{"id":653,"date":"2025-08-18T22:40:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T17:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/?p=653"},"modified":"2025-08-18T22:50:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T17:20:04","slug":"ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Ajanta and Ellora Caves Travel Guide: Location, History, Paintings, Timings, Tickets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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\u20132 day plan.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Where_are_Ajanta_and_Ellora_Caves_located\" >Where are Ajanta and Ellora Caves located?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Why_these_caves_matter\" >Why these caves matter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Who_built_Ajanta_and_Ellora_Caves\" >Who built Ajanta and Ellora Caves?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Ajanta_and_Ellora_Caves_paintings_what_is_special\" >Ajanta and Ellora Caves paintings: what is special?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Timings_weekly_closed_day_and_ticket_prices_ASI\" >Timings, weekly closed day, and ticket prices (ASI)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#What_to_see_if_you_have_limited_time\" >What to see if you have limited time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#1%E2%80%932_day_plan_that_works\" >1\u20132 day plan that works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Practical_tips_that_protect_the_art_and_your_experience\" >Practical tips that protect the art and your experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Quick_answers_to_top_searches\" >Quick answers to top searches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#How_to_reach\" >How to reach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/ajanta-and-ellora-caves-guide\/#Responsible_travel_checklist\" >Responsible travel checklist<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_are_Ajanta_and_Ellora_Caves_located\"><\/span>Where are Ajanta and Ellora Caves located?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>State:<\/strong> Maharashtra, India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nearest big city and base:<\/strong> Aurangabad, officially <strong>Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ajanta \u2192 city distance:<\/strong> ~107 km north of Aurangabad base, set in a horseshoe\u2011shaped gorge above the Waghora river. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ellora \u2192 city distance:<\/strong> ~30 km NNW of Aurangabad, at Verul (Khultabad taluk). <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ajanta \u2194 Ellora distance:<\/strong> ~99 km by road. Plan 1.5\u20132 hours each way. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>About the city name:<\/strong> Aurangabad was officially renamed <strong>Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar<\/strong> in 2023, so you may see both names on boards and tickets. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_63.jpg\" alt=\"Ajanta and Ellora Caves\" class=\"wp-image-654\" style=\"width:556px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_63.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_63-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_63-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_63-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Ajanta Caves ( source wikipedia )<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_these_caves_matter\"><\/span>Why these caves matter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ajanta<\/strong> is a group of <strong>30 Buddhist caves<\/strong> developed in <strong>two phases<\/strong>: early 2nd\u20131st century BCE and a later burst in the 5th\u20136th century CE. Paintings and sculptures here are considered masterpieces of Buddhist art. <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UNESCO World Heritage Centre<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ellora<\/strong> is a continuous complex of <strong>34 caves<\/strong> cut between <strong>600\u20131000 CE<\/strong>, hosting Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments side\u2011by\u2011side over a 2 km escarpment. <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/243\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UNESCO World Heritage Centre<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_built_Ajanta_and_Ellora_Caves\"><\/span>Who built Ajanta and Ellora Caves?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Short answer:<\/strong> Many patrons across centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ajanta:<\/strong> Early caves align with the <strong>Satavahanas<\/strong>; later Ajanta flourished under the <strong>Vakatakas<\/strong>, including minister <strong>Varahadeva<\/strong> under King <strong>Harishena<\/strong> who dedicated Cave 16, while Cave 17 was gifted by a Vakataka feudatory. <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UNESCO World Heritage Centre<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/asi.nic.in\/pages\/WorldHeritageAjantaCaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASI<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ellora:<\/strong> Multiple dynasties backed Ellora\u2019s growth. The <strong>Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)<\/strong>, the site\u2019s dramatic centerpiece, is attributed to <strong>Rashtrakuta King Krishna I<\/strong> in the 8th century, supported by inscriptional and copper\u2011plate evidence. <a href=\"https:\/\/asi.nic.in\/pages\/WorldHeritageElloraCaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-tourism-entry-fee-timings-holidays-reviews-header-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-660\" style=\"width:825px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-tourism-entry-fee-timings-holidays-reviews-header-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-tourism-entry-fee-timings-holidays-reviews-header-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-tourism-entry-fee-timings-holidays-reviews-header-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-tourism-entry-fee-timings-holidays-reviews-header-150x75.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-tourism-entry-fee-timings-holidays-reviews-header.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ajanta caves ( source: aurangabad tourism )  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ajanta_and_Ellora_Caves_paintings_what_is_special\"><\/span>Ajanta and Ellora Caves paintings: what is special?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ajanta\u2019s murals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Executed in <strong>tempera<\/strong> on prepared plaster, not true wet\u2011fresco. Surfaces were layered and finished with lime; pigments include red and yellow ochre, terra verde, lapis lazuli, carbon black and more. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Themes span <strong>Jataka tales<\/strong>, scenes from the Buddha\u2019s life, courtly processions, and everyday moments that still feel alive. Start with <strong>Caves 1, 2, 16, 17, 26<\/strong>, and step into <strong>Caves 9 and 10<\/strong> to feel the earlier chaitya halls. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ellora\u2019s paintings and sculpture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ellora is primarily about <strong>monumental sculpture and architecture<\/strong>. You will still see <strong>painting remains<\/strong> on ceilings and mandapas, notably in <strong>Kailasa<\/strong>. The Buddhist <strong>Caves 10\u201312<\/strong>, Hindu <strong>15\u201316, 21, 29<\/strong>, and Jain <strong>30\u201334<\/strong> are the best quick sample. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"848\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_Cave_1_Mahajanaka_Jataka_mural_detail-1024x848.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-656\" style=\"width:545px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_Cave_1_Mahajanaka_Jataka_mural_detail-1024x848.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_Cave_1_Mahajanaka_Jataka_mural_detail-300x248.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_Cave_1_Mahajanaka_Jataka_mural_detail-768x636.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_Cave_1_Mahajanaka_Jataka_mural_detail-150x124.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ajanta_Cave_1_Mahajanaka_Jataka_mural_detail.jpg 1277w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timings_weekly_closed_day_and_ticket_prices_ASI\"><\/span>Timings, weekly closed day, and ticket prices (ASI)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Always check at the gate or official ASI pages for last\u2011minute changes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ajanta<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closed:<\/strong> <strong>Monday<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tickets:<\/strong> Indians\/SAARC\/BIMSTEC \u20b940 (\u20b935 online); Foreigners \u20b9600 (\u20b9550 online); under 15 free. <a href=\"https:\/\/asi.nic.in\/pages\/WorldHeritageAjantaCaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ellora<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hours:<\/strong> Sunrise to sunset<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closed:<\/strong> <strong>Tuesday<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tickets:<\/strong> Indians\/SAARC\/BIMSTEC \u20b940 (\u20b935 online); Foreigners \u20b9600 (\u20b9550 online); under 15 free. <a href=\"https:\/\/asi.nic.in\/pages\/WorldHeritageElloraCaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_see_if_you_have_limited_time\"><\/span>What to see if you have limited time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Half day at Ellora<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cave 16 (Kailasa):<\/strong> The world\u2019s largest single monolithic rock\u2011cut temple. Walk the circumambulatory trench to feel the scale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cave 10 (Vishvakarma), 12 (Teen Tal):<\/strong> Buddhist power and planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cave 21 (Rameshwar), 29 (Dhumar Lena):<\/strong> Powerful Shaiva sculpture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Caves 32\u201334:<\/strong> Refined Jain carving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One full day at Ajanta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Caves 1\u20132:<\/strong> Crown\u2011jewel paintings, meditative and intricate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Caves 16\u201317:<\/strong> Vakataka phase at its richest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cave 26:<\/strong> Colossal reclining Buddha and a dramatic chaitya fa\u00e7ade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step into <strong>Caves 9\u201310<\/strong> for the earlier prayer halls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1%E2%80%932_day_plan_that_works\"><\/span>1\u20132 day plan that works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day 1: Ellora + Daulatabad stop (optional)<\/strong><br>Start early from Aurangabad. Do <strong>Kailasa<\/strong> first, then Buddhist 10\u201312, Hindu 21 or 29, finish with Jain 32\u201334. If you have energy, pause at <strong>Daulatabad Fort<\/strong> on your way back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day 2: Ajanta<\/strong><br>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 \u201cslow second look\u201d at Caves 1\u20132 before closing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travel time between the sites is roughly <strong>~99 km<\/strong> by road, so doing both in one day is rushed for most visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_that_protect_the_art_and_your_experience\"><\/span>Practical tips that protect the art and your experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No flash near murals;<\/strong> follow signage and guard instructions. Keep a respectful distance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Footwear:<\/strong> Good grip shoes. Steps can be smooth or damp in monsoon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hydration:<\/strong> Carry water and light snacks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local guides:<\/strong> Hiring an ASI\u2011approved guide at each site can be worth it if you want context without reading plaques.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best season:<\/strong> October to March for comfortable weather. Monsoon is lush around Ellora waterfalls but humid. <a href=\"https:\/\/asi.nic.in\/pages\/WorldHeritageElloraCaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_answers_to_top_searches\"><\/span>Quick answers to top searches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is Ajanta and Ellora Caves?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both are in <strong>Maharashtra<\/strong>. Base yourself in <strong>Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)<\/strong>. Ajanta is ~107 km north; Ellora is ~30 km NNW. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is Ajanta and Ellora Caves located exactly?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ajanta:<\/strong> Aurangabad district, <strong>Soegaon\/Soyagaon taluka<\/strong>, near <strong>Lenapur<\/strong> village, overlooking the <strong>Waghora<\/strong> river gorge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ellora:<\/strong> Aurangabad district, <strong>Verul<\/strong> village in <strong>Khultabad taluk<\/strong>, Charanandri hills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who built Ajanta and Ellora Caves?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ajanta:<\/strong> Early Hinayana caves in the Satavahana era. Later Mahayana phase under the <strong>Vakatakas<\/strong>, with inscriptions naming <strong>Varahadeva<\/strong> (minister of King <strong>Harishena<\/strong>) as a donor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ellora:<\/strong> Multiple dynasties. The <strong>Kailasa<\/strong> temple is credited to <strong>Rashtrakuta Krishna I<\/strong>; other caves reflect work under Kalachuris, Chalukyas, later Yadavas and Chalukyas of Kalyani.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ajanta and Ellora Caves paintings \u2014 what should I not miss?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ajanta:<\/strong> Caves <strong>1, 2, 16, 17<\/strong> for Jataka scenes and palace life; <strong>9, 10<\/strong> for early chaityas; <strong>26<\/strong> for grand sculpture. Technique is <strong>tempera on plaster<\/strong>, not true fresco.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ellora:<\/strong> Sculpture dominates; look for painting traces in <strong>Kailasa\u2019s<\/strong> mandapa ceilings. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ajanta and Ellora Caves information at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UNESCO:<\/strong> Both inscribed in <strong>1983<\/strong> for outstanding universal value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Counts:<\/strong> Ajanta <strong>30<\/strong> caves; Ellora <strong>34<\/strong> caves over ~2 km.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closed days:<\/strong> Ajanta <strong>Monday<\/strong>, Ellora <strong>Tuesday<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tickets:<\/strong> Indians\/SAARC\/BIMSTEC \u20b940; Foreigners \u20b9600; under 15 free. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_reach\"><\/span>How to reach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Air:<\/strong> Aurangabad airport is your best gateway.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rail:<\/strong> Aurangabad for Ellora; <strong>Jalgaon<\/strong> is also useful for Ajanta if coming from north.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Road:<\/strong> 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.) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Responsible_travel_checklist\"><\/span>Responsible travel checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep voices low inside halls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not touch walls or painted surfaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carry back any plastic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respect queues, barriers, and weekly closed days so conservation teams can work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n        {\n            \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Where is Ajanta and Ellora Caves?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Both are in Maharashtra, India with Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) as the base. 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Ellora had many patrons; the Kailasa Temple is attributed to Rashtrakuta King Krishna I.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is special about Ajanta and Ellora Caves paintings?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Ajanta\u2019s murals use tempera on prepared plaster, depicting Jataka tales and Buddha\u2019s life. Ellora preserves traces of paintings, but its strength is monumental sculpture, notably Kailasa.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What are the timings and ticket prices?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Ajanta: 9 AM\u20135 PM, closed Monday. Ellora: sunrise\u2013sunset, closed Tuesday. Indians\/SAARC\/BIMSTEC \u20b940 (\u20b935 online); Foreigners \u20b9600 (\u20b9550 online); under 15 free.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    <\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning a trip to Maharashtra? Explore our handpicked<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/holidays\/maharashtra-holiday-packages\"> Ajanta and Ellora holiday packages<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/pahunholidays.com\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pahunholidays.com\">pahunholidays<\/a> or a journey that blends history, culture, and comfort.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning Ajanta and Ellora Caves? Learn exactly where they are, who built them, what to see, famous paintings, closed days, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81,3],"tags":[83,84,82,85,86],"class_list":["post-653","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history","category-tour-planning","tag-ajanta","tag-ajanta-caves","tag-ellora","tag-maharashtra-tour","tag-unesco-heritage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/653","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=653"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/653\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":661,"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/653\/revisions\/661"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=653"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=653"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pahunholidays.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=653"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}