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Ellora Caves are a wonder in themselves, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. The area surrounding the caves is rich in fascinating places to visit near Ellora Caves that display Maharashtra’s cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage. There are many majestic forts, ancient temples, and bird sanctuaries, each showcasing unique experiences to accompany your visit to Ellora. Whether you are a history aficionado, a nature nut, or are on your spiritual journey, there is something for everyone nearby. Each area will deepen your journey and provide variety to your experience that goes well beyond the caves themselves.
10 Places To Visit Near Ellora Caves
Places to visit near Ellora Caves showcase an interesting mix of history, spirituality, and nature. From ancient forts to quiet temples and beautiful parks, every site assures a greater experience while visiting the caves.
1. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Photo: Varun Pyasi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Grishneshwar Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is found only 1.1 km away from Ellora Caves. This temple was built in the 18th century, in its present form with a rebuild by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, and features typical South Indian temple design using red basalt shikhara and carved pillars, a mythological frieze, and dancing deities. The Shiva lingam, which could grant wishes and forgive sins, is contained in the sanctum of the temple. It is also characterised by a sacred pond to purify before entry. Its proximity to Ellora Caves makes it an easy and one of the spiritual places to visit near Ellora Caves for tourists.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 1.1 km
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
2. Daulatabad Fort
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Daulatabad Fort is a strong 14th-century citadel that is set on a conical hill. During British rule, it was referred to as Devagiri, and it rose to prominence when the Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq moved his capital to this location, temporarily taking it out of Delhi. The fort is famous because it is intelligently designed to defend against an invader by means of moats, dark tunnels, false gates, and spiked doors. The course leads you on a steep ascent passing through the dizzying heights of the Chand Minar, a tall and beautiful tower, and to Baradari and cannon points, which have panoramic views of the plains around it.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 12.8 km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Photo: Arian Zwegers / Wikimedia Commons
Dubbed as the Mini Taj Mahal, Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the most popular yet most beautiful Mughal monuments in Maharashtra and one of the best tourist attractions near Ellora Caves. The monument was designed by Azam Shah as a memorial to his mother Dilras Banu Begum, who died in 1668; it is built in Persian style, typifying the Mughal style with a white marble dome, a protruding ornamental minaret, and elaborate stucco work. The tomb, which forms the centerpiece of the monument, is supported by formal Mughal gardens which have been constructed in the Charbagh style and which include the use of water channels and fountains.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 29 km
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
4. Aurangabad Caves
Photo: Photo Dharma / Wikimedia Commons
Aurangabad caves are a hidden gem of a dozen rock-cut Buddhist monuments, barely known except to the local population, located on a hill overlooking the city, carved between the 6th and 8th centuries CE. These caves are around 30 km away, admittedly from Ellora Caves; there are two clusters of caves approachable by a small climb uphill. Sculptures are very detailed here, and Cave 7 is distinguished by its detailed depictions of Buddhist deities, Bodhisattvas, and heavenly beings such as Tara and Avalokiteshvara. The high venue, crowned by expansive views of Aurangabad city and the surrounding plain, makes it one of the worthwhile attractions near Ellora Caves for visitors interested in history or nature.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 30 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Panchakki
Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons
Water mill Panchakki is a special 17th-century marvel of engineering, situated in Aurangabad, 27.5 km away from Ellora Caves. This medieval building employed water power to grind grain for pilgrims and people living within the local dargah complex. The mill is driven by water in a peaceful, meditative environment of a 6 km long underground conduit flowing from a mountain spring. This complex possesses a peaceful mosque, a madrasa, a library, and a dargah of a Sufi saint, Baba Shah Musafir. And the reservoir at the side of the mill, in which fish were feeding, and where the trees were a hundred years old, was a fine, quiet place to rest.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 27.5 km
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
6. Ajanta Caves
Photo: Dey.Sandip / Wikimedia Commons
The Ajanta Caves, around 105.4 km away, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most outstanding places to see near Ellora Caves as an art and history enthusiast. The rock-cut caves, which include 30 Buddhist caves, date back between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. These caves are famous for their mural paintings and sculptures, which depict the Jataka tales, which are also the previous lives of the Buddha. The partially contained caves have well-preserved frescoes, carved chaitya halls, and monastic cells (viharas) that represent the finest examples of early Buddhist art in India.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 105.4 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
7. Khuldabad
Photo: Abdullah Ahmad / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located just 3.7 km from Ellora Caves, Khuldabad is a holy town that is referred to as the “Valley of Saints” due to the number of Sufi saints buried here. Khuldabad is of immense historical and spiritual importance, providing the final resting site of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who chose a modest grave site beside his spiritual teacher, Sheikh Zainuddin Shirazi. Khuldabad has many ancient Islamic monuments, mosques, and elaborately carved tombs that embody Indo-Islamic architecture. The ambiance is tranquil, with narrow lanes, white domes, and quiet courtyards that seem stuck in time. Visiting Khuldabad during the Urs festivals is another experience where you can witness a stunning reflection of faith and culture.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 3.7 km from Ellora Caves
Timings: 24*7
8. Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Pavan Sai Thummala / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary is a bird-watching and naturalist paradise. It is located 75.4 km from the Ellora Caves and is built around the Nath Sagar Reservoir around Jayakwadi Dam. It is a basin with roughly 30 islands and has a full wetland ecosystem. Jayakwadi is home to more than 200 different species, both resident and migratory waterbirds. These waterbirds include flamingos, bar-headed geese, cranes, storks, and herons. This relaxing and serene environment, and all its calm waters and marshlands surrounding Jaiwakdi, are a refreshing break from the rich ancient history and historical sites surrounding Ellora Caves.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 75.4 km
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
9. Siddharth Garden And Zoo
Photo: App1304 / Wikimedia Commons
Siddharth Garden and Zoo is a wonderfully cared-for urban oasis in Aurangabad, located about 27.1 km from the Ellora Caves. The garden provides a fresh atmosphere with wide-open lawns, bright flower beds, shady trees, and paved footpaths. The garden also has a small zoo that features tigers, lions, crocodiles, deer, and numerous birds, making it a good place for families with children. The garden and zoo have plenty of sit-down options, a small children’s play area, and lots of room to lie down, especially during evenings. While it is not a must-see tourist attraction, it is very peaceful and provides more of a laid-back ambiance.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 27.1 km
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
10. Pitalkhora Caves
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Satmala Hills, Pitalkhora Caves are among the oldest Buddhist rock-cut monuments in Maharashtra and one of the places to visit near Ellora Caves for adventure. These 14 caves carved inside a gorge are set amidst remote greenery, with waterfalls appearing during monsoons. It has chaityas or prayer halls, viharas or monasteries, and remains of ornamental sculptures. Many are worn out, yet fascinating to behold. There lies a walk in a forested trail and stone steps that lend an unusual twist to the visit. The tranquil ambiance offers solitude, a perfect setting for those interested in a genuine experience of early Buddhist cave architecture.
Distance From Ellora Caves: 48 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
The places to visit near Ellora Caves are an exciting blend of natural beauty, sacred history, and spiritual journeys. Whether you’re interested in the grandeur of Ajanta, the tranquillity of Khuldabad, or the artistry of Aurangabad Caves, the places near Ellora Caves give you the richness that you will need for an ideal journey through Maharashtra. Looking for something to do after the caves? Plan your trip with TripXL for your next visit.
Cover Photo: Setu Chhaya / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
