If you thought Ajanta Caves were cool, wait until you see Ellora.
These caves are some of the most stunning, intricately designed rock-cut temples in the world. Ellora Caves aren’t just a single group of caves—they’re a whole collection, each with its own story.
The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of 34 monasteries and temples that date back to around the 5th to 10th centuries. They’re a unique mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples, all carved into the rock face of the Sahyadri Hills.
The craftsmanship is jaw-dropping—the sheer scale and detail of the carvings and sculptures are nothing short of breathtaking.
The most famous cave? Cave 16, also known as the Kailasa Temple, is a single monolithic structure that was carved out of a single rock. It’s like an entire temple complex, all made from one piece of stone!
The best time to visit Ellora is between October and March. This is when the weather’s cool and comfortable, perfect for exploring the caves without breaking into a sweat.
Timings
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee
Foreign Tourists: INR 550 per person
SAARC/BIMSTEC tourists: INR 35 per person
Official Ticket Site
By Air
The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, about 30 km from the caves. From there, you can easily hire a taxi or catch a bus.
By Train
The nearest railway station is in Aurangabad, so take a train there and grab a short ride to the caves.
By Road
For road trippers, the drive from Aurangabad to Ellora is straightforward. Roads are good, and it’s a nice scenic route.
Ellora is like a masterpiece that brings together different cultures and religions, all in one place. It’s not just about seeing some old rock-cut structures; it’s about witnessing the skill and dedication that went into creating these temples and monasteries.