🕌 Travel Guide to Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India
Step into India’s ancient past with a visit to the world-renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves — two of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra. If you love history, art, and architecture, this Ajanta and Ellora caves travel guide is all you need to plan the perfect trip.
📍 Where Are Ajanta & Ellora Caves Located?
- Ajanta Caves: Around 105 km from Aurangabad
- Ellora Caves: Around 30 km from Aurangabad
Both sites are well-connected by road and make for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway from cities like Aurangabad, Pune, or Mumbai.
🕰️ A Glimpse into History
- ⛩️ Ajanta Caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and are mainly Buddhist
- 🏛️ Ellora Caves were built between the 6th–10th centuries and feature Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist monuments
- 🖼️ World-famous for: Rock-cut architecture, ancient paintings, intricate carvings
Don’t miss the breathtaking Kailasa Temple in Ellora — carved from a single rock!
🎫 Entry Timings & Fees
- Ajanta: Open 9 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Ellora: Open 9 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners (per site)
Photography is allowed, but using tripods may require special permission.
📌 Must-Visit Highlights
Ajanta Caves
- 🖌️ Cave 1: Stunning murals of Bodhisattvas
- 🪷 Cave 2: Intricate ceilings and pillars
- 🕉️ Cave 26: Reclining Buddha sculpture
Ellora Caves
- ⛰️ Kailasa Temple (Cave 16): Largest rock-cut Hindu temple in the world
- ☸️ Buddhist Caves (Cave 10): Chaitya Hall
- 🕉️ Jain Caves (Cave 32): Unique symmetry and carvings
🧳 Travel Tips
- 🌞 Visit early morning to avoid heat & crowds
- 💧 Carry water and light snacks — it involves a lot of walking
- 📸 Bring a wide-angle camera for capturing massive structures
- 🎧 Hire a guide or use audio tours for historical context
🚗 How to Reach
- By Air: Nearest airport is Aurangabad (domestic flights)
- By Train: Aurangabad is well-connected to major cities
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis available from Pune, Mumbai, Nashik
🏨 Where to Stay
Stay in Aurangabad for best access. Budget hotels, mid-range stays, and luxury options like Vivanta and Lemon Tree are available.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Ajanta and Ellora caves travel guide gives you a front-row seat to India’s spiritual and artistic heritage. These ancient caves are not just historical sites — they’re stories carved in stone, preserved over thousands of years.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and take a step back in time on your next trip to Maharashtra!
