Aurangabad Caves: A Quieter Alternative to Ellora
Published July 14, 2026
Every tour bus in Aurangabad heads straight for Ellora, which is exactly why the Aurangabad Caves stay quiet — and why they're worth your time. Same rock-cut cave tradition, same era of extraordinary craftsmanship, a fraction of the crowd, and they're inside the city, so there's no separate trip required.
History
Dating to the 6th-7th century CE, the Aurangabad Caves are a set of Buddhist rock-cut caves carved directly into a hillside within the city, known for intricate sculptural work, particularly the Tara figures in Cave 7 — among the finest examples of this style of carving anywhere in the region.
Why It's Worth the Detour
Because so few visitors make the trip out here, you get to actually take your time with the carvings without jostling for space — a genuinely different experience from the larger, busier Ellora complex just up the road. It won't take the place of Ellora on your itinerary, but as an add-on, it rewards travellers who want a quieter, more contemplative look at the same architectural tradition.
Timings and Entry Fee
Open daily from around 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a modest entry fee.
How to Reach
Located within Aurangabad city near Bibi Ka Maqbara, the caves are an easy add-on to a city sightseeing itinerary rather than a separate trip — slot them in right after Bibi Ka Maqbara if you're heading that direction anyway.
Plan Your Visit
Book a car rental in Aurangabad to combine the Aurangabad Caves with Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki in a single city tour, or call us and we'll build the route for you.