Traditional wear in Ellora
Nauvari Saree
Best worn at Jain Caves (30–34)
The Maharashtrian nine-yard nauvari saree, draped dhoti-style for festivals and weddings.
Best colours
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Price range
₹1,500–8,000
Comfort level
Medium
Best place
Jain Caves (30–34)
Footwear
Flats
Buy / rent nearby
Aurangabad stores
Best colors
The story behind it
The nauvari is the traditional Marathi ceremonial saree.
Styling guide
How to style this look
Accessories
Footwear
Flats — comfortable, on-theme and easy for cobbled lanes and steps.
Shop footwear on AmazonBag suggestion
A potli (drawstring) bag or a small embroidered clutch keeps the look authentic with your phone within reach.
Hair & makeup (optional)
Soft kajal, a bold lip and loose waves or a braided bun with a maang tikka complete the traditional look.
Best colour combinations
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Where to shoot it
Best photo spots for this outfit
Spots in Ellora where Nauvari Saree really works.
Great matchJain Caves (30–34)
- Best time
- Best time: Late morning, when the Indra Sabha courtyard is bright and the tour groups are still at Kailasa; late afternoon for warm light on the carved fronts.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Stand at the edge of the Indra Sabha courtyard and take a photo of the small stone shrine with the two-storey carved hall rising behind it.
Buddhist Caves (1–12)
- Best time
- Best time: Late afternoon, when the sun comes through the arched window of Cave 10 and lights the Buddha; early morning for empty halls.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Stand near the entrance of Cave 10 and take a straight-on photo down the pillared hall to the seated Buddha, with the ribbed ceiling above.
Ellora Caves
- Best time
- 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
- 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.
Shop the look
Where to buy or rent nearby
Typical price · ₹1,500–8,000
Wear it well
Practical tips for tourists
Rushing the kashta drape
Carry flats or comfortable flats — you'll be on your feet a lot.
Great for a morning or late-afternoon shoot; pace longer days.
Golden hour light flatters rich traditional colours — plan the shoot early or late.
The full guide
Styling Nauvari Saree in Ellora
Nauvari Saree is a traditional wear favourite in Ellora, and looks its best in green, purple and gold. It pairs naturally with a shoot at Jain Caves (30–34), worn with flats.
Comfort is medium, so plan your route accordingly. You can buy or rent it around aurangabad stores from about ₹1,500–8,000. Check the photo spots above for the best time and angle to capture the look.
Nauvari Saree
The Maharashtrian nine-yard nauvari saree, draped dhoti-style for festivals and weddings.
Here is what to know before you commit to it - what it is, how it wears, and where in Ellora to buy it well.
🧵 What it is
The tradition behind it, in one line: The nauvari is the traditional Marathi ceremonial saree.
As traditional wear, it holds its value in a way fashion pieces do not: the piece bought for this trip is the one still being reached for years later, which changes how to shop for it.
A well-made example is recognisable in the hand before the eye: weight, neatness of finish, and materials that feel like they belong together.
🎨 The colours and finishes
The palette that the tradition itself favours:
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Green
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Purple
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Gold
Colours in this family photograph well against Ellora's stone, street and sky - which matters more than it sounds, since most of the trip's record will be pictures.
Worn with Nath and Kolhapuri saaj, the look completes the way the tradition intends.
👟 Wearing it around Ellora
Footwear: Flats.
The comfort mark here is MEDIUM - comfortable with a little managing through a long day.
Count on footwear coming off at religious sites - the outfit that survives that rhythm gracefully is the one that succeeds by evening.
The quiet test is the everyday one - sitting, stepping up, reaching for a camera. Do those in the fitting and the rest of the day follows.
🚫 What to avoid
- Rushing the kashta drape
The failure modes are few, and all of them are avoidable with a little planning.
🛍️ Where to buy it
In Ellora: Aurangabad stores.
Expect to pay in the region of ₹1,500–8,000.
In Indian craft markets, bargaining is part of the purchase - keep it friendly, and be ready to walk away kindly.
🧳 Bringing it home
Care is simple: fold along the original creases, keep it dry, and air it before the first wear. Natural fibres crease in a bag and forgive on the body, so a steamy bathroom often does the work of an iron.
A purchase like this is worth the first half of a morning - unhurried, with the chance to compare two or three makers before deciding.
✅ The one-minute checklist
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Palette: Green, Purple and Gold
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Footwear: Flats
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Accessories: Nath and Kolhapuri saaj
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Budget: ₹1,500–8,000
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Where: Aurangabad stores
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Avoid: Rushing the kashta drape
Questions
Nauvari Saree — FAQ
Can I wear Nauvari Saree at Jain Caves (30–34)?
Yes — Nauvari Saree suits Jain Caves (30–34) beautifully. Comfort is medium, so you can explore at an easy pace. Pair it with flats for the walk up.
Where can I buy or rent traditional wear in Ellora?
Try Aurangabad stores in Ellora. Expect roughly ₹1,500–8,000. Many shops rent festive outfits by the day, which is ideal for a single shoot.
Which colours look best for Ellora photos?
Green, purple and gold photograph especially well against old stone in Ellora — they stand out without clashing with the setting.
Is Nauvari Saree comfortable for sightseeing?
Comfort level is medium. It works for a relaxed day of sightseeing as long as your footwear is comfortable. Flats keeps it easy on the feet.