Photo spot in Ellora
Ellora Caves
Ellora, Maharashtra
The full sweep of 34 rock-cut caves along a 2 km basalt escarpment — Buddhist viharas, Hindu shrines and Jain temples spanning six centuries of art.
Best time
Early morning, before the tour coaches, when the cliff is in soft shade; late afternoon, when low sun lights the west-facing cave fronts.
Best angle
Stand on the path in front of the Hindu caves and take a long photo along the cliff, with the row of carved entrances stepping away into the distance.
Entry fee
Ticketed
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tue)
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ellora Caves
Early morning, before the tour coaches, when the cliff is in soft shade; late afternoon, when low sun lights the west-facing cave fronts. 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
Stand on the path in front of the Hindu caves and take a long photo along the cliff, with the row of carved entrances stepping away into the distance. 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.
At a cave facade
In a pillared hall
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ellora Caves
For photos at Ellora Caves, rust, ochre and cream 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 Ellora.
Eat nearby
Food near Ellora Caves
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for naan qalia nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Buy your ticket online from the ASI portal to skip the queue at the counter on busy days.
See Kailasa first, then choose one direction rather than zig-zagging along the cliff in the heat.
Use the bus or battery vehicle to the Jain caves if you are short on time or energy.
Carry a torch or use your phone light for the darker inner halls, but never use flash on the carvings.
Keep a full water bottle, as there is nothing to buy between the cave groups.
Visit Cave 29 in the monsoon for the waterfall beside it.
Keep bags closed and snacks out of sight, as monkeys live along the cliff.
Three groups along one ridge
The Ellora Caves stretch for about 2 km along a basalt cliff near Verul. There are more than 100 excavations in all, and 34 of them are open to visitors: Buddhist caves 1 to 12 at the southern end, Hindu caves 13 to 29 in the middle and Jain caves 30 to 34 to the north. They were carved over several centuries, from about the 6th to the 10th, and the faiths sit next to each other. UNESCO listed the site in 1983.
Planning the day
The entrance is next to Kailasa, Cave 16, so most people see it first. From there, walk south to the Buddhist caves, or head north along the Hindu caves towards the Jain caves. The Jain group is the furthest out, and buses or battery vehicles usually run to it for a small fare. Most visitors never get there, which is why it is so quiet.
Hindu caves beyond Kailasa
Cave 15, the Dashavatara, is a two-storey temple with panels of Vishnu's ten forms and an inscription of the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga. Cave 21, the Rameshwar, has fine figures of the river goddesses and the seven mother goddesses. Cave 29, the Dhumar Lena, is one of the oldest and largest caves, and in the monsoon a waterfall pours over the cliff beside it.
Practical
The caves are closed on Tuesdays. They open in the early morning and close around sunset, so check the current ASI hours. The paths between caves are paved in parts, but many caves have steps, and upper floors are reached by narrow stairs. There are toilets and water near the entrance.
Questions
Ellora Caves — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ellora Caves?
Early morning, before the tour coaches, when the cliff is in soft shade; late afternoon, when low sun lights the west-facing cave fronts. Stand on the path in front of the Hindu caves and take a long photo along the cliff, with the row of carved entrances stepping away into the distance.
Is there an entry fee at Ellora Caves?
Entry to Ellora Caves is ticketed.
What are the opening hours of Ellora Caves?
Ellora Caves is open 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tue).
What should I wear at Ellora Caves?
Rust, ochre and cream 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, before the tour coaches, when the cliff is in soft shade; late afternoon, when low sun lights the west-facing cave fronts.
What food should I try near Ellora Caves?
Try naan qalia, available at nearby restaurants.
How many caves are there at Ellora?
There are more than 100 excavations, and 34 are open to visitors: 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain.
Can I see Ellora in half a day?
You can see Kailasa and one other group in half a day. For all three groups without rushing, allow most of a day.
Is there transport between the cave groups?
Buses or battery vehicles usually run from the main area to the Jain caves for a small fare. Everything else is on foot along paths below the cliff.
Which caves should I not miss besides Kailasa?
Cave 10, the Buddhist prayer hall with a ribbed ceiling; Cave 15, the Dashavatara; Cave 21, the Rameshwar; and Cave 32, the Jain Indra Sabha.