Best Time to Visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves in 2026
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are among India's most breathtaking historical sites — and the experience changes dramatically depending on when you visit. After facilitating thousands of trips from Aurangabad, here's our definitive guide to timing your visit for the best experience.
🌤️ October to March: Peak Season (Highly Recommended)
This is by far the best period to visit both Ajanta and Ellora. Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C, making outdoor exploration comfortable. The sky is clear, lighting conditions are excellent for photography, and you'll fully appreciate the detail of the cave paintings without the distraction of heat or rain.
Specifically, November, December, and January offer the most pleasant days. Morning visits are ideal — arrive by 9 AM when both sites open to avoid midday crowds. The stone stays cooler in the early hours, and the light entering the caves is natural and beautiful.
🌧️ July to September: Monsoon Season (For the Adventurous)
Monsoon transforms the Aurangabad landscape into lush greenery. The waterfalls near Ajanta are in full flow during July-August, creating a dramatic backdrop. However, the caves themselves can be humid and slippery. Photography of the cave paintings becomes challenging due to lower light and moisture. If you love the monsoon aesthetic, go — just expect limited visibility on some paintings.
The route from Aurangabad to Ajanta (100 km, NH 52) is generally well-maintained but the last stretch can be muddy. A comfortable, raised vehicle like our Tempo Travellers handles the roads well even in rain.
☀️ April to June: Avoid if Possible
Summer temperatures in Aurangabad regularly hit 40-42°C. The heat makes outdoor walking between caves exhausting. The shuttle bus from the base parking to the caves becomes crowded and uncomfortable. Unless you're visiting for research or have no other option, avoid summer months for these sites.
📅 Can You Visit Both Ajanta and Ellora in One Day?
This is our most common question. The honest answer: technically yes, but not recommended. Ajanta alone deserves 4-5 hours if you want to appreciate all 30 caves. Ellora needs another 3-4 hours for the 34 caves including the magnificent Kailasa Temple. That's 7-9 hours of walking plus 100+30 = 130 km of driving.
Our recommendation: Day 1 — Ellora and Grishneshwar (30 km from Aurangabad, also combine Daulatabad Fort on the way). Day 2 — Full day Ajanta (100 km from Aurangabad, start by 7 AM). This way you don't rush and truly absorb the magnificence of both UNESCO sites.
💡 Pro Tips from Our Drivers
- Ajanta is closed on Mondays; Ellora is closed on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly.
- Carry cash for the shuttle bus at Ajanta (₹12-17 one-way) — cards aren't always accepted.
- Hire a licensed guide inside both sites for INR 500-800 — worth every rupee.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Both sites have significant elevation change and uneven stone paths.
- Start before 10 AM for both sites — tour buses arrive by 10:30 AM and crowds multiply.
- Keep the AC running in your vehicle during site visits so you return to a cool, refreshing environment.
🚌 Book with Jaingiri Travels
Ready to visit? Jaingiri Travels provides comfortable AC vehicles from Aurangabad for all destinations covered in this guide.
