Located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad) in Maharashtra, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are renowned throughout the world. They are among the crowning achievements of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture, and for that, they’ve been recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. They have been attracting travelers, art historians, and spiritual seekers from across the globe for ages because of the distinctive construction and unique art style of the statues. While many people think that covering the two sites in one visit would be better, for lovers of history and architecture, it would be fruitful to explore these two destinations in a more extensive manner. Here’s a three-day unstumbled itinerary that will help achieve precisely this.
Basic Details: Entry Fees, Operational Hours And Closed Days
In order to balance tourism with ecological protection, the Archaeological Survey of India enforces strict operational schedules and eco-zone protocols at both monument sites.
Ajanta Caves Operational Time: 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
Ellora Caves Operational Time: 6 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday to Monday
The following are the entry fees based on age and nationality of the visitor:
Indian Citizens and SAARC or BIMSTEC Visitors
Ajanta Caves Ticket Fee: INR 40
Ellora Caves Ticket Fee: INR 40
Note: Digital cashless payments receive a nominal discount at ASI counters.
Foreign Nationals
Ajanta Caves Ticket Fee: INR 600
Ellora Caves Ticket Fee: INR 600
Children (Below 15 Years): Free entry at both sites after verification of age.
Visitor Rules And Cave Photography Tips
Strict “No Flash Photography” Rule At Ajanta
Tripods and flash photography are strictly disallowed at Ajanta Caves. This is mainly to protect the light degradation of 1,500-year-old natural mineral pigment frescoes. You can, however, do photography in Ellora Caves. Additionally, if you want to capture some delicate frescoes at Ajanta too, you can use the night mode on your phone.
Shoe Removal At Active Temples
The caves are mostly non-active archaeological sites; however, shoe removal is expected when stepping into sanctums containing Buddha idols or active shrines such as the main shrine inside Cave 16 at Ellora.
Ajanta Eco-Zone Shuttle
It is important to note that all vehicles must park at the Ajanta T-Point Shopping Plaza, and that private cars and hired taxis cannot drive directly to the Ajanta Cave gates. Passengers may board the government-operated electric/CNG eco-buses for the final four km drive to the cave footbridge.
Footwear And Hydration
Both the historical sites require a lot of walking; we’re talking around six to ten km of uneven basalt rocks, uneven surfaces and steps, and open outdoor trails. Make sure you wear good-quality, comfortable shoes meant for trekking, and carry a reusable water bottle.
Also Read: Explore Khaddum Falls & The Hidden Krem Chympe Caves Of Meghalaya
The Ultimate Three-Day Ajanta And Ellora Caves Itinerary
If you book your accommodation in the main Aurangabad city, you’ll be able to seamlessly balance your cave excursions along with city heritage sites and culinary spots.
First Day: The Splendor Of Ajanta Caves
8 AM: Depart for Ajanta from your hotel.
10:15 AM: Reach the T-Point for shuttle transfer.
10:30 AM to 2 PM: Explore the following Ajanta Caves:
Caves 1 and 2 feature stunning frescoes of Padmapani and Vajrapani Bodhisattvas.
Caves 9 and 10 have the oldest prayer halls, also known as Chaityas, that date back to the 2nd Century BCE from the Hinayana phase.
Caves 19 and 26 showcase the brilliantly carved Mahayana chaitya halls featuring the magnificent 24-foot Reclining Buddha depiction representing Parinirvana.
2:30 PM: Grab lunch at the MTDC restaurant located near the T-point before returning to your hotel.
Evening: After resting for a bit, you can head out and explore the Gulmandi Market. They are particularly known for their Paithani Silk Sarees and Bidriware handicraft.
Second Day: Ellora Caves And Daulatabad Fort
8:30 AM: Depart for Ellora Caves
9:15 AM to 12:30 PM: Explore the following at Ellora Caves:
Start your exploration at Cave 16 for its Kailasa Temple carved out of a single rock.
Then head to the Buddhist Caves 1 through 12 that feature vaulted cathedral ceilings carved from stone.
You can then head to the Hindu Caves 13 through 29 for more of their impressive carvings.
Caves 30 through 24 are the Jain caves featuring exquisitely carved lotuses.
1:30 PM: Lunch break at nearby restaurants, then head to Daulatabad Fort. Climb the historic hill fortress, cross its famous moat, dark maze corridor (Bhool Bhulaiyaa), and the 210-foot Chand Minar tower.
5:30 PM: Watch the sunset at Bibi ka Maqbara, also known as the Taj of the Deccan.
Third Day: City Heritage, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga And Local Cuisine
9 AM: Visit the ancient Grishneshwar Temple, which is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
11:30 AM: Head to Khuldabad and visit the simple, open-air tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and nearby Sufi shrines.
2 PM: Savor authentic local culinary specialties, specifically Naan Qalia, which is a rich, slow-cooked spiced mutton stew served with warm oven-baked naan. You can also try traditional Maharashtrian Pithla Bhakri.
4 PM: Visit the historic Panchakki and then prepare for your return.
Also Read: Rai’s Coorg Cave House Is The Most Gorgeous Getaway In Coorg!
Summing Up
With this three-day itinerary, you can not only cover the historic Ajanta Ellora Caves, but also experience what the local region has to offer.
Note: The information here is from verified sources online as of the date of publication.
