Ajanta vs Ellora: Which Caves Should You Visit First?

Every traveler heading to Aurangabad eventually faces the same question: Ajanta vs Ellora — which should I visit first?

Both are breathtaking, both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and both tell India’s story through stone. But they’re also completely different experiences — Ajanta is meditative and spiritual, while Ellora is monumental and awe-inspiring. Having explored both several times, I can tell you that the order in which you visit them makes a real difference.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to decide which site should come first, how they differ, and how to plan your route for the best possible experience.

1. The Key Difference Between Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Feature	Ajanta Caves	Ellora Caves
Theme	Purely Buddhist	Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain
Main Attraction	Murals, paintings, and serenity	Sculptures, temples, and scale
No. of Caves	30	34
Time Period	2nd century BCE – 6th century CE	6th – 10th century CE
Closed On	Mondays	Tuesdays
Distance from Aurangabad	100 km (2.5 hours)	30 km (45 minutes)

💡 Tip: Think of Ajanta as a peaceful morning of reflection — and Ellora as an energetic afternoon full of marvels.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Ajanta – Where Time Stands Still

If you love art, stillness, and spirituality, Ajanta Caves should be your first stop. The caves are carved deep into a horseshoe-shaped cliff overlooking a quiet river valley. Inside, centuries-old Buddhist murals depict stories of compassion, meditation, and rebirth.

Walking here feels less like sightseeing and more like a journey inward. The silence, the dim light, the colors — everything slows you down.

Highlights:

• Cave 1: Bodhisattva Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara murals
• Cave 2: Exquisite painted ceilings
• Cave 10: The oldest prayer hall (Chaitya)
• Cave 26: Reclining Buddha sculpture

💡 Tip: Visit Ajanta first if you want to begin your trip with peace and introspection. The art prepares you for the grandeur of Ellora.

3. Ellora – The Grand Finale of Stone Architecture

After Ajanta’s quiet beauty, Ellora Caves hits you like a storm of genius. Imagine an entire mountain carved into temples and monasteries — that’s Ellora. The highlight is Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple), the largest monolithic rock-cut temple in the world.

Here, Hindu gods battle demons, elephants guard entrances, and intricate carvings fill every corner. You’ll also find serene Buddhist caves and delicate Jain temples nearby — all within walking distance.

Highlights:

• Cave 16: Kailasa Temple – carved top-down from a single rock
• Cave 10: Vishvakarma – the “Carpenter’s Cave” with ribbed ceilings
• Cave 32: Indra Sabha – beautifully symmetrical Jain cave

💡 Tip: Visit Ellora after Ajanta. The visual intensity and grandeur feel like a natural crescendo to the calm of Ajanta.
📍 View on Google Maps

4. Which One Takes More Time?

Site	Average Visit Duration	Walking Distance
Ajanta	2.5–3 hours	Long, scenic trail with stairs
Ellora	2–2.5 hours	Shorter distance but more caves

💡 Tip: Ajanta takes more walking effort; wear sturdy shoes. Ellora’s layout is flatter and easier to cover quickly.

5. Best Order for a One-Day Trip (From Aurangabad)

If you’re visiting both on the same day, here’s the most efficient route:

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Depart from Aurangabad to Ajanta (100 km, 2.5 hrs)
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM	Explore Ajanta Caves
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM	Drive to Ellora
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM	Explore Ellora Caves
6:15 PM	Return to Aurangabad (30 km)

💡 Tip: This route follows the perfect emotional rhythm — start with calm (Ajanta), end with awe (Ellora).

6. When to Reverse the Order

Visit Ellora first only if:

• You have limited time (it’s closer to Aurangabad).
• You’re visiting during summer — Ellora’s open areas are easier in the morning cool.
• Ajanta is closed (on Mondays).

💡 Tip: If you start with Ellora, leave by 5:30 AM, so you can still reach Ajanta before 10:00 AM for good light.

7. My Personal Recommendation

I’ve done both routes more than once — Ellora first and Ajanta first. But if you ask me?
Start with Ajanta.

The quiet Buddhist caves set a meditative tone that makes Ellora’s grandeur even more powerful. It’s like reading a peaceful prelude before a dramatic finale.

💡 Tip: If you can spare two days, dedicate one to each site — both deserve your unhurried attention.

8. Nearby Stops to Add

Whether you start with Ajanta or Ellora, don’t miss these attractions on the route:

• Grishneshwar Temple (2 km from Ellora)
• Daulatabad Fort (15 km from Aurangabad)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (30 km from Ellora)

💡 Tip: Combine at least one of these stops for a well-rounded heritage day.

9. Ideal Season for Visiting Both

• Best: November to February (cool and pleasant)
• Good: July to September (green, lush, occasional rain)
• Avoid: April to June (too hot for Ajanta’s long trail)

💡 Tip: Monsoon season adds charm — waterfalls often appear near Ellora’s cliffs.

10. Cost Summary for Day Trip from Aurangabad

Expense	Estimated Cost (₹)	Notes
Taxi (Full Day Sedan)	4,000–4,500	Covers both caves
Entry Fees	80 (Indian) / 1,200 (Foreign)	₹40 per site
Guide	1,000–1,500	Optional but highly recommended
Food & Drinks	500	MTDC restaurant near Ellora
Total (Approx.)	₹5,500–₹6,500	Comfortable full-day trip

💡 Tip: Book an organized tour if you prefer everything pre-arranged — it saves energy and time.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Cover Ajanta and Ellora in One Day
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
• Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves for Tourists

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)