Facts about Ellora Caves

• There is a small Jain temple with rock-cut structures on top of the hill, 600 steps above Ellora Caves. It is open for tourists and pilgrims
• Many Muslim rulers and traders have recorded their stay in the cells of Ellora Caves.
• Emperor Aurangazeb and other Mughal rulers frequently visited this site, especially during the rainy season
• Locals call this group of caves as Verul Leni.
• Ellora is famous for holding the world’s largest single rock excavation.
• Only 34 out of 100 caves are open for tourists.
• Although generally considered as nemesis, the cave structures indicate as Shaktism and Vaishnavam of Hinduism were in harmony during the ancient times.
• Drills, hammer, and chisel were used by the artisans during 500 AD for construction of these caves
• Plaster was used to represent snow in carvings like mountains
• Aurangazeb tried to destroy this cave group for three years using 1000 people but, he couldn’t demolish it and only ended up disfiguring a few structures.

Visiting Timing of Ellora Caves

Caves are open from 8 am to 5:30 pm. Ellora Caves are open throughout the year, six days a week (Tuesdays are weekly off)

Entry Fee of Ellora Caves

You can purchase tickets at the ticket counter or you can book throughout online.

• For children below the age of 15 – Free
• Entry fee for Indian – INR 40 per head
• Entry fee for BIMSTEC and SAARC citizens – INR 40 per head
• Entry fee for other foreigners – INR 600 per head

Reaching Ellora Caves from Other Cities

Ellora Caves are not just accessible from Mumbai but it can be reach from other major cities too

How to Reach Ellora Caves from Delhi

Distance between Ellora Caves and Delhi – 1,215 km.

If you are choosing flights, you can find direct flights from Delhi to Aurangabad. It would take one hour to reach Aurangabad. From Aurangabad airport, you can find cabs, buses and other road transportation to reach Ellora Caves. Some prefer to book cabs or buses from Delhi to Ellora directly.

However, the distance is longer and the travel might be inconvenient and costly too. For more convenient travel, choose trains from Delhi to Aurangabad. Choose Indian Odyssey of Deccan Odyssey luxury train if you are looking for a pampering vacation.

There are numerous government buses running from Delhi to Aurangabad central bus stand. From the bus stand, you can find direct buses to Ellora Caves.

How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai

Distance between Mumbai and Ellora caves – 341.6 km. If you are flying, you can find direct flights from Mumbai to Aurangabad. From Aurangabad, you can find buses, cabs and luxury coaches to reach Ellora. If you are choosing buses or cabs, you can find direct transportation from Mumbai. Most of the buses will halt at Aurangabad Central bus stand. You can find trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad. Most of the trains will halt at Jalgaon station.

How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune

Distance between Pune and Ellora caves – 259 km

The best option is to take a train from Pune and de-board at Aurangabad Jalgaon station. From the station, you can find road transportation to the caves. You can also choose to hire buses or cabs directly from Pune.

If you are flying, you will have to catch a connecting flight at Hyderabad or New Delhi. The time taken for connecting flights will be longer. Thus, trains are a better option.

How to Reach Ellora Caves from Chennai

Distance between Chennai and Ellora Caves – 1229 km

Train from Chennai central to Pahur station would take 19 hours. You can find overnight trains, which will relatively make it feel shorter. Pahur station is around 20 km away from Ellora Caves. If you are flying, you will need to catch connecting flights at Hyderabad or Mumbai. You can find buses from Chennai to Mumbai or Delhi. However, the duration of travel will be very long.

How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Bangalore

Distance between Ellora Caves and Bangalore – 961.5 km

You can find overnight trains to Shirdi, Ahmedabad or Jalagon from Bangalore. From these stations, you can find cabs or buses to reach Aurangabad or Ellora. If you are flying, you should de-board at Hyderabad or Mumbai for connecting flights.

Some tourists prefer to fly to Pune and from Pune find cabs or buses to Aurangabad or Ellora. The shortest route will be overnight train to Bijapur and a road journey for 500 km.

How to Reach Ellora Caves

By Air

For travelers from afar, Aurangabad Airport serves as the primary gateway to Ellora Caves. Situated approximately 30 kilometers away, the airport offers both domestic and international flights, ensuring convenient access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By Rail

Aurangabad Railway Station stands as a crucial junction connecting major cities across India. From here, visitors can avail themselves of various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and rental cars, to reach Ellora Caves conveniently.

By Road

Travelers seeking a scenic route can embark on a road trip to Ellora Caves via well-maintained highways. Whether driving from Mumbai, Pune, or other neighboring cities, the journey promises breathtaking views of the Maharashtra countryside, punctuated by pit stops at local eateries and attractions along the way.

Cave Highlights

1. Kailasa Temple: Marvel at the grandeur of this monolithic structure, meticulously sculpted from a single rock, depicting intricate mythological narratives and divine beings.

2. Buddhist Caves: Delve into the serene ambiance of the Buddhist viharas, adorned with serene sculptures of Buddha and intricate motifs depicting his teachings.

3. Jain Monasteries: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Jain caves, adorned with elegant carvings of Tirthankaras and celestial beings, offering a glimpse into Jain philosophy and spirituality.

Guided Tours and Insights

Embark on a guided tour of Ellora Caves to unravel the hidden stories and symbolism behind each cave. Knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights into the historical context, architectural marvels, and religious significance of these ancient sanctuaries, enriching your experience and understanding.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the hallowed halls of Ellora Caves, we invite you to immerse yourself in the timeless splendor of this architectural masterpiece. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or an admirer of exquisite craftsmanship, Ellora Caves beckons with its unparalleled beauty and profound legacy, leaving an indelible mark on all who venture within its sacred confines.