Ellora Caves Timings and Entry Fees

When I first planned my visit to the Ellora Caves, I didn’t check the schedule — and guess what? I went on a Tuesday, the only day it’s closed! I ended up sipping chai outside the gate, watching travelers make the same mistake. Ever since, I’ve made it a habit to double-check timings and ticket details before every visit.

To save you the same trouble, here’s your complete guide to Ellora Caves timings and entry fees, including ticket prices, daily hours, photography rules, eco-bus details, and practical tips to make your visit perfectly timed and hassle-free.

1. Ellora Caves Timings

Day	Opening Hours	Status
Wednesday – Monday	9:00 AM – 5:30 PM	✅ Open
Tuesday	—	❌ Closed (Weekly holiday)

💡 Tip: Arrive by 8:45 AM — ticket counters open early, and you’ll get the best light for photography inside Kailasa Temple.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Entry Fees for Ellora Caves (2025 Rates)

Visitor Type	Entry Fee (INR)
Indian Citizens	₹40 per person
Foreign Tourists	₹600 per person
Children (Below 15 years)	Free Entry
Camera Fee (Non-Professional)	₹25
Video / Drone Photography	Not allowed without ASI permission

Tickets can be purchased directly at the ASI counter near the main gate or online via the Archaeological Survey of India official site.

💡 Tip: Carry small cash notes — card payments are often unreliable due to weak network signals in the area.

3. Average Visit Duration & Ideal Timing

Most travelers spend 3–4 hours exploring the 34 caves at Ellora.

• Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Best for Kailasa Temple and photography.
• Midday (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM): Explore Buddhist Caves — shaded and cooler.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Great time for Jain Caves with warm light.

💡 Tip: The last entry is around 4:30 PM, so don’t start late — guards begin closing sections after 5:15 PM.
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4. Entry Points and Ticket Counter Info

There’s a single main entrance where you’ll find:

• 🎟️ Ticket counter
• 🚌 Parking area
• 🚻 Restrooms
• 🧴 Drinking water
• 🍛 MTDC restaurant

💡 Tip: Buy your ticket first, then hire an ASI-approved guide at the same counter. It makes your exploration far more insightful.

5. Guided Tour Options & Prices

Hiring a certified guide is the best way to understand Ellora’s 1,500-year-old art and history.

Type	Duration	Cost (INR)	Includes
Local Guide (Private)	1.5 – 2 hrs	₹500–₹800	Covers key caves + Kailasa Temple
ASI Licensed Group Guide	2 – 3 hrs	₹1,000–₹1,500	Full tour with historical background

💡 Tip: Always check for an ASI ID badge before hiring a guide — it ensures authenticity

6. Eco-Shuttle and Parking Information

The parking area is just a short walk from the caves, unlike Ajanta (which requires an eco-bus). However, shared autos and local taxis are available between different cave clusters for convenience.

• 🚗 Parking Fee: ₹30 for cars, ₹10 for bikes
• 🚌 Local autos: ₹10–₹20 per person
• 🚶 Walking distance: Approx. 400–600 meters between cave clusters

💡 Tip: Start from Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) first — it’s the center and heart of the site.

7. Ellora Caves Facilities (Included with Ticket)

Your entry ticket gives access to the full cave complex, which includes:

• ✅ Hindu Caves (13–29)
• ✅ Buddhist Caves (1–12)
• ✅ Jain Caves (30–34)
• 🏛️ Small on-site museum near the main gate

💡 Tip: The museum is a hidden gem — visit after your cave tour to see scale models and historical info.
[Add image of ASI museum at Ellora]

8. Timings for Nearby Attractions

Attraction	Distance	Timings	Notes
Grishneshwar Temple	2 km	5 AM – 10 PM	Jyotirlinga, near Ellora gate
Daulatabad Fort	15 km	8 AM – 6 PM	Perfect half-day trip
Bibi Ka Maqbara	30 km	8 AM – 8 PM	Great evening visit
Pitalkhora Caves	70 km	9 AM – 5 PM	Lesser-known ancient site

💡 Tip: Combine Ellora + Grishneshwar + Daulatabad for a perfect one-day heritage trip from Aurangabad.

9. Best Visiting Season (Quick Recap)

• Best Months: November – February
• Avoid: Mid-summer (April–June) due to heat
• Bonus: Monsoon (July–September) adds greenery and waterfalls around the caves

💡 Tip: Visit during December’s Ellora–Ajanta Festival — the caves come alive with music and light shows.

10. Quick Visitor Checklist

✅ Carry cash for tickets and parking
✅ Wear comfortable shoes and a hat
✅ Keep at least 3 hours to explore
✅ Avoid Tuesdays (closed)
✅ Bring water, sunscreen, and a small flashlight for darker caves

💡 Tip: If you’re short on time, focus on Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) — it’s Ellora’s grand centerpiece.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• Complete Visitor Guide to Ellora Caves
• Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips
• Best Temples and Monasteries to See in Ellora Caves
• Best Time to Visit Ellora Caves

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)