In short
- Visit between October and March for the coolest weather.
- Arrive at 9:00 AM to see the most popular caves first.
- Do not visit on Mondays when the site is closed.
In this article
Timing your visit correctly is the most important step in your travel planning. The horseshoe-shaped gorge gets very hot, and the main paths crowd quickly by midday. Knowing exactly when to leave your hotel ensures a comfortable trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Ajanta Caves?
The cooler winter months from October to March are the best time to go.
Temperatures drop during the winter, making the outdoor walk between the caves much more comfortable. The site is open year-round, but the heat outside the caves can be intense during the rest of the year. You will need a sun hat and sunscreen regardless of the month you choose.
What is the best time of day to visit?
You should arrive at the Fardapur parking area just before 9:00 AM.
The complex opens at 9:00 AM. Arriving early lets you view Cave 1 and Cave 2 before large tour groups arrive. These two caves hold the famous Padmapani and Vajrapani frescoes. The interiors get congested quickly, so seeing them first is highly recommended.
Are the Ajanta Caves open on Mondays?
No, the Ajanta Caves are closed every Monday.
The site is fully closed on Mondays for regular maintenance. You must plan your travel itinerary around this closure. If Monday is your only free day, you will need to find another activity.
How early should I leave Aurangabad?
Leave Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM.
The caves are located about 100 kilometers from the city. A private taxi takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the parking area. The local MSRTC bus takes 3 to 3.5 hours. Leaving early gets you to the mandatory eco-shuttle just as the site opens.
How should I prepare for the daytime heat?
Wear light, breathable clothing and bring a reusable water bottle.
Long, loose pants or skirts help with the heat while maintaining modesty. You will do plenty of walking in the sun between the cave entrances. Drinking water is limited inside the complex. Bring an LED flashlight, as the cave interiors are intentionally kept dim to protect the art.
How much time is needed to see the caves?
Expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours inside the complex.
Viewing Cave 1 and Cave 2 takes 30 to 45 minutes alone. If you hike up to the Ajanta Viewpoint across the Waghur River, add another 30 minutes to your timeline. Full day tours from the city usually require 8 to 12 hours in total.
Questions travellers ask
Can you visit both Ajanta and Ellora in one day?
This is heavily discouraged. The two sites are about 100 kilometers apart. The travel time alone makes it very difficult to see both properly in a single day.
Do the caves stay open late?
No, the site closes promptly at 5:00 PM every day.
How long is the shuttle ride from Fardapur?
The mandatory green eco-shuttle takes about 10 minutes to reach the cave entrance from the parking area.
