The Ellora Caves are in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they consist of 34 temples and monasteries spread across more than 2 kilometers. Carved from the Charanandri Hills’ cliffs between the 6th and 10th centuries, these caves are a prime example of India’s ancient rock-cut architecture. The site uniquely brings together Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religious art, reflecting the ancient Indian value of tolerance.
Each cave is a work of art, filled with detailed carvings, sculptures, and murals that draw in scholars, historians, and tourists from all over. The Ellora Caves showcase the incredible talent and deep spirituality of ancient India.
Ellora Caves: History
The Ellora Caves were carved into the Charanandri Hills from the 6th to the 10th centuries. They are a testament to the religious harmony of that time in India. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 34 monasteries and temples cut into the hillside.
These structures represent three major religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. It’s incredible how they all stand close to each other, showing that people of different faiths lived peacefully together. The craftsmanship and architecture of the caves show a mix of religious and artistic styles that were popular in ancient India at its peak.
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Ellora Caves: Timings
Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed / Holiday |
| Wednesday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Thursday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Sunday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
The Ellora Caves are open for visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Tuesdays. These caves date back to between the 6th and 11th centuries and showcase India’s rich religious and artistic history. The site includes 34 caves, each representing different spiritual traditions.
The first 12 caves are Buddhist and were mainly used as monasteries. Then, from caves 13 to 29, you’ll find Hindu temples. Among these, the Kailasa Temple in cave 16 is a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture. Finally, the last caves, 30 to 34, belong to the Jains. These are famous for their detailed carvings, highlighting the precision of Jain art.
How to Reach Ellora Caves
Location and Address
Ellora Caves are in Maharashtra, India, close to Aurangabad, about 30 kilometers away. Once you’re in Aurangabad, getting to the caves is easy. You can catch a bus, grab a taxi, or hop into an auto-rickshaw. The drive is pretty and only takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Head to Ellora Cave Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra 431102. There, you can find the visitor center, get your tickets, and meet a guide if you need one.
| Mode of Transport | Starting Point (Nearby City) | Distance to Ellora Caves (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Air | Aurangabad Airport | 35 km | Nearest airport, well connected to major cities. Taxis available. |
| By Train | Aurangabad Railway Station | 30 km | Closest railhead. Taxis and buses available. |
| By Road | Aurangabad | 30 km | 45-minute drive. Regular buses and taxis. |
| By Road | Pune | 256 km | 5-hour drive. Buses available. |
| By Road | Mumbai | 340 km | 7-8 hour drive. Buses and taxis available. |
| By Road | Nashik | 175 km | 3.5-hour drive. Taxis and buses available. |
Reaching from other cities
Reaching Ellora Caves from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Pune is simple. From Mumbai, you can either take a train or a bus to Aurangabad, the closest big city to Ellora. This road trip usually takes about 6 to 8 hours.
If you’re coming from Delhi, catching a flight to Aurangabad is the quickest. Once you arrive, a short taxi or bus ride will get you to the caves. From Pune, the drive is pretty easy too, taking about 4 to 5 hours, or you can hop on a direct bus. If you prefer trains, there are options to Aurangabad from various cities. From there, local transport will take you the last 30 kilometers to Ellora.
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Ticket information
| Description | Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee for Indians | 40 per person |
| Entry Fee for SAARC Visitors | 40 per person |
| Entry Fee for Foreign Tourists | 600 per person |
| Video Camera Fee | 25 |
| Parking Fee for Car | 30 |
Before you head into the stunning Ellora Caves, you’ll need to buy a ticket at the main entrance. The prices are fair, helping to keep the caves maintained. If you’re an Indian citizen, it costs INR 40. If you’re from another country, it’s INR 600.
Kids under 15 get in free, so it’s great for families. Taking photos is free, but if you want to make videos, it’ll cost you INR 25. Having the exact change to make things easier is a good idea. You can buy your tickets any time from sunrise to sunset, which makes planning your visit straightforward.
Conclusion
Ellora Caves are a major cultural and historical landmark. They showcase the religious art of Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains from between the 6th and 10th centuries. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ellora Caves deeply examines India’s rich and varied history. They are easy to get to and have some fantastic carvings that are still in great shape. This makes Ellora a must-visit place for anyone interested in history, art, or religion worldwide.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.