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Ellora Caves
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historical-site
The Ellora Caves in Maharashtra represent one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple complexes in the world, showcasing ancient India's religious harmony and architectural prowess. Spanning over two kilometers, the site contains 34 caves excavated from the basalt cliffs of the Sahyadri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. Uniquely, the complex features 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 Jain caves, illustrating the peaceful coexistence of these faiths during that era. The crowning achievement of Ellora is Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. This massive temple was carved from the top down out of a single rock face, an extraordinary engineering feat that required the removal of an estimated 200,000 tons of basalt. Its intricate carvings depict various Hindu deities and epic tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, Ellora has remained a prominent landmark through the centuries due to its location on ancient trade routes. Its monumental scale and artistic diversity make it a global cultural treasure.
- Location: India
- Top sights: Daulatabad Fort · Chand Minar · Ellora caves
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 33 | 29 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 2 | 3 | 12 | 5 | 13 | 129 | 168 | 161 | 170 | 60 | 22 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Ellora Caves are an archaeological complex with over 100 caves, 34 of which are open to the public. Visitors can explore Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves.
Typical hours
The caves are typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, except Tuesdays. Come early to experience the morning atmosphere.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the caves without flash. Professional shots require a special permit.
Time needed
Allow at least three hours to see caves 1-16. A full day is well-suited for a complete exploration.
Combine with
Combine the Ellora Caves with the Ajanta Caves for a comprehensive experience. The city of Aurangabad is also worth visiting.
Getting there
The caves are about 30 km from Aurangabad and reachable by bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as it gets hot on site. Start with the Hindu group caves (1-16), which are the most impressive.
Geography
Facts
- Ellora features 34 caves: 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 Jain monasteries.
- The Kailasa Temple is the world's largest single monolithic excavation.
- The temple was carved top-down from a single massive basalt rock.
- Construction took place over a period of 400 years (600–1000 CE).
- The site is located along the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra.
- UNESCO recognized Ellora as a World Heritage site in 1983.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Ellora Caves (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ajanta and Ellora?
Ajanta is purely Buddhist focusing on paintings, while Ellora features Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples.
Which cave is the most important in Ellora?
Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, is a monumental masterpiece carved out of a single monolithic rock.
When is Ellora closed to visitors?
The Ellora Caves are typically closed to the public on Tuesdays.
How much time is needed for the visit?
You should allow at least 3 to 4 hours to see the most significant of the 34 accessible caves.
Are there dining options at Ellora?
There is an MTDC restaurant at the entrance and several small kiosks selling snacks and drinks.
Ellora Caves: where is it located?
Ellora Caves is located in India.
Ellora Caves: what is there to see?
Highlights include Daulatabad Fort, Chand Minar, Ellora caves.
Ellora Caves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Ellora Caves: why is it worth visiting?
The Ellora Caves in Maharashtra represent one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple complexes in the world, showcasing ancient India's religious harmony and architectural prowess.
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