What is the best time to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
June to March are the best months to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves. It becomes a little difficult to travel around and explore the caves in summers April-May. Winters and Monsoon are ideal as the climate is pleasant from October to March and June to September which is the best time to visit the caves. Avoid summers if you don't want the sun to bother you while you are enjoying your archaeological journey. The scorching heat of April and May makes it a bit challenging for the tourists.
Weather in Ajanta and Ellora Caves
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Upcoming Ajanta and Ellora Caves Weather
Monthly Weather in Ajanta and Ellora Caves
| Month | High/Low (°C) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28°/ 14° | 0 days |
| February | 30°/ 16° | 0 days |
| March | 32°/ 17° | 1 days |
| April | 37°/ 22° | 1 days |
| May | 39°/ 24° | 0 days |
| June | 35°/ 24° | 13 days |
| July | 28°/ 21° | 24 days |
| August | 27°/ 21° | 21 days |
| September | 27°/ 20° | 24 days |
| October | 27°/ 19° | 23 days |
| November | 29°/ 17° | 5 days |
| December | 27°/ 16° | 1 days |
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More about Best Time to Travel to Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Winter (October - February)
This is the best time of the year to visit Ajanta and Ellora, as it has the best weather and celebrations. With the mercury dropping between 10°C and 25°C, the weather is pleasant.
Things to Do
It is the perfect time to explore the caves in their entirety. You can also hike to the hills near Ellora – do not miss the hike to the Kailasa Temple at Ellora to watch the sunset. The Hindu festivals of Diwali and Navratri are celebrated with pomp and glory here, and the sight of golden lamps decorating the entire length of the caves is unforgettable. The Ajanta and Ellora Festival organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is a visual treat to all tourists. It is a music and dance festival held near the Soneri Mahal, a staging complex which looks ethereal against the caves. This cultural extravaganza hosts a spectacular display of eclectic art, dance and music by local performers. A beautiful exhibition of handicrafts is also on the cards. Folk arts are the highlight of the event, including local delicacies. Try your luck at a Mehndi competition, or sketch some delicate Rangoli patterns. Shop till you drop at the open markets and Kalagram, a space dedicated solely to local handicrafts. Embroidered fabric, embossed prints, bejewelled footwear, sculptures and paintings are up for grabs in these markets. This makes winter the perfect time for couples and families to visit Ajanta and Ellora.
Take along a torch because some caves are too dark to appreciate the intricacy of their details. Try to reach the caves before 9:00 AM to avoid the tourist rush. Take a slice from the book of history, and explore the intimate details of this beautiful reminder of India’s glory!
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Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Monsoon (June - September)
Weather
June brings refreshing monsoon to Ajanta and Ellora, drenching the region in lush green beauty. The South-west monsoon winds bring abundant rains to the region, drastically changing the landscape from an arid, dry region to green vastness. The monsoon is not very intense in Aurangabad though– travel is rarely impaired on account of the monsoon. This is the first tourist season in Ajanta and Ellora – you can expect a large influx of tourists although the caves are rarely very crowded. With temperatures ranging between 22°C and 32°C, the weather is pleasant. The interiors of the caves become cooler as well, enhancing the experience. The rocky façades of the caverns look even more delightful in the rain. The verdant vegetation enriches the beauty and magic of the caves.
Things to Do
Walk around the Viharas and pillars of Ajanta, and admire the stone carvings and murals at Ellora in the monsoon, as the sounds of the rain play second fiddle. As you approach September, the rains decrease, and the weather gets even more comfortable. A key festival to watch out for at Ajanta and Ellora during the monsoon is Ganesh Chaturthi – the birthday of the Hindu God Ganesha. All revere this elephant-faced god as the harbinger of good luck and prosperity. Huge idols of Ganesha are taken in procession, and the festivities are delightful to watch. Do not forget to snack on modaks, the sweet offering of coconut, jaggery and rice! This is the ideal time for families to visit Ajanta and Ellora, as there are ample places to visit. Shopping may get comparatively more expensive now because of high demand, but feel free to bargain until you can strike a deal.
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Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Summer (March - June)
Summer is not an ideal time to visit Ajanta and Ellora. The temperatures rise to a level where it becomes difficult to move out. The scorching heat makes it unbearable to enjoy any site. Hence, avoid travelling to Ajanta and Ellora during summers.
The sweltering summer spares no one in Maharashtra, and this is the hottest time of the year – temperatures soar to 40°C. Humidity is minimal, with isolated showers. The arid vegetation nearby is not very welcoming as well. These factors make summer not a very favourable time to visit Ajanta and Ellora. The days are hotter than the nights, and the caves can get claustrophobic and sweaty for some. You may not be able to explore all the caves patiently. This is the off-season time when accommodation and travel are cheaper in the vicinity. If you’re a solo vacationer looking to travel on a tight budget, summer is the ideal time for you to visit Ajanta and Ellora, as the prices are much cheaper than the other months.
Things to Do
Shopping is easier as well – there is not much of a crowd, and local artisans are always keen to sell their ware. Jewellery is especially popular – a wide array of semi-precious stones set in silver and gold are bound to steal your heart. Replicas of cave paintings, murals and sculptures make for memorable souvenirs. If you plan on visiting Ajanta and Ellora in summer, reach the destination early in the morning so that you can watch the sunrise from the caves, and escape the scorching afternoon sun. Make sure you dress appropriately – carry cotton and linens to beat the heat. Carry water with you as well, as some places do not provide drinking water. It is advisable to pack light.
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