Ellora Caves

About Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves are an amazing collection of old rock-cut monuments that can be found in the state of Maharashtra and are renowned for their remarkable Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples, monasteries and sculptures. The caves are situated in the Charanandri Hills near Aurangabad, and they represent the religious and artistic heritage of ancient India, having been carved during the 6th-10th centuries AD. Kailasa Temple, a huge rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and carved from a single rock, is the most amazing monument in Ellora. One of the most extraordinary creations of Indian rock-cut architecture, it is monumental in size, elaborately sculpted and intricate in its architecture. There are 34 major caves in the wider complex, which illustrate Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism and their co-existence in the region.
The Ellora Caves are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a heritage attraction in Maharashtra. The ancient architecture of India, with its rock-cut temples, sculptures, prayer halls and monasteries, can be visited. History, archaeology, architecture, art, spirituality and photography are popular interests among visitors to Ellora.

Best Time to Visit Ellora Caves

October to March are the best time to visit Ellora Caves as the weather is cooler and more pleasant to explore the extensive cave complex. Walking is especially enjoyable between the caves and in the surrounding landscape in the winter.
The summer months (April to June) are warm during the day, particularly in the afternoon; it is better to come early in the morning. During the monsoon season (July–September), the site sees rain and greener surroundings, offering wonderful scenery around the hills, but walking around the site may be more difficult due to the wet conditions.

Ellora Caves: Places, Experiences & Food

Places to Visit in Ellora

• Ellora Caves
• Kailasa Temple
• Cave 10 – Vishvakarma Cave
• Cave 16 – Kailasa Temple
• Cave 21 – Rameshvara Cave
• Cave 29 – Dhumar Lena
• Cave 32 – Indra Sabha
• Cave 33 – Jagannatha Sabha
• Buddhist Caves
• Hindu Caves
• Jain Caves
• Daulatabad Fort
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
• Bibi Ka Maqbara
• Aurangabad Caves
• Panchakki
• Khuldabad
• Ajanta Caves

Things to Do in Ellora Caves

• Explore the magnificent Ellora Caves
• Visit the extraordinary Kailasa Temple
• Admire the temple's monumental rock-cut architecture
• Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls
• Discover the Hindu temples and sculptures
• Visit the Jain caves and their intricate carvings
• Explore the Vishvakarma Cave
• Sculptures inside the Rameshvara Cave
• Discover the dramatic Dhumar Lena Cave
• Explore the Jain architecture of Indra Sabha
• Intricate carvings and monumental structures
• Learn about ancient Indian rock-cut architecture
• Coexistence of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions
• Explore the surrounding Charanandri Hills
• Visit nearby Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
• Take a trip to historic Daulatabad Fort
• Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad
• Explore the nearby Aurangabad Caves
• Take a day trip to the Ajanta Caves
• Local handicrafts and traditional products
• Historic heritage of the Aurangabad region
• Enjoy traditional Maharashtrian cuisine
• Landscape around the cave complex

What to Eat Near Ellora Caves

• Maharashtrian Thali
• Marathwada Thali
• Naan Qalia
• Misal Pav
• Vada Pav
• Kanda Poha
• Sabudana Vada
• Sabudana Khichdi
• Thalipeeth
• Pithla Bhakri
• Zunka Bhakri
• Bharli Vangi
• Batata Bhaji
• Matki Usal
• Kothimbir Vadi
• Kanda Bhaji
• Batata Vada
• Puran Poli
• Bakarwadi
• Pav Bhaji
• Samosa
• Kachori
• Bhajiya
• Dabeli
• Shev Bhaji
• Bharit Bhakri
• Shrikhand
• Basundi
• Modak
• Jalebi
• Gulab Jamun
• Amrakhand
• Piyush