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Ajanta Ellora Caves Entry Fees, Timings & Itinerary

Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two separate caves that are more than 100km apart. There are around 30 Buddhist caves at Ajanta, which came to light between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. Ellora Caves has around 34 caves, which date to the period between the 6th and 11th centuries AD.

The Ajanta Ellora caves have beautiful architecture, including paintings and sculptures of Hindu & Jain temples and Buddhist monasteries. These caves are beautifully designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Ajanta caves are around 103 km north of Aurangabad city, while Ellora caves are 29.7 km north-west of Aurangabad.

Ajanta Caves

These caves are excavated in a horseshoe-shaped bend of the rock surface and have both monasteries (chaityas) and worship halls (viharas). It has marvellous rock-cut sculptures and paintings that represent the finest examples of ancient Indian art.

The ‘Padmapani mural’ and some paintings are the main attractions here. Several sculptures and paintings depict the lives and pasts of Lord Buddha and other deities.

Ajanta Caves Visiting Time

The Ajanta Caves are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday to Sunday.

Ajanta Caves Ticket Price

Rs. 40/- (cash) for Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC countries & Rs. 35/- (online, credit, or debit card) per head. (children up to 15 years old are free)

Others: Rs. 600/- (Cash Payment), Rs. 550/- (Online/Credit/Debit Card)

Price May Vary

Note: Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays.

Ajanta Caves Address

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, 431117

Ajanta Caves Photos

Ellora Caves

The architecture of the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu religions can be seen here. The Kailasha Temple is one of the main attractions here. The chariot-shaped monument from a single rock excavation is another beautiful attraction.

Notable among them is the Vishwakarma Cave. At one end of the complex are five Jain caves. The Hindu caves were excavated mainly during the Kalachuri period, from the 6th century CE to the 8th century CE.

The Kailash Temple, consisting of a gateway, assembly hall, main multi-story temple and other smaller shrines, has been carved out of a single rock. It was made to resemble Mount Kailash.

Ellora Cave Timings

The Ellora Caves are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every other day except Tuesday.

Entry Fees

40 per person (foreigners: Rs. 600 per person) May Vary

Note: Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesday.

Ellora Caves Address

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Verul, Maharashtra, 431102

Ellora Caves Photos

Itinerary of Ajanta and Ellora Caves

1st Day: Ajanta Caves Exploration

  • Depart from Aurangabad for the Ajanta Caves. (103 km)
  • Arrive at Ajanta and purchase tickets. A local guide is also available.
  • Start exploring Caves 9, 10 and 12, focusing on the intricate paintings depicting Jataka tales.
  • Continue to Caves 16 and 17, known for large sculptures and exquisite frescoes.
  • Lunch at a local place near the caves.
  • Explore the remaining caves to understand the evolution of artistic styles.
  • Capture the beauty of Ajanta in the late afternoon.
  • Return to Aurangabad for the evening.
  • For dinner, taste local food at local restaurants in Aurangabad.

2nd Day: Ellora Caves: Hindu and Jain Marvels

  • Leave Aurangabad for Ellora Caves after having breakfast.
  • Begin with the Hindu Caves, starting at Cave 14 (Kailasa Temple) and Cave 15 for their intricate carvings.
  • Visit the Jain Caves, numbered Cave 32 and Cave 33.
  • Lunch near Ellora Caves, enjoying local cuisine.
  • Visit the Buddhist Caves, particularly Cave 2 and Cave 5.
  • Explore the Kailasa Temple and its details, architectural grandeur and other facts.
  • Relax while watching the sunset from the Ellora Caves.
  • Return back to Aurangabad in the evening.
  • Explore the local markets or rest at your place.

3rd Day: Aurangabad Exploration

  • Visit one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Stroll through the Ellora Village, interacting with locals and learning about their traditional lifestyle.
  • Lunch at a local eatery with traditional Maharashtrian dishes.
  • Explore Daulatabad Fort, appreciating its military architecture and panoramic views.
  • After that, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, exploring the Mughal-inspired architecture
  • Dinner at a local restaurant or at your accommodation.

Best Time to Visit Ajanta Ellora Caves

November to March is the best time to visit the caves, as it is relatively cool and dry.

Places to Visit Near Ajanta Ellora Caves

  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
  • Panchakki (Aurangabad)
  • Bibi ka Maqbara (Aurangabad)
  • Bhadra Maruti Temple (Khuldabad)
  • Aurangabad Caves (Aurangabad)

How to Reach Aurangabad?

By Road

By Road

Aurangabad is well connected with road services. The Ajanta Ellora caves can be reached by road from Aurangabad or Jalgaon. You can use both of these places to reach the caves.

Jalgaon has limited facilities compared to other main cities. Cars and cabs are available here. There are also private buses for the Ajanta and Ellora locations.

By Train

By Train

Aurangabad Railway Station and Jalgaon Railway Station are the nearest railway stations to the cave locations. Aurangabad Railway Station is 106km from Ajanta Caves and 39 km from Ellora Caves.

Jalgaon Railway Station is 56 km from Ajanta Caves and 159 km from Ellora Caves. One can prefer Jalgaon city but Aurangabad city is preferable as it has other sights and better facilities.

By Air

By Air

Aurangabad Airport is 35 km from Ellora Caves and 108 km from Ajanta Caves. Jalgaon airport is 47.4 km from Ajanta Caves and 150 km from Ellora Caves. For better travel, it is preferred to travel through Aurangabad.

Where to Stay in Aurangabad?

As per the itinerary provided and for a comfortable & hassle-free tour, it is advisable to stay in Aurangabad. You can easily find options for Accommodations in Aurangabad.

While travelling across India, book your stay with us at YatraDham.org which provides the best places to stay at both places, i.e., Dharamshala or a hotel.

Have you visited the Ajanta Ellora caves? I hope this article inspires you to go soon and that you get all the necessary information from this blog. If you still have any questions, please feel free to share them with us.

Thank You!

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