Nearest Caves to Aurangabad — Distance, Time and Best Pick

The nearest caves to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) are the Aurangabad Caves, also called Buddha Leni, about 8 to 9 km from the city centre. Next come the Ellora Caves at about 30 km and the Ajanta Caves at roughly 100 to 110 km. Together they make Aurangabad one of the best bases in India for rock-cut cave heritage.

This guide compares the nearest caves by distance, time and what each offers, so you can pick the right one for your trip. Distances are approximate.

Nearest Caves — Overview

When people search for the nearest caves from Aurangabad, they usually mean three sites. The Aurangabad Caves are close to the city, Ellora is a short drive away, and Ajanta needs a longer trip. All three are rock-cut Buddhist sites at heart, though Ellora also includes Hindu and Jain caves. Each is very different in scale and feel, so the closest are not always the best fit for every traveller.

Aurangabad Caves (Buddha Leni) — The Nearest Caves

The Aurangabad Caves, locally called Buddha Leni, are the nearest caves to the city, roughly 8 to 9 km from the centre and close to Bibi Ka Maqbara. They are a compact group of Buddhist caves in a Western and an Eastern group, dating roughly between the 3rd and 7th centuries CE. They are smaller and quieter than Ajanta or Ellora, which makes them easy to add to a city tour. For details, see our Buddha Leni Aurangabad guide.

Ellora Caves — About 30 km

The Ellora Caves lie about 30 km from Aurangabad and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves. The highlight is Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), carved from a single rock. Ellora is close enough for a half-day trip and is next to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. See our Ellora place guide and the largest cave temple in India page.

Ajanta Caves — Roughly 100 to 110 km

The Ajanta Caves are about 100 to 110 km from Aurangabad and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for their ancient Buddhist paintings and sculpture. They are the farthest of the three, so plan a full day. See our Ajanta Cave Maharashtra guide and places near Ajanta Caves for more.

Nearest Caves at a Glance

Note: Distances and times are approximate and vary with traffic and starting point.

Which Cave Site Should You Choose?

If you have only a few hours, choose the Aurangabad Caves. If you have half a day, Ellora is the best pick for most visitors. If you love ancient art and have a full day, add Ajanta. For a detailed comparison, see our Ajanta vs Ellora Caves guide, and for the combined circuit our Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad guide, Ajanta and Ellora Caves tour, Ajanta Ellora caves tour package and Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora Caves distance page.

Tips for Visiting the Caves

• Start early to avoid heat and crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there is plenty of walking and some steps.
• Carry water and sun protection.
• Check closing days: Ellora is generally closed on Tuesdays and Ajanta on Mondays.
• Confirm timings and fees locally before you go, as they can change.

Taxi to the Caves

A private taxi saves time, especially for Ajanta, where the road is long. See our Ajanta Ellora taxi services, Aurangabad local sightseeing taxi service and Aurangabad taxi service pages. For a ready itinerary, see our Ajanta Ellora caves tour package.

Nearest Caves — FAQs

1. What are the nearest caves to Aurangabad?

The nearest caves to Aurangabad are the Aurangabad Caves (Buddha Leni), about 8 to 9 km from the city centre near Bibi Ka Maqbara. Next are the Ellora Caves at about 30 km and the Ajanta Caves at roughly 100 to 110 km.

2. Which caves are best for a short trip?

If you have only a few hours, the Aurangabad Caves are the closest and fit into a local city tour. With a half-day, add Ellora Caves, which are about 30 km away, with Kailasa Temple as the highlight.

3. How far are the caves from Aurangabad railway station?

The Aurangabad Caves are within roughly 10 km of the city centre, so they are the closest to the station. Ellora is about 30 km away and Ajanta over 100 km. Exact times depend on traffic.

4. What is the difference between Aurangabad Caves, Ellora and Ajanta?

The Aurangabad Caves are a compact group of Buddhist caves dating roughly to the 3rd to 7th centuries CE. Ellora has Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves, including Kailasa Temple. Ajanta is known for Buddhist paintings and sculpture. Ellora and Ajanta are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

5. Which cave site is best for first-time visitors?

Ellora is the best choice for most first-time visitors because it is close, varied and easy to cover in half a day. Ajanta is better for those interested in ancient paintings and is best treated as a full separate day.

6. Can I visit all three cave sites in one day?

Aurangabad Caves and Ellora can be combined in one day. Ajanta is a long round trip, so a separate day is more comfortable. Ellora is generally closed on Tuesdays and Ajanta on Mondays, so check before planning.

7. How much time do I need for each cave site?

Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for the Aurangabad Caves, 2 to 3 hours for the main Ellora Caves, and 3 to 4 hours for Ajanta, plus travel time.

8. Can I book a taxi to the caves from Aurangabad?

Yes. A private taxi can cover the Aurangabad Caves, Ellora or Ajanta with the driver waiting between stops. Call 9860080525 or WhatsApp to book.