic temple takes you on a journey of its rich history, beginning with Hinduism before delving further into Buddhism and Jainism. Guests are captivated by the intricate carvings on the walls depicting the intricate stories of these three different religions and discover wonderful art including sculptures, paintings, and beautiful architecture. At the Ajanta and Ellora Caves tour, you have the privilege of exploring some of the most remarkable parts of the caves, including the Chhota Kailash, the Vishvakarma, the Ravana-ki-Khai, the Kama-dhenu, the Dhumar Lena, the Do Tali, the Buddhist Monasteries, the Indra Sabha, and more.
During this tour, you also have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Ajanta Caves, home to many ancient Buddhist cave temples and Hindu sculptures. The Ajanta Caves are a major attraction for many travelers and serve as the perfect complement to the Ellora Caves tour. At the close of the tour, you’ll be treated to an amazing light and sound show that will showcase the beauty of these unique sites, in all its glory. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ellora and Ajanta caves on this Ajanta and Ellora Caves tour that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Book your Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour and witness the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ellora, consisting of religious monuments that illustrate the religious heritage of India. Discover the inextinguishable architectural and cultural legacy of Ellora Caves on this one-of-a-kind tour.
Ellora Caves are situated on Charanandri Hills, 29 km outside Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, on the flat rocky surface of the Western Ghats. These unique rock formations were shaped over millions of years due to volcanic activity.
Archaeologists date most of the artwork, monuments, and structures in Ellora Caves between 600 AD and 1000 AD. These caves, dedicated to various religions, were built during different Hindu dynasties like the Rashtrakuta Dynasty and the Yadava Dynasty. The funding for their construction came from royal families, wealthy merchants, pilgrims, and others, as they were strategically located on the ancient trade route of South Asia.
Ellora Caves were constructed in three distinct phases, each corresponding to a different religion. The early phase was Hindu (550 AD to 600 AD), followed by Buddhist (600 AD to 730 AD), and the last phase was Jain (730 AD to 950 AD).
These caves were once active pilgrimage sites but fell into disuse after the 13th century.
During the 15th to 17th centuries, Islamic invaders damaged many sculptures and caves. In Aurangzeb's reign, there was an attempt to demolish them, but they withstood significant damage. Subsequently, they were left in a state of neglect.
During British rule, efforts were made to restore and manage the caves. In 1983, Ellora Caves earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving a significant legacy of Indian art forms.
Ellora Caves are hewn from basalt cliffs and are categorized into Buddhist (Caves 1-12), Hindu (Caves 13-29), and Jain (Caves 30-34). These caves reflect the harmonious coexistence of various religions in India.
Buddhist Caves: These caves primarily comprise viharas or monasteries dedicated to Gautama Buddha and other Buddhist saints.
The stone surfaces are meticulously polished to resemble wood.
Hindu Caves: Most Hindu caves are devoted to Lord Shiva, with a few temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. They showcase intricate sculptures and carvings.
Jain Caves: Jainism is represented in caves dedicated to Mahavir and Indra. These caves are known for their architectural and artistic excellence.
Cave | Description |
|---|---|
Cave 1 | - Located at the southern end. - Small Buddhist Vihara, possibly used by cave workers and later by pilgrims and monks. |
Cave 2 | - Carved compartments, pillars, and a verandah. - Carvings of Buddha, Sakra, Indra, and more. - 14-foot-tall statue and sculptures of Maya, Buddha's mother. |
Cave 3 | - Lower ground monastery. - Square hall with massive octagonal columns. - Small Buddha sculptures, a chapel with a main Buddha statue, and a sculpture of Hindu goddess Kali. |
Cave 4 | - Mostly in ruins. - Figures like Padmapani, Buddha, and bas-relief carvings. |
Cave 5 (Mahawara Cave) | - Unique cave with refectory benches. - Large Buddha statue and dining areas. - Monastic school, ornate columns, and sculptures like Padmapani. |
Cave 6 | - Main hall damaged; few pillars remain. - Antechamber and shrine filled with sculptures. - Buddhist sculptures and a Hindu Goddess, Saraswati. |
Cave 7 | - Plain structure resembling Vihara. - Assumed to be incomplete. |
Cave 8 | - Small shrine with dwarapalas. - Sculptures of Buddha and other figures. |
Cave 9 | - Famous for carved façade, balcony, portico, and Chaitya windows. |
Cave 10 (Visvakarma Cave) | - Known as Carpenter Cave. - Large Buddha statue, 28 octagonal columns, and central nave. - Carvings of dancing ladies, meditating saints, and various deities. |
Cave 11 (Do Taal) | - Two floors with shrines for Padmapani, Buddha, Vajrapani, and more. - Numerous verandahs and cells, along with sculptures. |
Cave 12 (Teen Taal) | - Three floors with floral ornamentation. - Sculptures of Buddha, Padmapani, Vajrapani, and others. - Artwork representing seven different Buddhas and Hindu Goddesses. |
Cave 13 | - First Hindu cave with some Buddhist art. - Plain and assumed to be a rest area. |
Cave 14 (Ravanaki Kai) | - Large shrine and pillared hall. - Shiva and Parvathi-related sculptures, Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi sculptures. |
Cave 15 (Dashavatara temple) | - Hindu cave with layouts resembling a Buddhist cave. - Layout suggests a conversion from a Buddhist to a Hindu temple. - Carvings of ten avatars of Lord Vishnu and Saivam-related reliefs. |
Cave 16 (Kailash Temple) | - World's largest monolithic rock excavation. - Shaped like a chariot, dedicated to Lord Shiva. - Numerous sculptures, stories of Hindu Epics, and mythological characters. - Built from a single massive rock. - Completed in 773 AD. |
Cave 17 | - Large cave with a Shiva temple. - Massive pillars, sculptures of Hindu deities, including Shiva, Parvathi, Mahishasuri, Ganesh, and others. |
Cave 18 | - Unfinished cave with pillars and inscriptions. - Likely dedicated to Lord Shiva. |
Cave 19 | - Low-lying cave with elephant carvings and a small shrine with a linga. |
Cave 20 | - Small shrine with damaged structural elements. - Sculptures of other deities and square pillars. |
Cave 21 (Rameshwar Lena) | - Kalachuri dynasty cave with carvings depicting Parvati's life, her wedding with Lord Shiva, and more. - Large Sapta Matrika carving. - Square mandapa with geometric patterns. |
Cave 22 | - Nandi mandapa, nearly in ruins. - Chapel-style court areas, pillars, and sculptures of Hindu deities. - Polished linga in the main shrine. |
Cave 23 | - Double verandah, doors, pedestal, and a sculpture of Trimurthi. |
Cave 24 | - Unfinished cave with inscriptions in Devanagiri style. - Pedestal for Nandi and a fire pit. |
Cave 25 | - Cave with a large ceiling carving of Surya. - Known as Kunbharwada. - Six columns with sculptures on pedestals. |
Cave 27 | - Known as the Milkmaid cave. - Features a small waterfall, Sita-ki-nahani, during the monsoon. - Carvings of Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Varaha. |
Cave 28 | - Vaishnava cave with carvings of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, and others. - Square-shaped altar, vestibule, and cells. |
Cave 29 | - One of the earliest caves, built during the Kalachuri dynasty. - Large rock-cut linga with space for circumambulation. - Known as Dhumar Lena and features a natural waterfall. |
Cave 30 (Chotta Kailasha) | - Smaller cave similar to Kailash Temple. - Carvings of 24 Jinas, both Jain and Hindu elements. |
Cave 31 | - Unfinished cave with a small shrine. - Sculptures of Parshvanatha, Gommateshvara, and more. - Main idol: Vardhamana Mahavir sitting on a lion throne. |
Cave 32 | - Known as Indra Sabha but predominantly a Jain structure. - Carvings of Jain deities and paintings related to Jain mythology. |
Cave 33 (Jagannatha Sabha) | - Second-largest Jain cave. - Carvings of elephant heads on pillars. - Main deities: Mahavira and Parshvanatha. |
Cave 34 | - Carvings of Sri Nagavarma, Goddess Ambika, Yaksa-Yakshi, and others. - Large lotus carving on the ceiling. |
The rock surfaces of Ellora Caves are adorned with intricate paintings that showcase the artistic brilliance of the ancient craftsmen. These paintings are created on a canvas of lime plaster, which provides a smooth surface for the artists to work their magic. The process begins with the application of a mud plaster to fill the pores of the cave walls, followed by a layer of lime plaster. After allowing it to dry, the artists meticulously outline their subjects using red ochre paint. Once the outlines are complete, they fill in the colours, which range from deep reds and blacks to various shades of brown.
These paintings depict a wide array of subjects, including deities, demons, mythological stories, everyday items, animals, and imaginative figures. What's particularly interesting is the influence of Gujarathi styles in the artwork. However, it's worth noting that Jain paintings in the caves have suffered significant damage over time.
Ellora Caves holds a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance. Perched atop a hill, there is a small Jain temple with rock-cut structures, accessible via a climb of 600 steps, offering a unique spiritual experience for tourists and pilgrims. The caves have witnessed the footprints of many Muslim rulers and traders, who documented their stays within the cave cells. Emperor Aurangazeb and other Mughal rulers frequented this site, especially during the rainy season, drawn by its mystique.
Locally referred to as "Verul Leni," Ellora is renowned for being home to the world's largest single rock excavation. Among the numerous caves, only 34 are open to tourists, each brimming with historical and religious significance. What's intriguing is that despite historical rivalries, the cave structures suggest that Shaktism and Vaishnavam of Hinduism coexisted harmoniously during ancient times.
The construction of these caves, dating back to 500 AD, saw artisans employing tools such as drills, hammers, and chisels. They even used plaster to create the illusion of snow in carvings, particularly in depictions of mountains. Notably, Aurangazeb attempted to demolish this cave complex for three years with a team of a thousand people, but his efforts resulted in disfiguring only a few structures.
For those planning a visit to Ellora Caves, it's essential to know the visiting hours. The caves are open from 8 am to 5:30 pm, and they welcome visitors throughout the year, except on Tuesdays when they are closed for maintenance.
To explore the wonders of Ellora Caves, you can obtain tickets either at the on-site ticket counter or conveniently book them online. Here's a breakdown of the entry fees:
Children below the age of 15: Free
Indian citizens: INR 40 per head
BIMSTEC and SAARC citizens: INR 40 per head
Other foreigners: INR 600 per head
Choosing the right time for your visit can enhance your experience at Ellora Caves. The best period to explore these historic marvels is between November and March, which corresponds to the winter season in Maharashtra. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making your cave exploration comfortable.
It's advisable to avoid the summer months, from March to June, when the humidity inside the caves can be quite high, making it less enjoyable. The monsoon season, extending from July to September offers lush green surroundings but can pose challenges for transportation and sightseeing due to heavy rains. However, if you plan your visit in March, you can partake in the annual Ellora Festival, which takes place in the third week of the month. This festival treats visitors to captivating dance and music performances, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to your experience.
Getting to Ellora Caves is relatively straightforward once you're in Aurangabad City. Several transportation options are available, ensuring easy access to this historical site. Visitors can choose from buses, cabs, or even opt for a scenic car trip from the heart of the city to the caves. Car journeys typically start at INR 1000 for a four-seater vehicle, offering convenience and flexibility.
Public buses from various parts of Aurangabad are a budget-friendly option for tourists, with the central bus stand being the primary departure point for buses heading to Ellora. The Ellora bus stand, situated approximately 600 meters away, is the closest drop-off point for those using bus services.
For travelers arriving by train, the Aurangabad railway station, located 28 kilometres away, is the nearest railway hub. It provides a convenient option for those exploring Ellora Caves by train.
Alternatively, visitors can choose to fly to Aurangabad via the Aurangabad airport, which is situated 35 kilometers away. The airport offers direct flights from major cities such as Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai, making it accessible to travelers from across the country. Additionally, there are train options, including the luxurious Deccan Odyssey luxury train, which covers Aurangabad in its itineraries.
Q1. What are Ellora Caves, and why are they significant?
Ellora Caves are a complex of rock-cut cave temples located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. They are renowned for their historical, architectural, and cultural significance, showcasing a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cave temples. These caves are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous for their exquisite rock-cut architecture and intricate sculptures.
Q2. How many caves are there at Ellora, and how many of them are open to the public?
There are a total of 100 caves at Ellora, but only 34 of them are open to the public. These 34 caves are the most well-preserved and significant in terms of art, architecture, and historical importance.
Q3. What is the best time to visit Ellora Caves?
The best time to visit Ellora Caves is during the winter months, from November to March. The weather is pleasant during this period, making it comfortable for exploration. Avoid visiting during the scorching summer months (March to June) when the caves can become hot and humid. Monsoon (July to September) can be beautiful but may pose transportation challenges due to heavy rains.
Q4. Are there any special festivals or events held at Ellora Caves?
Yes, the annual Ellora Festival, typically held in the third week of March, is a notable event. During this festival, visitors can enjoy classical dance and music performances, adding a cultural dimension to their visit.
Q5. What are the entry fees for Ellora Caves?
The entry fees vary based on nationality:
Children below 15 years: Free
Indian citizens: INR 40 per head
BIMSTEC and SAARC citizens: INR 40 per head
Other foreigners: INR 600 per head
Q6. What are the visiting hours of Ellora Caves?
Ellora Caves are open to visitors from 8 am to 5:30 pm. They are closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
Q7. How can I reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad?
There are several transportation options from Aurangabad to Ellora Caves. You can take a cab, hire a car, or use public buses. The distance from Aurangabad to Ellora is approximately 28 kilometres by road.
Q8. Is there any accommodation available near Ellora Caves?
Yes, there are hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity of Ellora Caves, particularly in Aurangabad city, where you can find a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.
Q9. Can I hire a guide at Ellora Caves for a better understanding of the site?
Yes, you can hire local guides at Ellora Caves who are well-versed in the history and significance of the caves. They can provide valuable insights and enhance your visit.
Q10. Are there any restrictions or rules to be aware of when visiting Ellora Caves? - While visiting the caves, it's essential to respect the cultural and historical significance of the site. Avoid touching or defacing the sculptures and structures. Additionally, photography rules may vary from cave to cave, so be sure to follow any guidelines provided.
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