Ajanta & Ellora travel guide

Things to do in Ajanta & Ellora

1. Ellora Caves

   4 h · ₹40 entry

   Ellora Caves in Ajanta and Ellora, Maharashtra, India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 34 rock-cut caves open to the public. Dating from AD 600 to 1000, the complex includes Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments carved into basalt cliffs. It is famous for the Kailasa temple, the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world.

   Tip: Note that the caves are closed on Tuesdays

2. Ajanta Caves

   5 h · ₹40 entry

   Ajanta Caves are a set of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments carved into a river gorge in Maharashtra. Dating from the second century BCE to about 480 CE, they feature ancient monasteries and worship-halls filled with masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, including expressive paintings and rock-cut sculptures.

   Tip: Note that the caves are closed on Mondays, so plan your travel days accordingly.

3. Daulatabad Fort

   3 h · ₹25 entry

   Daulatabad Fort is a historic hill fort in Maharashtra that served as the capital for several ruling dynasties over the centuries. It features strong fortifications, a triangular layout, and a unique dark spiral passage carved into the rock.

   Tip: Wear comfortable footwear suitable for climbing a physically demanding hill fort.

4. Bibi ka Maqbara

   1 h · ₹25 entry

   The Taj of the Deccan is a tomb located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, commissioned in 1660 by Prince Azam Shah for his mother Dilras Banu Begum. It bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal and is the principal monument of the historic city.

   Tip: Hire a local guide near the entrance to learn about the fascinating family history behind its construction.

5. Grishneshwar Temple

   45 min · Free

   Grishneshwar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located next to the Ellora caves in Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas in the country.

6. Panchakki

   30 min · ₹20 entry

   Panchakki is a 17th-century water mill located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, designed to generate energy using water from a mountain spring. The complex is attached to the dargah of Sufi saint Baba Shah Musafir and includes a mosque, madrassa, and houses for zananas within a garden setting.

   Tip: Check out the ancient underground water canal system that feeds the mill

7. Aurangabad Caves

   1 h · ₹25 entry

   Aurangabad Caves are quiet Buddhist rock-cut shrines situated on a hill above Aurangabad. Dating back to the early centuries, these ancient caves feature intricate carvings and sculptures.

   Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the climb up the hill can be steep

Where to stay in Ajanta & Ellora

• Station Road & CIDCO

  ₹1,500–4,000

  Range of hotels in the city.

• Jalna Road

  ₹4,000–10,000

  Bigger hotels with pools.

• Fardapur

  ₹900–2,500

  Simple stays right by Ajanta.

What to eat

• Naan qalia

  local dish

  The city’s mutton curry with tandoor naan.

• Maharashtrian thali

  local dish · veg

  Bhakri, zunka and thecha.

How to reach Ajanta & Ellora by bus

Ready-made Ajanta & Ellora itineraries

• Mumbai → Ajanta & Ellora3 days from Mumbai by train