Ajanta & Ellora

KKHH

For those of you who have visited both Ajanta & Ellora, which one did you prefer and why?

We're trying to keep our travel schedule fairly flexible, which may mean time for both, one or none. . .if we can only fit in a day at one (I don't want to try a half day at each), which would you recommend? It'll be late January. . .

Thanx!

indiaguide

I prefer Ajanta than Ellora.Because painting and caves it self nice with nature. I suggest you to take a small trekk from View point to Caves.Its's better to stay a night in Fardapur( near to ajanta). Ellora , Better to take a day return trip from Aurangabad.

Merchant

If you go to Ellora from Aurangabad, don't miss the Daulatabad fort. Be sure to hire a guide to take you through the tunnels where defenders poured boiling oil on the attackers. The climb to the summit is well worth the effort, too.

I think the fort is better the Ellora itself.

bijapuri

for what it's worth, I would urge you to make every effort to see both, and include Daulatabad. The reason is very simple: It's easily one of the top attractions in India, when taken together. Secondary reason is that it's a bit of effort to get there, so you might want to maximize your stay, so you don't need to return.

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mive

Can anyone give some information of when the caves are open. I have read conflicting information some saying they are both closed on Monday's while others say they are closed Monday's and Tuesdays.

Alan D

KKHH

Ajanta or Ellora? A very difficult question. In terms of historical, artistic and religious importance both these sites are in the top line of places to see.

I would urge you to visit both even if it means dropping somewhere else out of your plans. You could make a side trip to Daulatabad fort on your way from Ellora to Aurangabad.

Late January should be ideal for visiting this area.

mive
The Archaeological Society of India which manages these sites lists both places as being closed on Mondays. Check below

http://asi.nic.in/

KKHH

So, a couple of votes for seeing both Ajanta & Ellora. . .we'll see what we can do once we're on the road. Our general idea is to travel cross-country from Varanasi to Mumbai, with a few key stops in mind along the way. We've narrowed the field of "hoped-for" sites & cities, so that we can spend longer in each one.

The Ajanta & Ellora area would likely be our last stop before Mumbai, which is why I'm wondering if we may run short of time by that point. The problem is (as always) that it's so very hard to decide to drop out anything. If we had more time, there's loads more we'd like to add back in! :-)

Thanks for the advice ~ if anyone else wants to weigh in with their preference or advice, please do. We'll take it all into consideration. . .

mindi

I have seen many parts of India, but few to compare with Ajanta and Ellora. So I'd put my vote with those suggesting you do both. In my opinion, they are quite different. I also really liked the fact that unlike many of the other Indian tourism spots, there were so few western tourists, and so much less pressure. Whatever, I'd definitely support your idea of not seeing both one day. You would regret it - too far, and too much to see in each place. Enjoy.