Ajanta and Ellora Caves Travel Guide: History, How to Reach, Key Attractions & More

If tours that blend art, culture, and history appeal to you, we might have the perfect tour plan to meet your interests. We are talking about an Ajanta and Ellora guided tour package that is a journey through the ancient art of India, its stunning architectural excellence, and an awe-inspiring religious history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are arguably one of the most sought-after travel destinations for art and history lovers. If you are interested in knowing more, read this blog and learn all the essential details about the iconic site.

All About Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta–Ellora Caves' history is as fascinating as their spellbinding sight. Located near Maharashtra’s Aurangabad, these magnificent examples of rock-cut art and architecture offer an amazing lens through which you can get a glance of India’s cultural and religious history. While the Ajanta Caves were mainly built as Buddhist Viharas and prayer halls in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, the Ellora Caves offer a blend of 3 different religious art—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

The Ajanta Caves are the oldest of the two and were forgotten over the years, until their rediscovery by the British in 1819. The Ellora Caves saw their construction under different rulers belonging to the Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and Yadava dynasties. This is probably why there is a greater variation and diversity visible in the architecture of the Ellora Caves. They are known for their monolithic cave art that has stood the test of time and turned into a renowned tourist spot.

Things to Do in Ajanta and Ellora

The popular UNESCO caves near Aurangabad offer a host of opportunities to travelers to make their trip memorable. Here are some things that you can do in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves:

Key Attractions in Ajanta

Watching the Murals and Frescoes: The fantastic paintings display stunning murals and frescoes. From the colors to the storytelling, every artwork is a magical creation.

Seeing Exquisite Rock-Cut Architecture: All the pillars, doorways, prayer halls, and monasteries are carved beautifully. Observing the detailed work is a fun thing to do here.

Getting a Glimpse into the Monastic Life: AThis tour allows you to visualize how the monks lived, prayed, meditated, and carried out their daily chores centuries ago!

Getting a Glimpse into the Monastic Life: AThis tour allows you to visualize how the monks lived, prayed, meditated, and carried out their daily chores centuries ago!

Taking a Tour of Popular Caves: You must visit some of the popular caves, including Cave 1, which is famous for its murals; Cave 2, which is famous for its Jataka tales and ceiling art; Cave 4, which has the largest Vihara in the complex; Caves 9 and 10, which feature old Buddhist art; and Caves 16 and 17, which showcases narrative-rich art.

Enjoying the Serene Surroundings: Relish the peace and quietude of the horseshoe-shaped cliff offering an eye-pleasing view of the Waghora River.

Key Attractions in Ellora

Hiring an Ajanta and Ellora caves travel guide is a must to explore all the prominent landmarks in these mysterious caves. For now, have a look at some of the things you must try on your trip to Ellora:

Experience a Unique Religious Harmony: Ellora is a prime example of the religious harmony between Jains, Buddhists, and Hindus, as all three coexisted in complete tolerance at this one wonderful location.

Visit the Jain Caves: You will fall in love with the intricate carvings of the Jain Tirthankars in Caves 30-34.

Head to the Hindu Caves: Observe the mythical narratives related to Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga in Caves 13-29. Also, don’t miss Cave 16—abode to the Kailasa Temple, which is a colossal work of monolithic art!

Explore the Buddhist Caves: See the stunning sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas in Caves 1-12, including the stunning Cave 10, also called the Vishwakarma Cave.

Watch the Sound and Light Show: See the history and mythology connected to the UNESCO World Heritage Site come to life in a marvelous Sound and Light Show held at Ellora in the evening.

How to Reach Ajanta–Ellora from Aurangabad

When you plan your Ajanta–Ellora caves tour from Aurangabad , you must be aware of the mode of transport and the estimated duration of travel to reach your destination. While both the caves are named together, they are 100 kilometres apart. So, you must plan your travel accordingly. Here’s the information that will come in handy.

• Traveling By Road: The Ellora Caves are near Aurangabad, i.e. at a distance of approximately 32 kilometers. The Ajanta Caves, however, are relatively far and require a journey of about 2.5 hours via road. You can take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach the caves from Aurangabad. Buses are budget-friendly while private taxis are more comfortable.
• Traveling By Train: If you board a train from the Aurangabad Railway Station, you will reach the station nearest to the Ellora Caves in about 1.5 hours. From there, you’ll have to walk for nearly 7-10 minutes to reach the caves. To reach the Ajanta Caves, you can travel in a train from Aurangabad to the Pachora Junction, and then hire a taxi to reach the Ajanta Caves. The road trip will take you about an hour.

Things to Keep in Mind When Booking Ajanta–Ellora Tour Packages

• We recommend booking a 2-day tour to cover both the caves extensively.
• While local buses and taxis are available from Aurangabad, booking your tour with My Flight Trip will provide you with the convenience of private transfers.
• Tours like this require guided assistance, which is included in our package. If you are visiting on your own, be cautious and only hire government-approved guides.
• While photography is allowed in the caves, you might have to avoid flash photography in some places.
• Winter is the best time to visit Ajanta and Ellora as you can enjoy your sightseeing experience in pleasant weather.
• Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora Caves on Tuesdays, so plan your trip accordingly.

Plan Your Ajanta–Ellora Excursion with My Flight Trip

Now that you have all the relevant details about the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you are all set to visit the iconic site. So, book your  Ajanta ellora one day tour with My Flight Trip, and embark on a journey full of ancient wonders, artistic marvels, and cultural landmarks! We offer all the travel essentials, from tour packages and hotel accommodations to guided assistance and flight tickets. Get in touch with us soon!