Photo spot in Aurangabad
Ellora Caves
Aurangabad, Maharashtra
A UNESCO masterpiece of 34 rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave-temples, crowned by the monolithic Kailasa temple carved top-down from a cliff.
Best time
Early morning for an empty Kailasa courtyard in soft, even light; mid to late afternoon, when the west-facing cave fronts catch the sun.
Best angle
Walk up the path along the cliff edge behind Kailasa, if it is open, and take a wide photo looking down on the whole temple and its courtyard.
Entry fee
₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign)
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ellora Caves
Early morning for an empty Kailasa courtyard in soft, even light; mid to late afternoon, when the west-facing cave fronts catch the sun. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ellora Caves
Walk up the path along the cliff edge behind Kailasa, if it is open, and take a wide photo looking down on the whole temple and its courtyard. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
In the Kailasa temple courtyard
Among the carved cave halls
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ellora Caves
For photos at Ellora Caves, ochre, cream and rust work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Ellora Caves.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Aurangabad.
Eat nearby
Food near Ellora Caves
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for tahri nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Do not plan Ellora for a Tuesday, when the caves are usually closed.
Leave Aurangabad by 7:30 am to reach the caves before the tour buses.
See Kailasa first while you are fresh, then work outwards to the Buddhist and Jain caves.
Take a vehicle for the Jain caves at the northern end if you are tired, as they are about a kilometre from Kailasa.
Carry water and a snack, because food at the site is basic.
Walk to Grishneshwar temple afterwards, but leave your phone in the car or a locker, as phones are not allowed inside.
Hire an ASI-approved guide at the entrance for Kailasa if you want the carved stories explained.
Ellora as a day from Aurangabad
The Ellora caves are about 30 km north-west of Aurangabad, roughly an hour's drive. That makes them the easier of the two cave sites, and most visitors do Ellora on the same day as Daulatabad Fort and Grishneshwar temple. For a full guide to the caves themselves, cave by cave, see the Ellora page.
What you are going to see
Ellora has 34 caves open to visitors: Buddhist caves at the southern end, Hindu caves in the middle and Jain caves to the north, cut roughly between the 6th and 10th centuries. The centrepiece is Cave 16, the Kailasa temple, carved downward out of a single mass of basalt in the 8th century under the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. Everything here, from the elephants to the upper halls, was cut away from the rock rather than built.
Planning the day
Leave Aurangabad early, stop at Daulatabad on the way if you want to climb, and reach Ellora before the midday heat. Give Kailasa at least an hour and the other caves two or three more. The Jain caves are about a kilometre from Kailasa; a short ride or a walk gets you there. Grishneshwar temple is about 1.5 km away, and Khuldabad is on the road back.
Closures and rules
Ellora is usually closed on Tuesdays; check the ASI notice before you go. Photography without flash is generally allowed. Shoes come off in some caves.
When to go
October to February is most comfortable. Just after the monsoon the hills are green and small waterfalls run off the cliffs. In April and May the courtyard of Kailasa holds heat, so arrive at opening.
Questions
Ellora Caves — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ellora Caves?
Early morning for an empty Kailasa courtyard in soft, even light; mid to late afternoon, when the west-facing cave fronts catch the sun. Walk up the path along the cliff edge behind Kailasa, if it is open, and take a wide photo looking down on the whole temple and its courtyard.
Is there an entry fee at Ellora Caves?
Entry to Ellora Caves costs ₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Ellora Caves?
Ellora Caves is open 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
What should I wear at Ellora Caves?
Ochre, cream and rust photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ellora Caves get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning for an empty Kailasa courtyard in soft, even light; mid to late afternoon, when the west-facing cave fronts catch the sun.
What food should I try near Ellora Caves?
Try tahri, available at nearby restaurants.
How far is Ellora from Aurangabad?
About 30 km, roughly an hour by car or bus. It lies on the same road as Daulatabad Fort and Khuldabad.
Can I do Ellora and Ajanta on the same day from Aurangabad?
It is possible but rushed, because Ajanta is about 100 km in the other direction. Most people give each site its own day.
What is Cave 16 at Ellora?
The Kailasa temple, a Shiva temple carved downward from a single rock in the 8th century. It is the main reason most people visit Ellora.
Is there public transport from Aurangabad to Ellora?
Yes. State buses run from the central bus stand towards Ellora, and shared and private cars are easy to hire. A private car gives more flexibility for Daulatabad and Grishneshwar.