Ellora Caves Tours

Ellora Caves Tours

Journey into the heart of ancient India at the Ellora Caves, a monumental fusion of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain artistry carved from a single cliff face.

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4 hours to full day tours
5 Languages
Private & small groups available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

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Experience

Discover the Timeless Marvel of Ellora

Prepare to be awestruck by the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most formidable feats of art and engineering. Spanning over 2 kilometers, this complex comprises 34 caves excavated from the charcoal-hued basalt cliffs of the Charanandri hills. What makes Ellora truly unique is its remarkable display of religious harmony, with sanctuaries dedicated to Buddhism (Caves 1-12), Hinduism (Caves 13-29), and Jainism (Caves 30-34) built in close proximity between the 7th and 11th centuries AD. The undisputed centerpiece is the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), the world's largest single monolithic excavation, a chariot-shaped monument dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved in its entirety from the top down. A visit to Ellora is not just a tour; it's a profound journey through centuries of devotion, artistry, and architectural genius that has to be seen to be believed.

Why Book Your Ellora Visit Through Us?

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Instant Confirmation & Mobile Tickets

Receive your booking confirmation instantly and get convenient mobile tickets sent directly to your phone. Simply show your e-ticket at the start of your tour – no printing required.

Curated Selection of Tours

We've done the research for you. Our platform features a curated list of the best Ellora Caves tours, from express guided visits to comprehensive full-day excursions, saving you time and ensuring a top-quality experience.

Explore the 2 main Attraction of Aurangabad, Ajanta caves and Ellora caves
Admire the 2-century BC to 6th-Century AD, India's oldest UNESO Heritage Site
Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned private car with Professional Guide
Take a lunch break to enjoy a delicious lunch at Near Ajanta caves

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Visitor Guidelines
Respect religious sentiments
dress modestly
Site Logistics
The site is closed on Tuesdays
Cultural Context
Represents Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths
Health & Comfort
Carry plenty of water

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • • Book tickets and tours online in advance to skip the long queues, especially during peak season and on weekends
  • • Consider a combination tour that includes the nearby Ajanta Caves or Daulatabad Fort for a comprehensive historical experience
  • • Opt for a tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Aurangabad for maximum convenience and a stress-free day
  • • Verify if your tour includes the services of a government-licensed guide for the most authentic and informative visit
  • • Check for tours that start early in the morning to beat the midday heat and the largest crowds.

What to Bring

  • • Valid Photo ID (Passport for foreign nationals, government ID for Indians)
  • • Confirmation of your booking (mobile ticket is fine)
  • • A large bottle of water to stay hydrated
  • • Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses
  • • A camera with extra batteries
  • • Comfortable walking shoes (essential)
  • • Cash for small purchases or tips

Best Seasons to Visit

The ideal time to visit Ellora is during the winter season, from October to March. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C, making it perfect for exploring the vast outdoor complex. The monsoon season (July to September) offers lush green landscapes but can be humid with slippery paths. The summer (April to June) is extremely hot and best avoided.

What to Wear

Wear lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool|Opt for modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the religious nature of the site|A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection|The most important item is a pair of sturdy, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers with good grip for the uneven terrain and stairs.

Planning

Historical Context

The Ellora Caves were carved over a period of about 500 years, from roughly the 6th to the 11th century CE. The earliest caves are the Hindu caves, followed by the Buddhist and finally the Jain caves. The majority of the work, including the monumental Kailasa Temple, was commissioned by rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, who made Ellora their spiritual home. The caves served as monasteries (viharas), temples (chaityas), and rest stops for pilgrims and traders, showcasing a continuum of artistic and religious development in the Deccan region.

Photography Tips

  • • The best light for photographing the exterior of Kailasa Temple is in the late afternoon, during the 'golden hour' before sunset
  • • A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the scale of the caves and courtyards
  • • Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the colors of the sky and rock
  • • Inside the dark caves where flash is forbidden, increase your camera's ISO and use a fast lens (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8) or brace your camera against a pillar to get sharp, blur-free shots
  • • Look for interesting compositions focusing on the interplay of light and shadow filtering through the rock-cut windows.

Insider Tips

  • • Start your tour as early as the site opens (around 6 AM) to experience the caves in the soft morning light and with fewer people
  • • Visit the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) first, as it is the most impressive and can get very crowded later in the day
  • • Utilize the electric shuttle bus service on-site to travel from the Hindu caves to the Jain caves, which are about a kilometer apart, to save time and energy
  • • Carry small denominations of cash for water, snacks, and the shuttle bus, as digital payments may not always work
  • • If you're short on time, prioritize Caves 10 (Vishvakarma), 16 (Kailasa), and 32 (Indra Sabha).

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans can change. Most tours booked through our partners offer flexible cancellation policies. Typically, you can receive a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the start of your tour. Please check the specific cancellation policy for the individual tour you select at the time of booking for exact terms and conditions.

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

H
Hans Müller
Germany • 2024-02-20

An Architectural Wonder

The scale of Kailasa Temple is impossible to comprehend from photos. It is truly carved from the top down. Our guide, booked through this platform's partner, was essential. He explained the stories in the carvings and managed our time perfectly between the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves. Booking was easy, and the e-ticket worked without a problem. Worth every Euro.

C
Charlotte Dubois
France • 2024-01-15

Profound and Unforgettable

I am an art historian, and Ellora has been on my list for years. It exceeded all expectations. The seamless transition from Hindu to Buddhist to Jain art is a powerful statement. I booked a private tour to have more time, and it was the right choice. The operator was professional, the car was comfortable, and the guide's knowledge was immense. A deeply moving experience.

D
David Chen
Singapore • 2023-12-10

Impressive but tiring!

Wow, what a place! The craftsmanship is just incredible. We spent about 5 hours here and still felt we could have seen more. Be prepared for a LOT of walking and some climbing. The only reason for 4 stars is the heat, even in December it was quite strong in the afternoon. My tip: start as early as possible. The booking process was very smooth and having the tickets sorted beforehand was a relief.

E
Emily Carter
United Kingdom • 2024-03-05

Absolutely Mind-Blowing

I have seen many world wonders, but Ellora is in a league of its own. To think that Cave 16 was carved from a single piece of rock is just staggering. We chose a tour with transport from Aurangabad, which was a great decision. It made the whole day stress-free. The guide was fantastic, very passionate and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate, just book it!

S
Sofia Rossi
Italy • 2024-02-28

Un capolavoro assoluto! (An absolute masterpiece!)

As an Italian, I appreciate ancient architecture, and Ellora is on par with anything in Rome. The Kailasa temple is a marvel of engineering and art. Booking was simple, and having a guide explain the iconography of the Hindu gods was invaluable. A long day, but one of the most rewarding of my trip to India. Highly recommended.

K
Kenji Tanaka
Japan • 2023-11-22

Serene and Powerful

The Buddhist caves were my favourite part. So peaceful and atmospheric. Cave 10, the 'Carpenter's Cave', with its stone ribs, was fascinating. The site is very large, so planning is a good idea. The tour we booked helped us see the most important parts without feeling rushed. It was a very well-organized day.

B
Ben Carter
Australia • 2024-01-08

A Must-See in India

Don't miss Ellora if you're in this part of India. It's a proper jaw-on-the-floor kind of place. We booked our tickets and guide combo online a week before. The guide met us at the entrance and was brilliant, full of interesting facts and stories. Kailasa Temple at sunset is a sight I'll never forget. Top-notch experience.

M
Maria Silva
Brazil • 2024-03-12

Inacreditável! Simply incredible!

The energy of this place is something special. You can feel the history in the stones. I loved the Jain caves, so intricate and detailed. We took a tour that included the Grishneshwar temple nearby, which was a great addition. Everything was arranged perfectly, from the pickup to the guide. A highlight of our India adventure for sure.

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