Step into a world of ancient art, culture, architectural marvels, and jawdropping awe with a trip to Ajanta and Ellora. These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a must-see for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good adventure. And four days is all it takes.
Here’s a relaxed, detailed guide to help you plan your visit to these awe-inspiring places:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Ajanta Caves
Morning
- Start Your Journey Early: Depending on where you’re coming from, you might fly into Aurangabad, the nearest major city, or take a train or bus from nearby places. From Aurangabad, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Ajanta. The roads are smooth, and the drive itself is scenic, so it’s a nice way to ease into your trip.
- First Stop – Ajanta Caves: As you arrive at the caves, the first thing that hits you is the serenity of the place. The caves are carved into the rock of a gorge and overlook a river, adding a mystical vibe to the surroundings.
- There are 30 caves, some dating back to the 2nd century BCE and some as recent as the 6th century CE. These caves are primarily Buddhist monasteries and temples, and many have exquisite paintings and sculptures depicting stories of Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and scenes from everyday life back then.
- You’ll want to hire a guide (or download an audio guide) to help you understand the rich history and symbolism behind the artwork. The main caves—like Cave 1, Cave 2, and Cave 16—are must-sees.
Lunch
- There’s a small café near the entrance where you can grab a bite, but the food options are limited, so it’s a good idea to pack some snacks or a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful surroundings.
Afternoon
- More Cave Exploration: The caves are spread out, and there’s quite a bit of walking involved. If you’re up for it, you can hike up to the caves, which will take about 30 minutes. Otherwise, there’s a shuttle bus that runs between the entrance and the caves.
Evening
- Head back to Aurangabad after your exploration. If you’re feeling up to it, you can check out a local restaurant and have dinner. Try the local delicacies like Puran Poli or Biryani.
Day 2: Ellora Caves and Beyond
Morning
- Drive to Ellora Caves: After a relaxing breakfast, set out to Ellora, which is just about 30 minutes from Aurangabad. Ellora is known for its monolithic rock-cut architecture and temples. There are 34 caves here, and unlike Ajanta, these are a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples.
- Start with the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16): This is the highlight of Ellora and an absolute masterpiece. Carved from a single piece of rock, the Kailasa temple is as grand as it is intricate. It’s like an entire temple complex has been carved out of the mountain, complete with massive pillars, sculptures, and an enormous courtyard.
- Explore the Buddhist Caves: The Buddhist caves are on the left side of the site and include stunning monasteries like Cave 10 (the “Vishvakarma” cave) and Cave 12, which have impressive sculptures and some fascinating stories behind them.
Lunch
- You can have lunch at a local eatery or back in Aurangabad, depending on your pace and preferences.
Afternoon
- Visit the Jain Caves: On the other side of Ellora, you’ll find the Jain caves, which are less crowded but equally beautiful. Cave 30 and Cave 32 have detailed carvings that narrate Jain philosophy and principles.
- Take a Stroll Around the Area: After exploring the caves, take a moment to enjoy the landscape around Ellora. The area is peaceful and scenic, perfect for a short walk or just sitting and taking in the beauty.
Buddha sculptor inside Ajanta caves Photo: Tanusri Basak
Evening
- If you’re not too tired, a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad is a great option for a final stop. Often referred to as the “Taj of the Deccan,” it’s a beautiful Mughal-era tomb that’s quite similar to the Taj Mahal.
Additional Tips
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- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ajanta and Ellora is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s a lot of walking involved, and some parts of the caves require a bit of climbing. So, wear sturdy shoes.
- Stay Hydrated: While exploring, especially in the summer months, make sure you carry water.
- Photography: Be mindful of the photography rules inside the caves, as many places restrict flash photography to protect the ancient paintings.
Where to Stay
- Aurangabad has a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury. Checkout these popular hotels which include The Ambassador Ajanta, Vivanta Aurangabad, and Ginger Aurangabad.
- If you prefer to stay closer to the caves, there are a few resorts and guesthouses near Ellora that offer a more tranquil experience.
Both Ajanta and Ellora are spectacular, each in its own right, and visiting them is an experience that will leave you in awe of the history, artistry, and spirituality of ancient India. Enjoy your journey back in time.
