Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
Ellora Caves 3 hrs
Marvel at the world's largest monolithic rock-cut temple, a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
Where to stay
Hotels in Ellora
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At a glance
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Marathi and Hindi and English
Local currency
INR
(INR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
1–3 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Aurangabad
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Expected for service
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
60 · Moderate
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Pithla Bhakri
Vada Pav
Puran Poli
Misal Pav
When to visit Ellora
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, February, November, December
Busiest: Oct-Mar
-
Jan90
Pleasant, cool, dry
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Feb90
Warm, pleasant, dry
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Mar80
Getting hot, dry
-
Apr50
Very hot, dry
-
May30
Extremely hot, dry
-
Jun40
Hot, monsoon starts
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Jul60
Monsoon, humid, wet
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Aug70
Monsoon, lush green
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Sept75
Monsoon ends, pleasant
-
Oct85
Pleasant, post-monsoon
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Nov90
Cool, dry, ideal
-
Dec90
Cool, pleasant, dry
Things to do in Ellora
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Buddhist Caves
Ellora Caves 2 hrs
Explore ancient monasteries and chaityas, reflecting early Buddhist art and monastic life.
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad 3 hrs
Ascend a formidable hill fort with unique defense mechanisms and panoramic views.
Best in the afternoon
3 places
Hindu Caves
Ellora Caves 2.5 hrs
Discover intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and grand sculptures.
Jain Caves
Ellora Caves 1.5 hrs
Visit the serene and smaller caves showcasing Jain iconography and spiritual devotion.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Aurangabad 2 hrs
Admire this stunning 17th-century tomb, often called the 'Taj of the Deccan', in Aurangabad.
Any time of day
1 place
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Ellora 1 hr
Pay homage at one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines, an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
Ellora itineraries
With the family
3 Days in Ellora — Family with Kids
Uncover ancient wonders and historical marvels, perfect for curious young explorers.
This 3-day itinerary in Ellora is crafted for families with kids, blending awe-inspiring ancient cave temples with engaging historical sites. It offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring an enriching and memorable trip for all ages.
3 Days
14 Stops
See the full plan
First-timer highlights
3 Days in Ellora — First-Timer Highlights
Unearth the ancient wonders of Ellora, where rock-cut temples tell tales of three great religions.
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves, a stunning complex of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture. Delve into centuries of spiritual artistry and engineering marvels, complemented by visits to nearby historical forts and sacred sites. It's designed for culture enthusiasts and history buffs seeking an immersive journey into India's rich past.
3 Days
12 Stops
See the full plan
For couples
2 Days in Ellora — Romance
Discover ancient wonders and serene moments in the heart of India's rock-cut heritage.
This intimate 2-day itinerary invites couples to explore the majestic Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its surrounding spiritual landmarks. Perfect for those seeking a blend of historical grandeur, cultural immersion, and peaceful shared experiences, this trip promises unforgettable memories amidst ancient artistry.
2 Days
8 Stops
See the full plan
Food and drink
2 Days in Ellora — Food & Wine
A culinary and cultural journey through ancient caves and local flavors.
This 2-day itinerary invites you to explore the magnificent rock-cut caves of Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while savoring the rich and diverse flavors of Maharashtrian cuisine. Perfect for history buffs and food enthusiasts eager to discover India's spiritual heritage alongside its vibrant culinary traditions.
2 Days
9 Stops
See the full plan
Culture and history
3 Days in Ellora — Culture & History
Unearth the ancient wonders of rock-cut architecture and spiritual heritage.
This immersive 3-day itinerary delves deep into the unparalleled rock-cut caves of Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the masterpieces of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, witnessing centuries of artistic and religious harmony. Perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers yearning to connect with India's ancient past.
3 Days
15 Stops
See the full plan
Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Ellora
Straight-line distance from the centre of Ellora.
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Getaways from Ellora
Places people from Ellora travel to, from our own travel research.
Aurangabad
India
Mumbai
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Pune
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Goa
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Delhi
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Agra
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Jaipur
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Bangalore
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Chennai
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Dubai
United Arab Emirates