Best months
Per-day budget
₹750–1,150/day
Getting there
The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, 30 km from Aurangabad. The site has 34 caves — 12 Buddhist (600-800 CE), 17 Hindu (600-900 CE) and 5 Jain (800-1000 CE). The most spectacular is Cave 16 — the Kailasa Temple, a single monolithic rock-cut temple carved from top to bottom out of a single cliff. It is the largest monolithic structure in the world. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups. Pilgrims visit this destination throughout the year seeking blessings. Local hospitality and food make the visit even more memorable.
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Why go
The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the masterpiece — 30 m high, carved out of 200,000 tonnes of rock. The Buddhist caves include Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave, a chaitya hall) and Cave 12 (a three-storey monastery). The Hindu Caves include Cave 15 (Dashavatara Cave with ten incarnations of Vishnu). The Jain Caves include Cave 32 (Indra Sabha) with a lotus ceiling.
The Kailasa Temple is a living temple still used for worship. The Grishneshwar Temple nearby is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The Buddhist caves have meditation halls. The Jain caves have intricate carvings of Mahavira.
How to reach
Ellora Caves are 30 km from Aurangabad. Buses from Aurangabad (₹50-100, 30-45 minutes) connect. The nearest railway station and airport are in Aurangabad (30 km).
What a day costs
| Budget hotel in Aurangabad | ₹500–800 |
| Food (Marathi thali) | ₹150–200 |
| Ellora entry (Indian) | ₹50–50 |
| Bus from Aurangabad | ₹50–100 |
When to go
October to March is best. November-February is pleasant. Closed on Monday. Open 6 AM-6 PM. Early morning is best.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Ellora
Start from Aurangabad. Visit Buddhist caves (1-12), Kailasa Temple (16), Hindu caves (17-29), Jain caves (30-34). Allow 3-4 hours.
Student hacks
- ▸Ellora entry ₹50 — includes all 34 caves.
- ▸Bus from Aurangabad costs ₹50-100.
- ▸Start at Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) first — the best cave.
- ▸Closed on Monday — plan accordingly.
- ▸Carry water and snacks.
Safety & permits
No permit needed. Entry ₹50 for Indians (includes all 34 caves). Guide costs ₹500-1,000. Carry water.
FAQs
How do I reach Ellora from Delhi?
Flight to Aurangabad then bus (30 min, ₹50-100).
What is Ellora known for?
Kailasa Temple — world's largest monolithic rock-cut temple.
How many days do I need?
Half-day from Aurangabad.