About the Ellora
Ellora, also known as Verul, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world, featuring Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments, and artwork dating from the 600-1000 CE period. The Ellora Caves represent a remarkable blend of architectural styles and religious harmony, showcasing the religious tolerance of ancient India.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ellora is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the caves and other attractions.
Trip Duration
2 days
A minimum of 1-2 days is recommended to explore Ellora Caves and nearby attractions properly. If you want to delve deeper into the art and history, consider extending your stay.
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Best Tourist Places to Visit in Ellora
Activities / Things To Do in Ellora
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Explore the Caves Spend ample time exploring the various caves, paying attention to the architectural details, sculptures, and paintings. Start with Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) and then explore the Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves in sequence. Each cave offers a unique perspective on the religious beliefs and artistic styles of its era.
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Visit the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) The Kailasa Temple is the centerpiece of Ellora and a must-see. Marvel at its colossal size, intricate carvings, and the engineering marvel of its construction. Allow sufficient time to appreciate its grandeur and explore its various sections, including the elephant sculptures and the panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
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Hire a Guide Consider hiring a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of the history, mythology, and artistic significance of the caves. A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insights and point out details that you might otherwise miss.
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Photography Capture the beauty of the Ellora Caves through photography. The play of light and shadow creates stunning visuals, especially during the early morning and late afternoon. Remember to respect the sanctity of the site and avoid using flash photography inside the caves.
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Visit the Grishneshwar Temple Located near Ellora, the Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Ellora Travel Shorts
Ellora Best Restaurant | Your Ultimate Dining Guide
Hotel Kailas
Green Leaf Vegetarian Cuisine
Garikipati Restaurant (Agro tourism)
Accommodation
Hotel Ujjain Pride
Ellora Heritage Resort
Hotel Kailas
How to Reach Ellora
Air
The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (IXU), which is well-connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ellora.;
Bus
Ellora is well-connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. State transport buses and private buses operate regularly to Ellora from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, and other cities. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own car.
Train
Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) is the nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities across India. Taxis and buses are readily available from the railway station to Ellora.
