Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Basics

Most visitors opt to take an Ajanta and Ellora caves tour from Aurangabad, and it’s possible to explore both sites on a full-day tour. Those in Mumbai can also opt for a multi-day tour that includes transfers to and from Aurangabad Airport, an overnight stay in Aurangabad, and a visit to nearby attractions such as Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and the Taj Mahal–inspired Bibi Ka Maqbara shrine.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The best views of the Ellora Caves are from the hills above the Kailasa Temple—wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan to climb the hillside.

• Both sites have visitor centers that are equipped with restaurants, shops, restrooms, and parking.

• Bring a flashlight to the Ajanta caves—many are dark and poorly lit.

How to Get There

The caves are located in northern Maharashtra, around 250 miles (400 kilometers) northeast of Mumbai. The closest railway stations are Aurangabad for the Ellora caves (around 45 minutes from the station) and Jalgaon for the Ajanta caves (around 1.5 hours from the station); you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the caves. You can rent a car and drive between the two sites, which are about two hours away from each other, but most visitors opt for a guided tour.

When to Get There

The caves are open to visitors year round, but the best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and dryer. The caves can get busy, especially on weekends and national holidays, so plan a weekday visit and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. If you’re hoping to visit both in one trip, be aware that the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays, while the Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays.

Exploring the Ajanta and Ellora Caves

At Ajanta, rock-cut caves are set around a horseshoe-shaped valley in the Sahayadri hills—an astonishing feat considering that they were created by hand with only a hammer and chisel. The Buddhist caves are adorned with ancient Indian art, including paintings and sculptures that chronicle the life of the Buddha. At Ellora, you’ll find the massive Kailasa Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and flanked by life-size elephant statues.

How can I get to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

To get to the Ajanta Caves, you can board a train to the Jalgaon railway station and then take a taxi from there (the drive takes around 1.5 hours). The closest railway station to the Ellora Caves is in Aurangabad, a 45-minute taxi ride away. Tours from Mumbai and Aurangabad are also available.

Are guided tours available at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

Yes, there are guided tours of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves available, most of which visit both complexes. Going with a guide is recommended, particularly if you’re interested in learning about the history of both sites, as not everything is well signposted and there’s a lot to see.

What should I wear when visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

When visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and shoulders, solid shoes, and pack sun protection. If you visit during the monsoon, you should also bring an umbrella for the inevitable downpours.

How much time should I allocate to visit both the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

You will need at least two full days to visit both the Ajanta Caves and the Ellora Caves (one day for each complex). However, if you’re short on time, you can take a tour from Aurangabad that visits both complexes on the same day—just be prepared to wake up very early.

What is the historical significance of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are among the world's largest monastery-temple cave complexes. Ajanta has 29 Buddhist cave temples, while the 32 temples at Ellora are a mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist structures.

What is the best month to visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

The best time of year to visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves is during the cooler season, from November through March. January and February typically boast particularly pleasant weather. The chance of monsoon rainfall is greatest between June and September.