Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, (West India)
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Maharashtra, India. These ancient rock-cut caves showcase magnificent sculptures and intricate carvings that depict Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain art. The Ajanta Caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are known for their stunning murals, while the Ellora Caves feature impressive architecture and rock-cut temples. These caves provide a glimpse into India's rich cultural and artistic heritage and attract history buffs, art enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers.
Unlock the beauty of Ajanta and Ellora Caves with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Ajanta and Ellora Caves has it all
Sightseeing
Explore Panchakki, a water mill complex that houses a mosque, garden, and an ancient water-powered flour mill, providing a glimpse into medieval engineering.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 07:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 10.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Discover the ancient rock-cut Buddhist cave temples at Ajanta, known for their exquisite paintings, sculptures, and architectural grandeur.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 40.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Cuisine
Delight your taste buds with the flavors of local cuisine, including delectable Maharashtrian dishes, street food, and regional specialties.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 11:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Other restaurants can also be explored
Sightseeing
Discover the ancient Buddhist caves of Aurangabad, showcasing unique rock-cut architecture, sculptures, and a peaceful environment for meditation.
Best Time to Visit: October - December
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 20.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Explore the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves, featuring a complex of rock-cut caves representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Best Time to Visit: October - December
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Closed on Tuesday
Price: 40.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Historical Sites
Visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the "Mini Taj Mahal," a magnificent mausoleum built in memory of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's wife.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 25.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Travel Guidelines for Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra (West India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are ancient rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments located in Maharashtra. While Ajanta is renowned for its frescoes and sculptures narrating stories from Jataka tales, Ellora is unique for its Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves existing in proximity. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For more details, consult the Official Maharashtra Tourism Website.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Aurangabad is the nearest major city. It's approximately 100 km from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora. The city is well connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra.
By Air: Aurangabad Airport connects the city with major Indian cities.
By Railway: Aurangabad Railway Station serves as the primary railway junction for reaching both Ajanta and Ellora.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't need a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related concerns, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in the area include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. Generally, connectivity is good, but it's recommended to consult with your provider, especially when visiting the caves.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Follow all guidelines set by the Archeological Survey of India when visiting the caves. Touching or defacing the ancient frescoes and sculptures is strictly prohibited. Health advisories can be found on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses operate from Aurangabad to both Ajanta and Ellora. Some tourists prefer to hire a car for the day to explore both sites at their own pace.
7. Special Mentions
The Ellora caves house the magnificent Kailasa Temple, carved out of a single rock. It's the world's largest monolithic structure.
Ajanta Caves are known for their beautiful frescoes, which depict tales from Buddhist scriptures and provide a glimpse into life during ancient times.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months between October and March.
If visiting during July and August, you can witness the Ellora Festival, celebrating classical Indian dance and music.