Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
In the 8th century the builders of the Kailasa Temple began not from the ground up but from the top down, carving into a basalt hillside and removing 200,000 tonnes of rock to reveal a freestanding temple complex twice the size of the Parthenon. Seven thousand labourers worked for 150 years to complete it.
The Ellora Caves tour takes you through the largest monolithic excavation in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 34 caves carved by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain craftsmen between the 5th and 10th centuries. Your expert guide brings the iconography, the engineering and the art history to life across every cave.
Private car from Aurangabad, expert cultural guide, all entry fees and vegetarian lunch included.
5 Senses Tours is recognised by the Department of Tourism, a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We pick up at the time the tour starts at 9 am
What To Expect
The most impressive cave at Ellora is Number 16 called the Kailasa Cave. Built to resemble Mount Kailash, the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, Cave 16 is a free standing Temple complex and the largest single monolithic excavation in the world. Kailasa was built by Krishna I (757–773) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Kaliasa is twice the size of Parthenon in Athens and was built by 7,000 laborers over 150 years.
Ellora Caves
Verul Leni, better known as Ellora Caves are one of the finest specimens of rock cut architecture in India. Located near the Indian City of Aurangabad, Ellora Caves are a set of 34 caves excavated out of the Charanandri hills. This UNESCO world heritage site has a mix of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain caves. Built between 5th and 10th century, Ellora caves are located on an ancient trade route and hence unlike the Ajanta Caves were never lost and have always been frequented over the years.
Options
Private Ellora Caves Guided Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Indian vegetarian
Private car
Entrance charges
Guide
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An interesting and enjoyable visit to one of India’s most outstanding heritage sites.
pamelarV6746VC,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an extremely enjoyable visit to the Ellora Caves with guide, Prasanna. We were picked up from our hotel and driven very competently in a clean and comfortable car to the caves. Prasanna was very knowledgeable, helpful and enthusiastic. He explained the historical context of the caves very clearly which really helped us understand their significance as he showed us around in more detail. He was happy to answer all our questions and let us have time to explore and take pictures. It was an excellent day and I’d definitely recommend to other travellers.
Amazing tour of Ellora
Nancy1282,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour of Ellora caves with Pankaj. He was a terrific guide and helped us understand the sculptures better. The Ellora temple was out of this world. It was carved out of a single basalt rock. Unbelievable. Hotel pick and drop, entry fee and lunch was included. Amazing trip
Unforgettable experience
Samj68p,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour of Ellora caves was easily one of the best I have ever done. The guide Pankaj was awesome and very knowledgeable. He was fun at the same time. The Kailasa temple was unbelievable. We learnt that it was the world's largest monolith! The whole temple was carved, hold your breadth, from top to bottom! Amazing. I will not forget this tour in a lifetime. Very highly recommended.
Ellora and Ajantha made easy
AnilK3223,May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oh my what a great experience. The tour was meticulously arranged. The guide was well informed and very cheerful. He went out of the way to attend to every minute detail. The Ellora and Ajantha tour was memorable. The hospitality of the tour guide melted away all our tiredness of trekking to these far away places. Thank you Five Senses and good luck.
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