Ellora Caves: The Complete Guide — All 34 Caves, Kailasa Temple, Timings, Entry Fee & Everything You Need to Know

Carved from a single basalt cliff over four centuries, Ellora is not just India’s greatest rock-cut monument — it is one of the most extraordinary human achievements on Earth. Thirty-four temples and monasteries, dedicated to three separate religions, excavated side by side on the same hill. The Kailasa Temple alone took a century to carve from a single rock. Come prepared, and Ellora will stay with you forever.

Table of Contents

1. Ellora at a Glance
2. Why Ellora Is Different from Ajanta
3. History of Ellora Caves
4. The Three Cave Groups Explained
5. Buddhist Caves (Caves 1–12)
6. Hindu Caves (Caves 13–29)
7. Kailasa Temple — Cave 16 — A Complete Deep Dive
8. Jain Caves (Caves 30–34)
9. Timings & Entry Fee
10. How to Plan Your Ellora Visit
11. How to Reach Ellora Caves
12. Coming from Aurangabad to Ellora — The Route Traveller’s Guide
13. Best Time to Visit Ellora
14. Nearby Attractions
15. Where to Stay
16. What to Eat Near Ellora
17. Photography Guide
18. Travel Tips
19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ellora at a Glance

Why Ellora Is Different from Ajanta

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are often mentioned in the same breath, and both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites within roughly 100 km of each other near Aurangabad. But they are profoundly different in character, and understanding the difference helps you appreciate each better.

Ajanta is famous primarily for its extraordinary Buddhist paintings — vibrant, detailed frescoes depicting scenes from the Jataka tales and the life of the Buddha, painted over a period of about 800 years. Ajanta is a painted site; it is about colour, light, narrative, and the ancient craft of fresco-making.

Ellora is primarily a sculptural and architectural site. While some paintings survive on the ceilings of certain caves, Ellora is celebrated for the sheer ambition and scale of its rock-cut architecture — and above all for the Kailasa Temple, the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world.

Ellora also covers three religions — Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism — existing side by side on the same cliff, in the same historical period, which makes it unique as a testament to the religious pluralism of medieval India.

If Ajanta is a gallery, Ellora is a city of cathedrals carved into a mountainside.

History of Ellora Caves

The Ellora cave complex was not built at once — it was carved over a period of approximately four centuries, from around AD 600 to AD 1000. Different caves belong to different periods and different dynasties.

The Geological Setting

The caves are carved from the basalt cliffs of the Charanandri Hills in the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) range. This basalt — part of the Deccan Traps formation, created by massive volcanic activity approximately 65 million years ago — proved ideal for the cave-carvers: it is dense enough to support large carvings without cracking, yet workable enough for intricate sculptural detail.

Three Phases of Construction

Archaeological and art-historical research has identified three broad construction phases:

Phase 1 — Early Hindu Period (c. 550–600 CE): The earliest caves at Ellora are actually Hindu, not Buddhist — a finding that has complicated older assumptions about the site’s chronology. These earliest excavations are characterised by relatively simple plan but bold sculptural ambition.

Phase 2 — Buddhist Phase (c. 600–730 CE): A major period of Buddhist patronage produced the monasteries and prayer halls of Caves 1–12. This was the era of the Kalachuri dynasty and the early Chalukya period, when Buddhist intellectual life was flourishing in the Deccan.

Phase 3 — Late Hindu and Jain Phase (c. 730–950 CE): The greatest period of construction at Ellora. Under the Rashtrakuta dynasty (753–982 CE) — one of the most powerful empires of medieval India — the scale and ambition of the cave excavations exploded. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) was built during this period by King Krishna I (756–773 CE). The subsequent Yadava dynasty added the Jain caves in the 9th and 10th centuries.

The Trade Route Connection

Ellora’s location on an ancient South Asian trade route was no accident. The site lies roughly midway on the road between the wealthy coastal ports of western India (modern-day Gujarat and Maharashtra coast) and the important cities of the Gangetic plain. Wealthy merchants funded many of the cave excavations. The caves served simultaneously as temples, monasteries, rest stops for pilgrims, and symbols of prestige for the ruling dynasties of the Deccan.

Name and Local Identity

The caves are locally known as “Verul Leni” — after the village of Verul in which they are situated. The English name “Ellora” is a colonial-era transliteration. The site’s original name and the reasons for the choice of this particular cliff for such extraordinary construction remain subjects of scholarly debate.

The Three Cave Groups Explained

Ellora’s 34 open caves are divided into three groups based on religion:

The remarkable thing about Ellora is that these three groups coexist on the same cliff, constructed during overlapping periods, with no walls or barriers between them. Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities evidently shared the site, funded by rulers and merchants from different faiths, in a spirit of tolerance that UNESCO has specifically cited in its World Heritage inscription.

Buddhist Caves (Caves 1–12)

The Buddhist caves at Ellora are the earliest group overall, though the construction chronology overlaps somewhat with the early Hindu caves. These caves reflect the Mahayana philosophy of Buddhism, which was prevalent in the Deccan region from the 6th to 8th centuries.

The Buddhist caves include Viharas (monasteries with cells for monks) and Chaityas (prayer halls with stupas). They are multi-storeyed in several cases — a remarkable engineering achievement in rock-cut construction.

Cave 1–5: The Early Monasteries

The earliest Buddhist viharas at Ellora are modest in scale. Cave 1 is a simple, single-storey monastery. But they progressively grow in complexity, culminating in the massive three-storey monasteries of Caves 11 and 12.

Cave 5 (Mahavar Vihara)

One of the most unusual caves at Ellora. It contains a long, bench-lined central hall — more like a dining hall or meeting room than a standard monastery. Some scholars believe it served as a gathering space for the large monastic community based at Ellora.

Cave 10 — Vishvakarma Cave (The Carpenter’s Cave)

The finest Buddhist cave at Ellora and one of the most celebrated at the entire site. Cave 10 is a Chaitya (prayer hall) rather than a monastery. From the outside, the facade is remarkable — a large horseshoe-shaped window (the distinctive chaitya arch, derived from timber-framed originals) frames the entrance.

Inside, the hall has a central nave with a colonnade on either side. The ribs of the barrel-vaulted ceiling are carved to resemble timber — hence the name “Carpenter’s Cave” (Vishvakarma was the divine architect of Hindu mythology). At the far end of the nave, a large stupa is carved from the rock, with a serene standing 15-foot statue of the Buddha in a teaching pose. The atmosphere inside Cave 10 is profoundly peaceful.

Cave 11 (Do Tal — Two-Storied Monastery)

A two-storey monastery with a verandah on each level. The ground floor has cells for monks, and the upper floor has a shrine chamber.

Cave 12 (Teen Tal — Three-Storied Monastery)

The largest and most elaborate Buddhist cave at Ellora — a three-storey complex of remarkable scale. The name means “three floors.” The ground floor is a long hall, the upper floors include shrine chambers with multiple Buddha images, and the whole complex gives a sense of how large and well-organised the Buddhist monastic community at Ellora was at its peak.

Hindu Caves (Caves 13–29)

The Hindu caves are the largest group at Ellora and include the most celebrated monument on the site — the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16). They were constructed primarily under the patronage of the Kalachuri and Rashtrakuta dynasties.

The Hindu caves are dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva (Shaiva tradition), though several also feature Vishnu (Vaishnava) and Durga (Shakta) iconography. The sculpture in these caves is particularly bold and large in scale — many figures are literally larger than life.

Cave 14 (Ravana-ki-Khai)

An early cave with a wide walk-around passage and colonnaded hall. The interior walls feature five large relief panels depicting Shiva and Vishnu in various forms.

Cave 15 (Dasavatara Cave)

One of the most important caves for Vishnu devotees. The name refers to the ten incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu. The cave has two storeys — a lower floor and an upper shrine level with panels depicting the various avatars. Importantly, Cave 15 contains an important Rashtrakuta inscription dating to 753–757 CE from King Dantidurga, making it one of the most historically significant epigraphical records at Ellora.

Cave 16 — Kailasa Temple (See dedicated section below)

Cave 21 (Rameswara Cave)

Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Rameshvara. One of the earlier Hindu excavations, this cave features some of the finest sculptures at Ellora — particularly a remarkable panel of the goddess Ganga and a beautiful image of Shiva and Parvati. The cave has elegant, slender columns of a style that links it to the Kalachuri period.

Cave 29 (Dhumar Lena)

One of the largest Hindu caves at Ellora, with a cruciform plan similar to the famous cave temple at Elephanta Island near Mumbai. This suggested to scholars that there was a direct cultural and architectural link between Ellora and the Kalachuri patrons who also built the Elephanta caves. Cave 29 is adjacent to the Sita-Ki-Nahani, a natural waterfall from the Elaganga stream that integrates into the cave monument, especially spectacular during monsoon.

Kailasa Temple — Cave 16 — A Complete Deep Dive

Every superlative in the book applies to the Kailasa Temple, and none of them fully prepare you for seeing it in person. This is the single greatest monument at Ellora, and it is — without hyperbole — one of the most astounding human constructions on Earth.

The Basic Facts

• Construction: Commissioned by King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, 756–773 CE
• Dedication: Lord Shiva, representing his cosmic mountain home, Mount Kailash in the Himalayas
• Method: Top-down excavation from the hilltop — roughly 400,000 tons of rock were removed
• Scale: The temple complex is approximately 82 metres long, 46 metres wide, and 32 metres high
• Status: The largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world

The Concept

The Kailasa Temple is not a cave in the traditional sense — it is a free-standing structural temple, completely carved from the rock of the hillside. To build it, workers began at the top of the basalt cliff and carved downward, removing the surrounding rock to reveal the temple within. The process is the opposite of conventional construction: instead of adding material, everything that exists in the finished temple is the result of strategic removal.

The temple is built in the form of a chariot — the chariot of Shiva. The main shikhara (tower) soars 32 metres into the air. The entire complex is enclosed within a walled courtyard carved from the living rock, with galleries, shrines, elephants, and mythological figures covering virtually every surface.

The Architecture

The Kailasa Temple follows the Dravidian style of temple architecture, though built under northern rulers — another indication of the cultural exchange happening in medieval India. Key architectural components include:

• Dvajastambha (flagpole) at the entrance
• Nandi mandapa — a separate pavilion for Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, facing the main shrine
• Main mandapa (pillared hall) decorated with relief carvings from the Mahabharata and Ramayana
• Main shikhara (tower) over the sanctum sanctorum
• Surrounding subsidiary shrines for various deities
• Monumental elephants carved in relief supporting the base of the temple platform

The Sculptures

The exterior and interior surfaces of the Kailasa Temple are covered in some of the finest stone sculptures in India. Highlight pieces include:

Ravana lifting Mount Kailash: One of the most celebrated sculptural compositions in all of Indian art. Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, attempts to uproot Mount Kailash from beneath Shiva’s feet. Shiva, unperturbed, simply presses down with his big toe, trapping Ravana beneath the mountain. The multi-armed, muscular Ravana strains against the weight in a composition of extraordinary dynamism and narrative clarity.

Shiva and Parvati playing dice: A tender, intimate scene of the divine couple engaged in a domestic moment.

Lakshmi being bathed by elephants: The goddess of prosperity, flanked by elephants pouring water over her — a scene of royal abundance.

Panels from the Ramayana and Mahabharata: Running along the walls of the mandapa, these narrative panels are effectively illustrated sacred texts in stone.

How Long to Spend at Cave 16

Allow at least 90 minutes to 2 hours at the Kailasa Temple alone. Walk the full perimeter of the courtyard at ground level first to absorb the scale. Then explore the galleries on the surrounding walls, which are carved at multiple levels. Enter the main mandapa and explore the interior. Climb to the viewpoint above the temple if accessible during your visit — the view down into the courtyard from the cliff edge above is the most dramatic perspective.

Jain Caves (Caves 30–34)

The five Jain caves at the northern end of the Ellora complex are smaller in scale than the Hindu and Buddhist caves, but their quality of carving is arguably the most refined at the entire site. They were carved between the 9th and 12th centuries by followers of the Digambara sect of Jainism.

Cave 30 (Chhota Kailasa — Little Kailash)

Designed as a miniature version of the great Kailasa Temple, Cave 30 is the most-visited Jain cave at Ellora. While it cannot match the scale of its inspiration, the quality of carving is beautiful and the proportions are harmonious.

Cave 32 (Indra Sabha)

The finest and largest of all the Jain caves at Ellora — a two-storey masterpiece. The lower floor is a simple colonnade; the upper floor explodes into elaborate carving. The central statue of a Jain Tirthankar (enlightened teacher) is flanked by intricate decorative panels. Two colossal statues of Indra — one with eight arms and one with twelve arms, both in dancing poses — are among the most impressive individual sculptures at Ellora. The Jain caves also preserve the most intact ceiling paintings at Ellora, belonging to different periods.

Cave 33 (Jagannatha Sabha)

Adjacent to Indra Sabha, this cave has a similar architectural layout and fine sculptural detail. Together, Caves 32 and 33 form the highlight of the Jain section.

Timings & Entry Fee

Timings

• Open: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Last entry: 5:00 PM
• Closed on: Every Tuesday
• Open all other days of the week, including public holidays

Entry Fee (2026)

Additional charges: Video cameras may attract additional fees. Check with ASI at the entrance.

Note: The Kailasa Temple is within the main Ellora complex and is included in the above entry fee. There is no separate charge for Cave 16.

How to Plan Your Ellora Visit

How Much Time Do You Need?

• Minimum for highlights: 3 hours (covers Cave 16, Cave 10, Cave 32, a couple of others)
• Comfortable full visit: 4–5 hours
• Comprehensive all-cave exploration: 6–7 hours; a full day

Recommended Route

There is no strictly prescribed route, but this sequence makes logical sense:

1. Start at Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) — arrive early before the crowds build. Spend 90–120 minutes here.
2. Walk north to the Hindu caves (13–15, 21, 29) — another 60–90 minutes
3. Walk back south past Cave 16 to the Buddhist caves (12, 11, 10, 5) — 60–90 minutes
4. Continue to the Jain caves (30–34) at the far north — 45–60 minutes

Best Day & Time

Arrive when the gates open at 8:00 AM to experience the Kailasa Temple in morning light with minimal crowds. The temple faces west, so late afternoon light is also beautiful — but the crowds are larger then.

Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. November to February weekday mornings are the sweet spot.

Guides

Hiring a qualified ASI-approved guide at the entrance is worthwhile for a first visit. A knowledgeable guide can bring the mythology, iconography, and historical context of the caves to life in a way that transforms the experience. Negotiate fees before you begin; typical rates are ₹500–800 for a 3–4 hour tour.

How to Reach Ellora Caves

From Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)

The Ellora Caves are 30 km northwest of Aurangabad. From the city, the journey takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

By taxi/cab: The most comfortable and convenient option. Private taxis from Aurangabad to Ellora and back cost approximately ₹1,000–1,200 depending on car type and waiting time. Your hotel can arrange this.

By MSRTC bus: State buses run from the Central Bus Stand in Aurangabad to Ellora. The MSRTC also operates guided day-tour coaches to Ellora in AC Volvo coaches, which combine the caves with other Aurangabad attractions.

By auto-rickshaw: Available from Aurangabad but not the most comfortable for 30 km.

From Mumbai

Aurangabad is approximately 335–400 km from Mumbai. Options include:

• By air: Aurangabad Airport has daily flights from Mumbai (under 1 hour)
• By train: Several express trains connect Mumbai (CSMT or Dadar) to Aurangabad in 6–8 hours overnight
• By road: NH52 and the Nashik–Aurangabad route; approximately 7–9 hours driving

From Pune

Approximately 235 km via the Pune–Aurangabad highway. Road journey takes 4–6 hours. Direct bus services also available.

Coming from Aurangabad to Ellora

If you’ve been searching for the Ellora to Aurangabad distance or travelling between the two points, here’s the practical summary:

The distance is 30 km, and the drive takes 45 to 60 minutes by road. There are no railway connections directly to Ellora — the nearest railway station is in Aurangabad, approximately 29–34 km from the caves.

Day trip planning: Ellora is very comfortably done as a day trip from Aurangabad. Combine it with the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (just 2 km from the caves — one of the 12 sacred Shivalingas of India), which adds 1–1.5 hours to your itinerary. The nearby Aurangabad Caves (Buddhist caves closer to the city) can be added as a morning stop before driving to Ellora.

Best Time to Visit Ellora

November to February (Best)

This is the ideal window — cool, dry weather, comfortable for extended outdoor walking around the cave complex. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 28°C during the day. The light in winter is particularly beautiful on the carvings.

October & March (Good)

Pleasant shoulder-season months. October is post-monsoon and the landscape around the caves is beautifully green. March is the last comfortable month before summer heat builds.

July–September (Monsoon)

Interestingly, Ellora is described as being at its most visually spectacular during the monsoon — the Elaganga stream produces a real waterfall at Cave 29 (Sita-ki-Nahani), the surrounding hills are intensely green, and the contrast of the carved basalt against lush vegetation is extraordinary. However, some paths around the complex can be slippery and wet. A worthwhile trade-off for those comfortable with rain.

April–June (Least recommended)

Temperatures reach 38–42°C in the Deccan summer, making extended outdoor walking around the cave complex genuinely uncomfortable. Avoid unless necessary.

Nearby Attractions

Grishneshwar Temple (2 km from Ellora): One of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva — sacred sites of national significance for Hindu devotees. This temple is right next to the Ellora caves and should not be missed.

Aurangabad Caves (within the city): A smaller set of Buddhist rock-cut caves from the 6th–8th centuries CE, located on a hillside 2–3 km from Aurangabad city. These are less visited than Ellora and offer a peaceful alternative.

Bibi-ka-Maqbara (Aurangabad): Often called the “Mini Taj Mahal” — a 17th-century Mughal mausoleum built by Aurangzeb’s son for his mother. It’s the Deccan answer to the Taj Mahal, and worth an hour’s visit.

Ajanta Caves (105 km from Ellora): The other great UNESCO World Heritage cave site near Aurangabad. Famous for its Buddhist paintings rather than sculpture. An absolutely worthwhile separate day trip.

Where to Stay

Most accommodation options for Ellora visitors are in Aurangabad (30 km), which has a wide range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. There are a handful of basic lodges and guesthouses in Ellora village itself.

In Aurangabad: The best-located hotels cluster near the train station and the central bus stand. Budget options include various clean guesthouses; mid-range to luxury options include the Taj Hotel Aurangabad, Lemon Tree, and Vivanta.

Near Ellora: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) operates a resort at Ellora that is pleasant for those who want to stay close to the site.

What to Eat Near Ellora

The cafeteria inside the Ellora complex serves simple, affordable meals and snacks. It’s perfectly adequate for lunch between cave explorations.

Ellora village has several local dhabas outside the entrance serving Maharashtrian thali meals, snacks, and beverages. For more variety, Aurangabad is the better base for dining — it has excellent Mughlai cuisine (Aurangabad was long a centre of Mughal culture in the Deccan), as well as south Indian, north Indian, and multi-cuisine options.

Photography Guide

The Ellora caves are a photographer’s paradise. Some tips:

Best light for Kailasa Temple: The golden hour after opening (8–10 AM) or just before sunset. The temple faces west, so evening light hits the carved surfaces beautifully.

Cave interiors: Many cave interiors are dark. Bring a compact LED torch (flashlight) or use your phone’s torch — the detail of the carvings, especially in smaller caves, is missed without good light.

Angles for Kailasa: The canonical shot is from the main entrance looking toward the shikhara — but walk the full perimeter for the most dramatic compositions. The view of the temple from the cliff-top walkway above is extraordinary but requires careful footing.

The Jain caves: Cave 32’s ceiling paintings and the colossal Indra statues are underappreciated and often underphotographed. Spend time here.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The Ellora complex covers more than 2 km of paths, including uneven terrain, steps, and slippery patches near cave entrances.

Bring a torch/flashlight. Essential for seeing the full detail of sculptures in darker cave interiors.

Hire a guide for the first visit. The iconographic depth of the caves is immense. A good guide transforms them from impressive stone carvings into living stories.

Start early. The Kailasa Temple in morning light with few people present is a genuinely spiritual experience. By midday, it becomes crowded.

Carry water and snacks. The site is large, and the walk between caves can be tiring in the heat.

Don’t rush. The biggest mistake at Ellora is trying to see all 34 caves in a short time. Spend time at the great ones — especially Cave 16, Cave 10, and Cave 32.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When are Ellora Caves open? A: Ellora Caves opening hours are 8 AM to 5:30 PM, all days except Tuesday.

Q: What is the entry fee for Ellora Caves? A: ₹40 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreign nationals. Children under 15 enter free.

Q: Are Ellora Caves open on Monday? A: Yes — the caves are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They are closed only on Tuesdays.

Q: How many caves are there at Ellora? A: There are over 100 caves at the site, all excavated from the basalt cliffs in the Charanandri Hills, 34 of which are open to the public. These consist of 17 Hindu, 12 Buddhist and 5 Jain caves.

Q: Which is the most famous cave at Ellora? A: Cave 16 features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailash Temple, a chariot-shaped monument dedicated to the god Shiva.

Q: Can Ajanta and Ellora be visited in one day? A: The distance from Ellora Caves to Ajanta Caves is about 100 km. And both caves need at least 3-4 hours each of leisure time for detailed exploration. A very early start and rushed visit could technically cover both in one day, but it’s far better to dedicate a separate day to each.

Q: How long does it take to visit Ellora? A: It takes about two hours to visit the most famous caves. To explore all the caves, you might need more than three hours.

Q: Is photography allowed at Ellora Caves? A: Personal cameras and mobile phones are permitted. Video camera policies may vary — check with ASI staff at the entrance.

Last updated for 2026. Entry fees and timings are subject to revision by ASI. Part of the india-guide.in collection on Maharashtra and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.