Planning Ajanta and Ellora Caves? Learn exactly where they are, who built them, what to see, famous paintings, closed days, ticket prices, best time, and a 1–2 day plan.
Where are Ajanta and Ellora Caves located?
- State: Maharashtra, India
- Nearest big city and base: Aurangabad, officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Ajanta → city distance: ~107 km north of Aurangabad base, set in a horseshoe‑shaped gorge above the Waghora river.
- Ellora → city distance: ~30 km NNW of Aurangabad, at Verul (Khultabad taluk).
- Ajanta ↔ Ellora distance: ~99 km by road. Plan 1.5–2 hours each way.
- About the city name: Aurangabad was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2023, so you may see both names on boards and tickets.
Why these caves matter
- Ajanta is a group of 30 Buddhist caves developed in two phases: early 2nd–1st century BCE and a later burst in the 5th–6th century CE. Paintings and sculptures here are considered masterpieces of Buddhist art. UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Ellora is a continuous complex of 34 caves cut between 600–1000 CE, hosting Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments side‑by‑side over a 2 km escarpment. UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Who built Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
Short answer: Many patrons across centuries.
- Ajanta: Early caves align with the Satavahanas; later Ajanta flourished under the Vakatakas, including minister Varahadeva under King Harishena who dedicated Cave 16, while Cave 17 was gifted by a Vakataka feudatory. UNESCO World Heritage CentreASI
- Ellora: Multiple dynasties backed Ellora’s growth. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), the site’s dramatic centerpiece, is attributed to Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in the 8th century, supported by inscriptional and copper‑plate evidence. ASI
Ajanta and Ellora Caves paintings: what is special?
Ajanta’s murals
- Executed in tempera on prepared plaster, not true wet‑fresco. Surfaces were layered and finished with lime; pigments include red and yellow ochre, terra verde, lapis lazuli, carbon black and more.
- Themes span Jataka tales, scenes from the Buddha’s life, courtly processions, and everyday moments that still feel alive. Start with Caves 1, 2, 16, 17, 26, and step into Caves 9 and 10 to feel the earlier chaitya halls.
Ellora’s paintings and sculpture
- Ellora is primarily about monumental sculpture and architecture. You will still see painting remains on ceilings and mandapas, notably in Kailasa. The Buddhist Caves 10–12, Hindu 15–16, 21, 29, and Jain 30–34 are the best quick sample.
Timings, weekly closed day, and ticket prices (ASI)
Always check at the gate or official ASI pages for last‑minute changes.
- Ajanta
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday
- Tickets: Indians/SAARC/BIMSTEC ₹40 (₹35 online); Foreigners ₹600 (₹550 online); under 15 free. ASI
- Ellora
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Closed: Tuesday
- Tickets: Indians/SAARC/BIMSTEC ₹40 (₹35 online); Foreigners ₹600 (₹550 online); under 15 free. ASI
What to see if you have limited time
Half day at Ellora
- Cave 16 (Kailasa): The world’s largest single monolithic rock‑cut temple. Walk the circumambulatory trench to feel the scale.
- Cave 10 (Vishvakarma), 12 (Teen Tal): Buddhist power and planning.
- Cave 21 (Rameshwar), 29 (Dhumar Lena): Powerful Shaiva sculpture.
- Caves 32–34: Refined Jain carving.
One full day at Ajanta
- Caves 1–2: Crown‑jewel paintings, meditative and intricate.
- Caves 16–17: Vakataka phase at its richest.
- Cave 26: Colossal reclining Buddha and a dramatic chaitya façade.
- Step into Caves 9–10 for the earlier prayer halls.
1–2 day plan that works
Day 1: Ellora + Daulatabad stop (optional)
Start early from Aurangabad. Do Kailasa first, then Buddhist 10–12, Hindu 21 or 29, finish with Jain 32–34. If you have energy, pause at Daulatabad Fort on your way back.
Day 2: Ajanta
Leave by 7:00 AM. The shuttle drops you at the viewpoint; walk the arc from right to left to match cave numbering. Break for lunch and return for your “slow second look” at Caves 1–2 before closing.
Travel time between the sites is roughly ~99 km by road, so doing both in one day is rushed for most visitors.
Practical tips that protect the art and your experience
- No flash near murals; follow signage and guard instructions. Keep a respectful distance.
- Footwear: Good grip shoes. Steps can be smooth or damp in monsoon.
- Hydration: Carry water and light snacks.
- Local guides: Hiring an ASI‑approved guide at each site can be worth it if you want context without reading plaques.
- Best season: October to March for comfortable weather. Monsoon is lush around Ellora waterfalls but humid. ASI
Quick answers to top searches
Where is Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
Both are in Maharashtra. Base yourself in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). Ajanta is ~107 km north; Ellora is ~30 km NNW.
Where is Ajanta and Ellora Caves located exactly?
- Ajanta: Aurangabad district, Soegaon/Soyagaon taluka, near Lenapur village, overlooking the Waghora river gorge.
- Ellora: Aurangabad district, Verul village in Khultabad taluk, Charanandri hills.
Who built Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
- Ajanta: Early Hinayana caves in the Satavahana era. Later Mahayana phase under the Vakatakas, with inscriptions naming Varahadeva (minister of King Harishena) as a donor.
- Ellora: Multiple dynasties. The Kailasa temple is credited to Rashtrakuta Krishna I; other caves reflect work under Kalachuris, Chalukyas, later Yadavas and Chalukyas of Kalyani.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves paintings — what should I not miss?
- Ajanta: Caves 1, 2, 16, 17 for Jataka scenes and palace life; 9, 10 for early chaityas; 26 for grand sculpture. Technique is tempera on plaster, not true fresco.
- Ellora: Sculpture dominates; look for painting traces in Kailasa’s mandapa ceilings.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves information at a glance
- UNESCO: Both inscribed in 1983 for outstanding universal value.
- Counts: Ajanta 30 caves; Ellora 34 caves over ~2 km.
- Closed days: Ajanta Monday, Ellora Tuesday.
- Tickets: Indians/SAARC/BIMSTEC ₹40; Foreigners ₹600; under 15 free.
How to reach
- Air: Aurangabad airport is your best gateway.
- Rail: Aurangabad for Ellora; Jalgaon is also useful for Ajanta if coming from north.
- Road: Good highways connect Aurangabad with Mumbai, Pune, Nashik. Ajanta has a shuttle from the parking area to the cave complex. (Use the distances above to plan transfers.)
Responsible travel checklist
- Keep voices low inside halls.
- Do not touch walls or painted surfaces.
- Carry back any plastic.
- Respect queues, barriers, and weekly closed days so conservation teams can work.
Planning a trip to Maharashtra? Explore our handpicked Ajanta and Ellora holiday packages by pahunholidays or a journey that blends history, culture, and comfort.
