Places to Visit Near Grishneshwar Temple — Ellora, Khuldabad and Daulatabad

The best places to visit near Grishneshwar temple are the Ellora Caves (about 1 km away), Khuldabad, known as the Valley of Saints, and Daulatabad Fort on the way back to Aurangabad. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga sits in Verul village about 30 to 35 km from Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), in one of the richest heritage areas of Maharashtra.
This guide lists the main places to visit near Grishneshwar temple, how they fit into one day, and how to travel comfortably. Distances and times are approximate.
Places to Visit Near Grishneshwar Temple — Overview
Grishneshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and it lies in the middle of a heritage belt that includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a medieval hill fort and a famous Sufi valley. Most of the places to visit near Grishneshwar temple are within a short drive, which is why a half-day or a full-day circuit works so well. For temple details, see our Aurangabad Jyotirlinga (Grishneshwar) guide and the Grishneshwar darshan guide.
Ellora Caves and Kailasa Temple — About 1 km
The Ellora Caves are the nearest of all the places to visit near Grishneshwar temple, about 1 km away in the same village. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves, and the highlight is Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), carved from a single rock. Plan 2 to 3 hours. See our Ellora place guide, the largest cave temple in India page, Ellora Caves built by which dynasty, and our Grishneshwar to Ellora distance guide.
Khuldabad — The Valley of Saints
Khuldabad, about 25 km from Aurangabad, is a short drive from Ellora and Grishneshwar. Known as the Valley of Saints, it has several Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb. It is a quiet, atmospheric stop that suits visitors interested in history. See our Khuldabad guide and our Aurangabad dargah guide.
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort lies between Aurangabad and Ellora, so it is easy to add on the way back to the city. It is a massive hill fort with a long history and plenty of climbing, so wear comfortable shoes and allow 1 to 2 hours. See our Daulatabad Fort history guide.
Ajanta Caves — A Separate Day
The Ajanta Caves are not among the nearby places to visit near Grishneshwar temple. They are roughly 105 to 115 km away, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road, so plan them on another day. See our Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga to Ajanta Caves distance guide.
Places to Visit Near Grishneshwar Temple at a Glance
| Place | Approx. Distance | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Ellora Caves (Kailasa Temple) | About 1 km | 2–3 hrs |
| Khuldabad | Short drive | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Daulatabad Fort | On the way to Aurangabad | 1–2 hrs |
| Aurangabad city | 30–35 km | 45–60 min |
| Ajanta Caves | 105–115 km | 2.5–3 hrs one way |
Note: Distances and times are approximate and vary with traffic.
One-Day Plan for the Places Near Grishneshwar Temple
For the best places to visit near Grishneshwar temple in one day, start early with darshan at Grishneshwar to avoid queues, then walk or ride to the Ellora Caves and spend the late morning there. After lunch, visit Khuldabad, then stop at Daulatabad Fort on the way back to Aurangabad. For another day, see our Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad guide and our temples in Aurangabad guide.
Tips for Visiting Places Near Grishneshwar Temple
- Start early to beat crowds and heat.
- Check closing days: Ellora is generally closed on Tuesdays.
- Dress modestly for the temple, the shrines and Khuldabad.
- Carry water and wear comfortable shoes for Daulatabad and the caves.
- Confirm timings and fees locally, as they can change.
Taxi for Places Near Grishneshwar Temple
A private taxi lets you cover all these places without worrying about transport between stops. See our Aurangabad to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga taxi, Ajanta Ellora taxi services and Aurangabad taxi service pages, and our Jyotirlinga near Ellora Caves guide. To learn how Grishneshwar fits into the full list, see how many Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra.
Places to Visit Near Grishneshwar Temple — FAQs
1. What are the best places to visit near Grishneshwar temple?
The best places to visit near Grishneshwar temple are the Ellora Caves (about 1 km, including Kailasa Temple), Khuldabad (the Valley of Saints, with the tomb of Aurangzeb) and Daulatabad Fort on the way to Aurangabad. Ajanta Caves are a longer day trip.
2. Which is the nearest place to Grishneshwar temple?
The Ellora Caves are the nearest, about 1 km away in the same village, Verul. Many visitors walk or take a short ride between the temple and the caves.
3. How far is Daulatabad Fort from Grishneshwar temple?
Daulatabad Fort lies between Aurangabad and Ellora, so it is a short drive from the temple and is usually visited on the way back to Aurangabad. Exact time depends on traffic.
4. Is Khuldabad near Grishneshwar temple?
Yes. Khuldabad is a short drive from Ellora and Grishneshwar, and is about 25 km from Aurangabad. It is known as the Valley of Saints and has several Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb.
5. Can I visit Grishneshwar, Ellora and Daulatabad in one day?
Yes. Most travellers cover Grishneshwar and Ellora in the first half of the day and Daulatabad Fort or Khuldabad in the afternoon, returning to Aurangabad by evening. Ellora Caves are generally closed on Tuesdays, so check before you plan.
6. Are the Ajanta Caves near Grishneshwar temple?
No. Ajanta is roughly 105 to 115 km away, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road, so it is best planned as a separate day.
7. How much time do I need for places near Grishneshwar temple?
Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for darshan, 2 to 3 hours for Ellora Caves and 1 to 2 hours each for Daulatabad Fort or Khuldabad. A full day covers the main sights.
8. Can I book a taxi to cover places near Grishneshwar temple?
Yes. A private taxi from Aurangabad can cover Grishneshwar, Ellora, Khuldabad and Daulatabad in one trip, with the driver waiting between stops. Call 9860080525 or WhatsApp to book.
📞 For a comfortable Grishneshwar and Ellora sightseeing taxi: Call Now — 9860080525 | WhatsApp Booking

