Top Sights
Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
The Kailasa Temple is the most magnificent of the Ellora Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved out of a single rock, it's the largest monolithic structure in the world.
Visiting the temple is an awe-inspiring experience, showcasing intricate carvings and elaborate sculptures. The scale of the temple is truly breathtaking, demonstrating the incredible skill of the artisans.
Allow ample time to explore the complex, including the surrounding courtyards and smaller shrines. Photography is permitted, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Early morning to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight
Getting There: Taxi or auto-rickshaw from Aurangabad
Honest Take: Worth visiting even if you only have time for one cave.
Insider Tip:
Hire a local guide to learn about the temple's history and significance.
Cave 10 (Vishwakarma Cave)
Cave 10 (Vishwakarma Cave)
Cave 10, also known as the Carpenter's Cave, is a Buddhist chaitya hall resembling a wooden structure. It features a large stupa and a vaulted ceiling.
The cave offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, with beautiful carvings and sculptures. The play of light inside the cave creates a unique and spiritual ambiance.
Take your time to admire the intricate details of the carvings. The cave is relatively small, so an hour is sufficient to explore it thoroughly.
Hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Morning, for the best light inside the cave
Getting There: Walking distance from Kailasa Temple
Honest Take: A must-see for its unique architectural style.
Insider Tip:
Look up at the ceiling to appreciate the craftsmanship.
Cave 12 (Teen Taal)
Cave 12 (Teen Taal)
Cave 12, or Teen Taal, is a three-story Buddhist cave. It features several Buddha statues and intricate carvings depicting Buddhist deities.
Exploring the different levels of the cave is a fascinating experience. The carvings showcase the evolution of Buddhist art and philosophy.
Be prepared to climb stairs to reach the upper levels. The cave offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Afternoon, to avoid the morning crowds
Getting There: Walking distance from Cave 10
Honest Take: Worth the climb for the impressive sculptures.
Insider Tip:
Pay attention to the different poses and expressions of the Buddha statues.
Cave 32 (Indra Sabha)
Cave 32 (Indra Sabha)
Cave 32, known as Indra Sabha, is one of the most important Jain caves at Ellora. It features intricate carvings of Jain deities and yakshas.
The cave offers a glimpse into Jain cosmology and philosophy. The sculptures are incredibly detailed and well-preserved.
Take your time to appreciate the artistry and symbolism of the carvings. The cave is relatively large, so allow ample time to explore it.
Hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Morning or afternoon
Getting There: Walking distance from other Jain caves
Honest Take: A must-see for those interested in Jain art and religion.
Insider Tip:
Look for the image of Ambika, a popular Jain goddess.
Cave 30 (Chota Kailasa)
Cave 30 (Chota Kailasa)
Cave 30, or Chota Kailasa (Small Kailasa), is a smaller version of the Kailasa Temple. It is a Jain cave featuring a monolithic structure.
The cave offers a unique perspective on Jain architecture and art. The carvings are less elaborate than those in Indra Sabha but still impressive.
The cave is relatively small and can be explored in a short amount of time. It provides a good introduction to Jain art and philosophy.
Hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Morning or afternoon
Getting There: Walking distance from Indra Sabha
Honest Take: Worth a visit if you have time after exploring Indra Sabha.
Insider Tip:
Compare the architecture with the main Kailasa Temple.
Cave 29 (Dhumar Lena)
Cave 29 (Dhumar Lena)
Cave 29, also known as Dhumar Lena, is a large Hindu cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features impressive sculptures of Shiva and other Hindu deities.
The cave showcases the power and grandeur of Hindu art and mythology. The sculptures are dynamic and expressive.
Pay attention to the details of the carvings, including the expressions on the faces of the deities. The cave is relatively dark, so bring a flashlight.
Hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
Getting There: Walking distance from Kailasa Temple
Honest Take: An impressive cave showcasing Hindu mythology.
Insider Tip:
Look for the panel depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
Cave 21 (Rameshwar Temple)
Cave 21 (Rameshwar Temple)
Cave 21, known as the Rameshwar Temple, is a Hindu cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features a beautiful lingam and sculptures of various deities.
The cave offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The sculptures are well-preserved and showcase the beauty of Hindu art.
Take your time to meditate and appreciate the peaceful ambiance of the temple. The cave is relatively small and can be explored in a short amount of time.
Hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
Getting There: Walking distance from Kailasa Temple
Honest Take: A peaceful and beautiful temple.
Insider Tip:
Offer a prayer at the lingam for a spiritual experience.