Ellora’s Kailasa temple is one of the most astonishing structures on earth, and Ajanta’s 2,000-year-old murals are masterpieces of Buddhist art. Base yourself in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
Highlights
- Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) at Ellora
- Ajanta’s painted caves (1, 2, 17)
- Bibi ka Maqbara
- Daulatabad Fort
What to eat
- Naan qalia
- Maharashtrian thali
Where to stay
Hotels in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
Getting there
Fly to Aurangabad (IXU) or take the train; Ellora is about 45 minutes away and Ajanta about 2-3 hours.
Tips
- Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays: plan your two days around that.
- Arrive early; the caves are cooler and quieter.
- Bring a torch for darker caves.
Best time to visit
Oct-Mar. See what else is good in October and our best time to visit India guide.
Temples and shrines near Ajanta & Ellora Caves
- Shri Saibaba Samadhi Mandir, Shirdi Sai Baba of Shirdi
Places to see in and around Ajanta & Ellora Caves
14 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Ellora Caves World Heritage Site, 0 km
- Kailasa Temple, Ellora Temple, 1 km
- Bibi Ka Maqbara Tomb, 21 km
- Grishneshwar temple Temple, 1 km
- Pitalkhora Caves, 37 km
- Tomb of Aurangzeb Tomb, 3 km
- Sambhajinagar Caves Caves, 19 km
- Daulatabad Fort Fort, 10 km
- Salim Ali Lake Lake, 22 km
- Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 34 km
- Bhadra Maruti Temple Temple, 3 km
- Alamgir Mosque, Aurangabad Mosque, 22 km
- Tomb of Malik Ambar Monument, 2 km
- Qila-e-Ark Monument, 23 km
Food to try in and around Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Maharashtra favourites to look out for.
- Vada pav
- Pav bhaji
- Puran poli
- Ukadiche modak
- Sabudana khichdi
- Kanda poha
- Shrikhand
- Sol kadhi
- Kolhapuri sukka mutton
- Pandhra rassa
- Kunthalgiri Khawa GI: sweet
- Mahabaleshwar Strawberry GI: fruit
The full food passport, state by state.
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