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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Ellora Summary
| Public website: | maharashtratourism.gov.in |
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India – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D , Type M
Type C:
   Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Indian Rupee (INR) £1 ≈ ₹126.52 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in India, especially in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are widely accepted in cities.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in India but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, typically 10-15% for good service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly seen in India. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations. |
| Independence Day (15 August) |
A national holiday celebrated with flag hoisting and parades |
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| Diwali (October-November) |
The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Ola, Uber |
| Other: | India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences from ancient temples to modern cities. Prepare for varying infrastructure and safety conditions depending on the region. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Ellora, India
The Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays
Monsoon (July to September) turns the surrounding hills green with waterfalls, but paths get slippery
Don't miss
- 🛕 Marvel at the monolithic Kailasa Temple carved from rock
- 🧘♂️ Explore intricate Buddhist caves with detailed sculptures
- 🕉️ Admire Jain cave temples reflecting ancient spiritual teachings
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Ellora stands as a remarkable example of ancient craftsmanship and cultural exchange. Located in Maharashtra India Ellora showcases rock cut structures that span centuries of artistic development. The site includes Buddhist Hindu and Jain monuments carved directly into basalt cliffs. Each structure reveals careful planning and skilled labor reflecting deep spiritual traditions.
The most famous section features the Kailasa Temple a massive monolithic building dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its design follows precise geometric principles while integrating natural rock formations. Visitors can observe how artisans transformed solid stone into intricate reliefs depicting myths and daily life. The scale of work suggests organized teams working across generations.
Beyond religious significance Ellora demonstrates practical ingenuity in water management and structural stability. Channels and reservoirs were carved to support large gatherings during festivals. The site’s layout encourages exploration with pathways guiding visitors through different eras. Local guides share stories about the people who built these spaces highlighting community collaboration.
Today Ellora remains a place where history feels tangible. Sunlight plays across stone surfaces changing colors throughout the day. Educational programs focus on preservation techniques ensuring future generations can study original details. Travelers often note how quiet moments here foster reflection on human creativity and endurance through time.
Why travel to Ellora?
Ellora's scale and craftsmanship will make you completely awestruck - it's hard to comprehend how ancient artisans created such intricate structures using only hammers and chisels. Walking through these caves feels like time-traveling through a millennium of Indian spiritual history, with each cave telling its own story through elaborate sculptures and carvings. The Buddhist caves have a serene simplicity, the Hindu temples burst with dynamic energy and mythological narratives, while the Jain temples showcase incredible attention to ornate detail. What makes Ellora truly special is experiencing how three different religious traditions flourished side by side, each expressing their unique spiritual vision through the same volcanic rock. The highlight is undoubtedly the Kailasanatha Temple, which will leave you speechless - it's twice the size of the Parthenon in Athens and was carved from top to bottom out of a single rock face. Just be aware that summer temperatures can be brutally hot (often exceeding 37°C/98°F), making exploration uncomfortable and the monsoon season can make pathways slippery. Also, while the main caves are well-maintained, some of the lesser-visited ones might lack adequate lighting, so bringing a flashlight is helpful.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎈Events
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Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music
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Maharashtra Day Celebrations
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Buddha Purnima
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Mahashivratri Celebrations
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Jain Religious Festivals
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World Heritage Week
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Republic Day Celebrations
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Independence Day Events
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Local Harvest Festivals
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Cultural Performances
Knowledge before you go
- Closed Tuesdays; arrive early to beat crowds.
- Start at Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), world's largest monolithic rock-cut structure.
- Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking across 34 caves and uneven terrain.
- Hire official guide to explain Buddhist, Hindu, Jain caves' historical religious harmony.
How to travel to Ellora
Ellora Caves are located about 30 kilometers north of Aurangabad city in Maharashtra state. The most convenient way to reach is to first travel to Aurangabad, which has an airport with connections to major Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi. From Aurangabad, you can hire a taxi, join a tour or take a local bus to the caves. Many visitors combine Ellora with the nearby Ajanta Caves as part of a longer itinerary.
Access summary
- From Aurangabad Airport (IXU): Taxi or bus to Ellora, about 1 hour.
- From Aurangabad city: Frequent buses or taxis to Ellora Caves, 45–60 minutes.
- From Mumbai: Overnight train or bus to Aurangabad, then 1‑hour road transfer.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Ellora
Most visitors to Ellora Caves stay in Aurangabad city, which is about 30 kilometers away and offers a range of accommodation options from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) operates a resort near the caves, which is convenient but often books up quickly. For those seeking a more immersive experience, there are a few smaller guesthouses and homestays in villages closer to the caves.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Ellora Heritage Resort
Moreshwar Pride and Rescidency
Viceroy Resort
Hotel Mayur Residency
VERULAI RETREAT HOMESTAY I NEAR ELLORA CAVES AND GRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE I CLEAN AND PEACEFUL STAY
Hotel Tulsi Inn
Sairam Residency
Hotel Shrivastav Residency And Restaurant
Hotel Great Annapurna
Rudra Guest House
How to get around Ellora
The Ellora cave complex is best explored on foot, with the 34 caves spread over a distance of about 2 km. The caves are grouped by religion (Buddhist, Hindu and Jain), making it easy to plan your exploration. While you can navigate the site independently, hiring a local guide is recommended to understand the historical and cultural significance of the intricate carvings and architectural features.
Packing recommendations for Ellora
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Light jacket
for winter visits
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 78% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to INR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Ellora Caves are generally safe for visitors, with well‑maintained pathways and a steady police presence. Petty theft is rare; stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables secure and follow local guidance on respectful conduct to ensure a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
Ellora Caves are moderately accessible: well‑marked paths, wheelchair ramps at main entrances and guided tours in multiple languages aid visitors with mobility issues. However, uneven stone steps and limited seating can pose challenges; plan ahead for assistance and bring sturdy footwear.
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