Ajanta Ellora Tour

Travel Tips For Ajanta Ellora Tour

Maximum And Minimum Temperature At Ajanta & Ellora. 

Temperature Months Minimum Maximum January 22.0°C 29.7°C February 24.1°C 32.1°C March 28.7°C 37.0°C April 33.0°C 40.9°C May 34.9°C 41.9°C June 31.6°C 37.1°C July 28.3°C 32.1°C August 27.1°C 30.4°C September 28.0°C 32.5°C October 27.4°C 33.7°C November 24.0°C 31.5°C December 21.5°C 29.2°C

Temperature above is indicative only and actual climatic conditions may vary.

Best time to visit Ajanta Ellora

Summer months from April to June are very hot and thus not suggested as a good time to visit Ajanta & Ellora Caves.The best months to visit Ajanta and Ellora are the winter months of November,December and January.

About Ellora Caves

History:  Ellora caves were excavated between 5th and 10th centuries under the reign of powerful dynasties like Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Kalachuri. These are 34 caves carved on the face of Charanandri Hills.

Types of Caves: Out of the 34 caves, 12 belongs to Buddhism (Caves 1-12), 17 to Hinduism (13-29) and 5 to Jainism (30-34). The main highlights of these caves are the elaborated carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities and different incarnations of Lord Buddha as well as the Jain devotional carvings and shrines.

Must-visit Caves

• Cave 16: None of the Ajanta Ellora tours are complete without visiting this cave which is also known as Kailasa Temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the cave was excavated in more than 200 years and boasts of spellbinding sculptures with intricate details.

Cave 15: Also called The Dashavatara (10 incarnations), this cave temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations. Huge sculptural panels showcase some very engaging themes.

Cave 32: This Jain Cave flaunts some awesome lotus carvings and is known as Indra Sabha. Sculptures of Yaksha Matanga and Yakshini Ambika are truly remarkable.

• Cave 10: Vishwakarma Cave, as it is famously called, this Buddhist cave is a Chaityagriha with 15-foot high Buddha statue and carved ceilings that astonishingly imitate wooden beams. 

• Useful Information For Tourists About Ellora

• Timings:  Sunrise to Sunset

• Closed on: Tuesday

• Fee:  Free (children up to 15 years) INR 10 (Indians and SAARC countries visitors), INR 250 (foreigners), INR 10 (car parking), INR 25 (video camera, free for camera).

• Places Nearby:  Daulatabad (15 km.) is extremely popular for its grand 14th century fort that remained invincible throughout the history. Located on a conical hill, the fort is famous for many striking monuments like Chini Mahal. Paithan (80 km.) is famous for its temples, dam sites, bird sanctuaries and exquisitely designed silk sarees. Another good place is the town of Khuldabad (about 5 km.) dotted with beautiful Mughal heritage consisting of mosques and tombs. If time allows during Ajanta Ellora tour package, visit the world-famous shrine of Sai Baba at Shirdi (about 98 km.) and Shani Temple at Shignapur (about 103 km.). 

Where to Eat around Ellora Caves ?

MTDC Ellora Restaurant (starting INR 150) serves multi-cuisine menus. In addition, you may opt for many options at Aurangabad, few of which are mentioned below where suggestions related to places to eat near Ajanta are given.

About Ajanta Caves

History:  Excavated on the face of a horse-shoe shaped cliff surrounded by lavish greenery and washed by the stream named Waghora, there are two sets of caves – the first carved between 2nd century BC and 1st century AD while the second carved from 4th to 7th century AD. Located on an ancient trade route, the caves provided respite to the traders. However, these were carved by the Buddhist monks for the chief purposes of living, worshipping and educating. Monks would also find solace and respite at these caves during heavy monsoons. Lost in the fold of history and under dense vegetation growth, the caves were accidentally rediscovered by a British officer John Smith in April, 1819 while chasing a tiger.

Types of Caves: Caves numbered 9,10,12,13 and 15A belong to the first phase and belong to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. Carved during the rule of Satavahana Dynasty, Caves 9 and 10 are Chaityagrihas (for worshipping) while the other 3 are Viharas (monasteries for living). These caves present Buddha as Stupas (not figures) and have striking paintings depicting scenes from Buddha’s life and Jataka Tales.

The remaining 25 out of 30 caves belong to Mahayana phase of Buddhism and were constructed under the reign of Vakataka Dynasty. Out of these, Caves 19, 26 and 29 are Chaityagrihas and the remaining are Viharas. Gorgeously painted ceilings, unmatched carvings and depiction of Buddha in the form of images (both as sculptures and in paintings) are the highlight of this group. 

Must-visit Caves In Ajanta :

• Cave 01: Decoratively carved facades with some super-stunning motifs are simply a visual treat for eyes. Paintings of Padmapani and Vajrapani, the two bodhisattvas require a special mention. Scenes from Jataka Tales would keep you engrossed for long.

• Cave 02: Ornamental designs on pillars, outstanding paintings on ceiling and porch walls and use of themes like humans, animals, divine figures and more.

• Cave 04: Popular for the sculpture of Buddha in a preaching posture.

• Caves 9-10: Explore the Chaityagrihas or the Buddhist worship halls. Cave 10 is believed as the earliest cave excavated in the group.

• Cave 26: The colossal sculpture of Sleeping Buddha and the ‘staring’ princess painting are just not worth missing on Ajanta Ellora tour.

• Where to Eat near Ajanta Caves?

Ajanta Restaurant (+91-8422822056, INR 300 onwards) operated by MTDC serves South Indian and North Indian food as well as beverages and ice-creams. A number of roadside dhabas (INR 150 approx.) on the way also serve quality food. Other good options can be found at the nearest city of Aurangabad. Some of them include Green Leaf (Shop NO. 6-9, Fame Tapadiya Multiplex, +91-240-6500400, INR 400) for vegetarian and Chinese and Madhuban Garden (Beed Bypass Road, +91-240-2653095, INR 400-1,200) for Mexican and Italian.

Useful Information For Tourists About Ajanta Caves:

• Timings:  09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

• Closed on: Monday

• Fee:  Free (children up to 15 years) INR 10 (Indians and SAARC countries visitors), INR 250 (foreigners), INR 30 (car parking), INR 25 (video camera, free for camera), INR 5 (light fee per group). Please note that you must either walk from parking area or board a bus (INR 15 one side) to reach the caves.

• Places Nearby: Ghatotkach Caves (about 30 km. away) consist of 3 Buddhist caves excavated in the 6th century AD.  Saptakund, a gorgeous pool formed by a scenic waterfall close to Ajanta Caves, is among the major highlights of Ajanta Ellora tour packages. In addition, you may choose the exciting trekking expeditions to numerous forts like Janjala and Sutonda in the close proximity. 

Did you know ?

Ellora Ajanta Festival is celebrated each year in the month of November at Soneri Mahal .The festivities countinue from 7 pm to 11 pm each day during which renowned artists related to the fields of classical vocal and instrumental music and dance perform.Beyond this, at Kalagram literally meaning art village artisans and craftsmen exhibit their handicrafts.To make this even more interesting, competitions such as rangoli, mehndi coockery etc. are also organised.