Ajanta and Ellora Caves Itinerary: Is 2 or 3 Days Enough and Is It Worth Visiting?
- Citypulse Mumbai Tour
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Planning to visit the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra? One of the biggest questions travellers ask is how many days they need, which caves to visit first, how much tickets cost, when the sites are closed, and whether the journey is actually worth it.
The short answer is yes—Ajanta and Ellora are absolutely worth visiting.
These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are among the most remarkable historical destinations in India. From ancient Buddhist paintings hidden inside rock-cut caves to the incredible Kailasa Temple carved from a single massive rock, Ajanta and Ellora offer an unforgettable journey through India's art, history, religion and architecture.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your trip, including the best 2-day and 3-day itineraries, ticket information, weekly closing days, travel tips and other places worth visiting nearby. Citypulse mumbai tours
Where Are Ajanta and Ellora Caves Located?
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are located in the Maharashtra region of western India, near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad.
The city is the best base for travellers visiting both sites.
Ajanta Caves: Approximately 100 kilometres from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Ellora Caves: Approximately 30 kilometres from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Because Ajanta is much farther away, it is best planned as a full-day excursion.
Ellora is closer to the city and can be combined with other nearby attractions.
Is Ajanta and Ellora Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Even if you are not normally interested in museums or history, the scale and craftsmanship of these sites can be genuinely impressive.
Ajanta and Ellora are very different from each other, which is why visiting both is recommended.
Ajanta is famous for:
Ancient Buddhist paintings
Rock-cut monasteries
Buddha sculptures
Buddhist prayer halls
Jataka Tale artwork
A beautiful location overlooking a dramatic river valley
Ellora is famous for:
Buddhist caves
Hindu temples
Jain caves
Incredible rock-cut architecture
The world-famous Kailasa Temple
The highlight of Ellora for many visitors is the Kailasa Temple, an enormous temple complex carved directly from a single rock.
It is difficult to understand the scale of this achievement until you see it in person.
If you enjoy history, culture, architecture or photography, Ajanta and Ellora are definitely worth adding to your India itinerary.
Important: Opening Days and Weekly Closures
One of the most important things to know before planning your itinerary is that Ajanta and Ellora are closed on different days.
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are generally open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Ajanta Caves are closed every Monday.
Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves are generally open from Wednesday to Monday.
Ellora Caves are closed every Tuesday.
This is important when planning your trip.
For example:
Monday: Visit Ellora, as Ajanta is closed.Tuesday: Visit Ajanta, as Ellora is closed.Wednesday to Sunday: You can visit either site.
Always check the latest official opening information before travelling, as timings and visitor regulations can change.
Ajanta and Ellora Ticket Information
Entry tickets are required to visit both Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Ticket prices may be different for:
Indian visitors
International visitors
Children or eligible categories
Additional charges may apply for services such as parking or guides.
We recommend checking the latest official ticket prices before your visit because entry fees and rules can change.
Helpful Tip for Ajanta Visitors
Private vehicles do not normally take visitors directly to the main Ajanta Cave complex.
Visitors generally use the designated transport system from the visitor and parking area to reach the caves.
Make sure you allow extra time for this when planning your visit.
Is 2 Days Enough for Ajanta and Ellora?
Yes, two days are enough to visit the major highlights of both sites.
This is the best option for travellers with limited time.
Day 1: Full-Day Trip to Ajanta Caves
Start early in the morning from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The journey to Ajanta takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Ajanta is home to around 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating from ancient India.
During your visit, you can explore:
Ancient monasteries
Chaitya prayer halls
Buddha sculptures
Historic paintings
Jataka Tale stories
The scenic valley surrounding the caves
Allow several hours to explore the site properly.
fter your visit, return to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the evening.
How Much Time Do You Need at Ajanta?
Plan approximately 4 to 5 hours inside the cave complex, plus travel time.
Ajanta requires a full day and should not be rushed.
Day 2: Full-Day Visit to Ellora Caves
After breakfast, travel to Ellora Caves.
Ellora is closer to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and contains more than 30 caves representing three major religious traditions:
Buddhism
Hinduism
Jainism
Don't Miss the Kailasa Temple
The main highlight is Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple.
This extraordinary temple was carved directly from a single rock and is one of the greatest examples of ancient rock-cut architecture in the world.
Take your time exploring:
The main temple
Large courtyards
Stone sculptures
Carved pillars
Elephants and mythological figures
Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves
How Much Time Do You Need at Ellora?
Allow approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on how many caves you want to explore.
Return to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the evening.
The Perfect 3-Day Ajanta and Ellora Itinerary
Day 1: Ajanta Caves
Spend your first day exploring Ajanta Caves.
Start early, enjoy the journey through Maharashtra and allow enough time to explore the Buddhist paintings, monasteries and sculptures.
Return to your hotel in the evening and rest.
Day 2: Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar Temple
Spend the morning and afternoon exploring Ellora.
Make sure you visit the Kailasa Temple and explore the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sections.
After Ellora, visit Grishneshwar Temple, located close to the caves.
Grishneshwar Temple is an important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Visitors should remember that this is an active religious site and should dress and behave respectfully.
Afterwards, return to your hotel.
Day 3: Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara
Daulatabad Fort
Start your day with a visit to Daulatabad Fort, one of Maharashtra's most impressive historical forts.
Originally known as Devagiri, the fort is famous for its strategic location and remarkable defensive architecture.
Visitors can explore:
Massive fort walls
Ancient gates
Historical structures
Defensive systems
Panoramic views from the fort
Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours.
The climb can be challenging, especially during hot weather, so comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, one of the most famous monuments in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Built during the Mughal period, the monument is often compared with the Taj Mahal because of its architecture.
It is smaller than the Taj Mahal but remains a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Other Places Worth Visiting Near Ajanta and Ellora
If you have additional time, there are several other attractions worth considering.
Aurangabad Caves
The Aurangabad Caves are smaller Buddhist rock-cut caves located near the city.
They are less famous than Ajanta and Ellora but can be interesting for travellers who want to learn more about the region's Buddhist history.
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours.
Panchakki
Panchakki, also known as the Water Mill, is a historic monument known for its traditional water-powered system.
It is a relatively short visit and can be combined with sightseeing around the city.
Time needed: Around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best Time to Visit Ajanta and Ellora
The most comfortable time to visit is generally between October and March, when temperatures are more pleasant for sightseeing.
Summer months can be extremely hot, particularly when exploring outdoor areas such as Daulatabad Fort.
If you are travelling during warmer months:
Start early in the morning
Carry plenty of water
Wear sun protection
Avoid the hottest part of the afternoon when possible
Important Travel Tips for Ajanta and Ellora
Before your trip, keep these practical tips in mind:
Start early for Ajanta because of the longer travel distance.
Do not plan Ajanta on Monday.
Do not plan Ellora on Tuesday.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Carry drinking water.
Bring sun protection.
Allow a full day for Ajanta.
Allow at least half to a full day for Ellora.
Do not rush through the Kailasa Temple.
Consider visiting with a knowledgeable guide to better understand the history and stories behind the caves.
Check the latest opening hours and ticket prices before travelling.
2 Days or 3 Days: Which Itinerary Should You Choose?
Choose 2 Days If:
You have limited time
Your main priority is Ajanta and Ellora
You are comfortable with full sightseeing days
You want to see the major highlights
Recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Ajanta CavesDay 2: Ellora Caves
Choose 3 Days If:
You want a more relaxed trip
You are interested in Indian history and architecture
You want to explore attractions beyond the caves
You do not want to rush
Recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Ajanta CavesDay 2: Ellora Caves + Grishneshwar TempleDay 3: Daulatabad Fort + Bibi Ka Maqbara
Final Verdict: Is the Trip to Ajanta and Ellora Worth It?
Yes, absolutely.
Ajanta and Ellora are not simply tourist attractions. They represent centuries of history, religion, art and extraordinary human craftsmanship.
Ajanta offers an unforgettable journey into ancient Buddhist art and paintings, while Ellora allows visitors to experience Buddhist, Hindu and Jain architecture in one extraordinary location.
The Kailasa Temple alone leaves many visitors amazed by what ancient craftsmen were able to create from a single mountain of rock.
If you only have two days, you can comfortably visit the major highlights of Ajanta and Ellora.
However, if you have three days, we recommend extending your trip to include Daulatabad Fort, Grishneshwar Temple and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
For travellers visiting Maharashtra, Ajanta and Ellora are truly worth the journey and can easily become one of the most memorable experiences of your trip to India.
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