Ajanta & Ellora: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Rock-Cut Caves
Two of India’s greatest ancient art sites — Ajanta’s painted Buddhist caves and Ellora’s colossal rock-cut temples — both within reach of Aurangabad.
The Ajanta and Ellora caves are two separate UNESCO World Heritage sites near Aurangabad in central Maharashtra. Ajanta is famous for its ancient Buddhist murals; Ellora for a stunning run of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples carved straight out of the hillside — including the vast Kailasa temple, cut from a single rock. Together they make one of the most rewarding heritage trips in India.
Base yourself in Aurangabad, give Ajanta one day and Ellora another, and go in the cooler months (Nov–Feb). Ajanta closes Mondays; Ellora closes Tuesdays — plan around that. Both are open-air and involve a fair amount of walking and steps.
Why visit Ajanta & Ellora
These are not ruins to glance at — they are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture and painting, made over many centuries and rediscovered relatively recently.
Ajanta’s ancient murals
The painted caves at Ajanta preserve some of the oldest surviving Buddhist wall art in India — detailed, expressive and remarkably intact given their age.
Ellora’s Kailasa temple
Kailasa was carved top-down from a single basalt cliff into a full temple complex — an astonishing feat of planning and stonework.
Three faiths in one place
Ellora’s caves span Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions side by side — a rare record of centuries of coexistence and craft.
When to go
The best months are November to February, when central Maharashtra is dry and comfortable for a full day of walking. March to June gets very hot; the monsoon (June–September) turns the surrounding hills green but can make paths slippery and light poor inside Ajanta.
Remember the closing days: Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora is closed on Tuesdays. Timings and any entry fees change from time to time — check the current details before you travel.
Top things to do in Ajanta & Ellora
You don’t need to see every cave. Focus on the highlights and give yourself time to actually look.
The painted caves of Ajanta
Cluster your time around the caves with the best-preserved murals and sculpture. Photography rules and lighting inside vary — go slowly and let your eyes adjust.
Kailasa temple
The single most impressive thing at either site — an entire temple carved downward out of the rock. Give it real time and walk the upper levels for the scale of it.
The Buddhist & Jain caves at Ellora
Beyond Kailasa, Ellora’s Buddhist prayer halls and the quieter, finely carved Jain caves at the far end are well worth the extra walk.
Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad
Often called the “mini Taj,” this Mughal-era mausoleum in Aurangabad makes an easy add-on to your caves trip.
Daulatabad Fort
A dramatic hilltop fort between Aurangabad and Ellora, with a steep climb and big views — a good pairing on your Ellora day.
Hire a guide at the gate
A knowledgeable local guide turns rows of carvings into stories — well worth it at both sites. Agree the scope and rate before you start.
What to eat in Ajanta & Ellora
Aurangabad is your base for meals. The region is known for its Mughlai-influenced cooking alongside everyday Maharashtrian food.
Naan qalia
A local specialty of mutton in a spiced gravy, eaten with naan — the dish most associated with the city.
Maharashtrian thali
A simple, filling vegetarian thali is easy to find and a reliable lunch between cave visits.
Water & snacks
Both sites involve long walks with limited food inside. Carry water and a snack, especially for Ajanta.
Where to stay
Almost everyone bases in Aurangabad, which has the widest range of stays and the easiest access to both cave sites.
Aurangabad city
The practical choice — hotels across budgets, restaurants, and road links to both Ajanta and Ellora. Check current options and reviews before booking.
Near Ellora
A few stays sit closer to Ellora if you want an early start there, though the choice is more limited.
Jalgaon (for Ajanta)
Some travellers heading onward stop at Jalgaon, which is closer to Ajanta than Aurangabad is.
How to get to Ajanta & Ellora & around
Aurangabad is the gateway. From there, both cave sites are day trips by road — Ellora is close, Ajanta is farther.
Do Ellora and Aurangabad’s sights on one day, and keep Ajanta as its own full day because of the distance and the walking.
A simple 2-day plan
A clean two-day split works best, built around the closing days.
Ellora & Aurangabad
Start early at Ellora, focusing on Kailasa and the Buddhist and Jain caves. On the way back, stop at Daulatabad Fort and Bibi ka Maqbara.
Ajanta
Set off early for Ajanta and give it the full day — the painted caves reward slow, unhurried looking.
Practical tips that actually help
Wear good shoes
Both sites mean long walks and many steps — comfortable footwear makes a real difference.
Carry water
Shade and refreshments inside are limited, especially at Ajanta.
Mind photo rules
Flash and tripod rules vary inside the painted caves — follow the signs to protect the art.
Check closing days
Ajanta shuts Mondays, Ellora shuts Tuesdays — the most common planning mistake here.
Consider a guide
A guide adds enormously to what you understand and notice.
Start early
Beat the heat and the crowds, and give the big caves unhurried time.
Mistakes first-time visitors make
- Trying to do both Ajanta and Ellora in a single day — the distances and walking make it a rush.
- Arriving on a closing day (Monday for Ajanta, Tuesday for Ellora).
- Underestimating the walking and steps, especially in the heat.
- Skipping a guide and missing the stories behind the carvings.
Ajanta & Ellora FAQs
How many days do you need for Ajanta and Ellora?
Two full days is ideal — one for Ellora (with Aurangabad’s sights) and one for Ajanta. One day means choosing between them.
What is the best time to visit Ajanta and Ellora?
November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. Summers are very hot and the monsoon can make paths slippery.
Are Ajanta and Ellora in the same place?
No. They are two separate sites near Aurangabad. Ellora is closer to the city; Ajanta is a longer drive away.
Which is better, Ajanta or Ellora?
They’re different — Ajanta for ancient paintings, Ellora for rock-cut temples including Kailasa. If you can, see both.
How do I reach Ajanta and Ellora?
Base in Aurangabad, reachable by air and train, then take road trips out to each cave site.
Add the caves to your Maharashtra trip
Ajanta and Ellora slot naturally into a wider Maharashtra route with Mumbai, the hills and the coast. We can help you sequence it sensibly.
Related guides
Written by Ashvinee Nagle
I travel India slowly and write it down honestly - practical guides and real itineraries from someone who lives here.
About Ashvinee →Plan your India trip with us
Get one short, honest India travel guide a week — plus a free 7-day Rajasthan itinerary to start. No spam, unsubscribe any time.