Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves represent one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site features 34 caves carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. What makes Ellora unique is that it houses monuments from three different religions: Buddhism (Caves 1-12), Hinduism (Caves 13-29), and Jainism (Caves 30-34), all existing side by side. This coexistence symbolizes the religious harmony prevalent in ancient India. The crowning glory of Ellora is Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. It was carved from the top down out of a single piece of basalt rock, a feat that seems impossible even by modern standards. The caves are filled with high-relief sculptures of deities, mythological scenes, and intricate pillars. During the monsoon, waterfalls cascade over the caves, creating a magical atmosphere. Ellora is not just an archaeological site but a testament to human creativity and the spiritual depth of ancient Indian civilization, attracting millions of visitors who come to witness its sheer scale and artistic brilliance.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 4 to 5 Hours (To cover all 34 major caves).Place Type:
Historical / UNESCO World Heritage /Entry Fees:
Entry Fees:
For Indians: Rs.40 per person.
For SAARC/BIMSTEC: Rs.40 per person.
For Foreigners: Rs.600 per person. Entry is free for children under 15. The Kailasa Temple is inc...Entry Fees:
For Indians: Rs.40 per person.
For SAARC/BIMSTEC: Rs.40 per person.
For Foreigners: Rs.600 per person. Entry is free for children under 15. The Kailasa Temple is included in this ticket. Always carry a valid ID proof for verification at the entrance.Timing:
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays. Since there are 34 caves, arriving at 8:00 AM is ideal. The sunrise light on the Kailasa Temple is spectacular. Avoid visiting on public holidays as the site can become extremely crowded, leading to long queues. ...Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays. Since there are 34 caves, arriving at 8:00 AM is ideal. The sunrise light on the Kailasa Temple is spectacular. Avoid visiting on public holidays as the site can become extremely crowded, leading to long queues.Special Events:
Special Event:
Ellora-Ajanta International Festival: This major cultural event takes place in January or February. It showcases India's rich heritage through performances by world-class dancers and musicians, held right near the caves. ...Special Event:
Ellora-Ajanta International Festival: This major cultural event takes place in January or February. It showcases India's rich heritage through performances by world-class dancers and musicians, held right near the caves.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots: 1.
Kailasa Temple Upper View: Walk to the top of the cliff to get a bird's eye view of the entire monolithic structure. 2.
Cave 10 Façade: The horseshoe window and the Buddhist sculptures are...Photo Spots: 1.
Kailasa Temple Upper View: Walk to the top of the cliff to get a bird's eye view of the entire monolithic structure. 2.
Cave 10 Façade: The horseshoe window and the Buddhist sculptures are perfect for architectural photography. 3.
Cave 32 Pillars: The intricate Jain carvings provide great texture and detail for close-up photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Things to Do: 1.
Visit Kailasa Temple: Spend at least an hour in Cave 16 to admire the monolithic carving and the detailed "Ravana shaking Kailasa" sculpture. 2.
Explore Buddhist Caves: Visit Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave) to see the massive stupa and the prayer hall with its wooden-like stone ribs. 3.
Discover Jain Art: Walk to Caves 30-34 to see the delicate carvings and the famous Indra Sabha. 4.
Trek the Hill: Walk along the top of the cliff for a different perspective of the cave entrances and the surrounding plains. 5.
Monsoon Visit: Visit the waterfall near Cave 29 during the rainy season for a spectacular natural sight. 6.
Photography: Capture the intri...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous:
Monolithic Wonder: The Kailasa Temple is the world's largest single-stone excavation.
Why Famous:
Triple Faith Site: It is the o...Why Famous:
Monolithic Wonder: The Kailasa Temple is the world's largest single-stone excavation.
Why Famous:
Triple Faith Site: It is the only site in the world where Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments were carved simultaneously in one location, representing religious harmony. -
Architecture:
Architecture Heading:
The Monolithic Kailasa Temple: Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, measures 50m x 33m x 30m. It was excavated by removing over 200,000 tons of rock. The architecture follows the Dravidian style with a central shrine, a Nandi...Architecture Heading:
The Monolithic Kailasa Temple: Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, measures 50m x 33m x 30m. It was excavated by removing over 200,000 tons of rock. The architecture follows the Dravidian style with a central shrine, a Nandi mandapa, and a massive courtyard. The Jain caves feature delicate carvings and "Indra Sabha" (Cave 32) showcases two-story architectural planning with exquisite pillars. -
How To Reach:
How to Reach:
By Air: Aurangabad Airport is 35 KMS away.
By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest major station (29 KMS).
By Road: Excellent road connectivity via... -
Near Tourist Places:
Nearby: 1. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga (1 KM), 2. Bhadra Maruti (4 KM), 3. Tomb of Aurangzeb (5 KM), 4. Bani Begum Garden (6 KM), 5. Daulatabad Fort (13 KM), 6. Mhaismal (12 KM), 7. Bibi Ka Maqbara (28 KM), 8. Panchakki (27 KM), 9. Aurangabad Caves (30 KM), 10. Siddharth Garden (29 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: The site is huge; take breaks. Use the shuttle bus from the parking to the caves.
Packing: Sun protection is vital.
Accommodation: MTDC Hote...
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