How to Reach Ekashm Kailash Mandir (Ellora)

Geographical Location: Where is Ekashm Kailash Mandir?

The Ekashm Kailash Mandir is officially designated by the Archaeological Survey of India as Cave 16 within the magnificent Ellora Caves complex. It is deeply carved into the vertical face of the Charanandri hills in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India. The entire archaeological complex is situated approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) northwest of the major city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad).

On a broader geographical scale, Ellora is located about 300 kilometers east of the coastal metropolis of Mumbai, and 235 kilometers northeast of the IT hub of Pune. Because of its central location within the state of Maharashtra, it forms a highly popular and historically dense tourist triangle along with the nearby Ajanta Caves (famous for ancient Buddhist paintings) and the impregnable hilltop fortress of Daulatabad.

When planning your GPS navigation or booking a cab, simply setting your destination to 'Ellora Caves Ticket Counter' will drop you directly at the main entrance plaza. From this entrance plaza, Cave 16 is impossible to miss. It serves as the awe-inspiring, unmissable focal point of the site, located just a short, flat walk straight ahead from the main gate.

How to Reach by Air and Train: A Comprehensive Guide

For domestic and international travelers flying into the region, the nearest aviation hub is the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (Chikkalthana Airport - IATA Code: IXU). This airport is located about 35 kilometers from the Ellora caves. The airport is well-served by regular, daily flights connecting to major Indian metropolises like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. From the airport terminal, prepaid tourist taxis and modern ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber are readily available to transport you directly to Ellora, which takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on local traffic.

If you prefer the romance and affordability of Indian rail travel, the Aurangabad Railway Station (Station Code: AWB) is your primary transit point, sitting about 28 kilometers from the caves. The station is exceptionally well-connected to Mumbai via popular daily trains like the Tapovan Express, Devagiri Express, and the Ajanta Express. It also connects directly to Hyderabad, Delhi, and Pune.

Upon exiting the railway station, travelers have multiple options. You can negotiate and hire a private cab for the entire day, which typically costs around INR 1500 to INR 2500 for a round trip that covers Ellora, the nearby Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Ensure you clarify waiting charges before starting the journey. For budget-conscious backpackers, the state transport (MSRTC) red buses run frequently from the Aurangabad Central Bus Stand straight to the gates of the Ellora caves for a fraction of the cost.

Reaching by Road and Local Transport Options

Road trips to the Ekashm Kailash Mandir offer some of the most scenic and enjoyable drives in Maharashtra, especially in the post-monsoon months of October and November when the surrounding landscapes are lush green. If you are driving from Mumbai, the journey has been drastically shortened and made smoother by the newly inaugurated Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway). Taking this expressway combined with local state highways will get you to Ellora in about 5 to 6 hours.

From Pune, the road trip is roughly a 5-hour drive via the well-maintained Pune-Ahmednagar-Aurangabad highway. There are plenty of reliable food plazas and clean rest stops along both of these major routes.

Once you are in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city limits, navigating to the temple is straightforward. While local auto-rickshaws are available and cheap, they are generally not recommended for the full 30-km highway journey due to dust, wind, and lack of suspension comfort over certain bumpy stretches. Renting a private AC car or joining an organized MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) AC tour bus is the safest and most comfortable way to travel. The MTDC tours are particularly excellent for solo travelers, providing an economical, guided day-package.

Best Places to Stay Near Ellora Caves

When planning your accommodation, you essentially have two choices: staying close to the Ellora caves for a quiet retreat, or staying in the city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for better urban amenities. If your primary goal is to reach the Ekashm Kailash Mandir right at 6:00 AM to beat the crowds, booking a hotel or resort near the caves is highly recommended. The MTDC runs a specialized resort very close to the caves, offering basic but clean amenities.

There are also a few luxury and boutique resorts located within a 5-kilometer radius of Ellora, such as the Ellora Heritage Resort, which offer a peaceful, countryside atmosphere. Staying near the caves also allows you to easily visit the nearby Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (one of the 12 sacred Shiva shrines in India) without rushing.

However, if you want access to a wider variety of restaurants, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife, staying in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city is the better option. The city boasts everything from budget backpacker hostels to 5-star luxury hotels like the Taj Vivanta and Welcomhotel by ITC. You can comfortably stay in the city and take a day trip to the caves.

Suggested 1-Day Itinerary for Ellora Caves

If you only have one day to explore the area, an early start is absolutely critical. Leave your hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar by 5:15 AM to arrive at the Ellora Caves ticket counter just before they open at 6:00 AM. Head straight for Cave 16—the Ekashm Kailash Mandir. Spend at least two uninterrupted hours marveling at the monolith, taking photos, and exploring the intricate side galleries before the massive tour buses arrive around 9:00 AM.

After fully experiencing the Kailash Temple, grab a quick breakfast at the local stalls outside the gate. Next, head to the Jain group of caves (Caves 30-34) which are incredibly detailed, and then explore the Buddhist caves (Caves 1-12), particularly Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave) known for its stunning ribbed ceiling and acoustic resonance.

By 1:00 PM, you will likely be exhausted from the walking. Exit the complex, have a hearty Maharashtrian thali for lunch at a nearby restaurant, and then visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple located just a kilometer away. On your drive back to the city in the late afternoon, make a final stop at the majestic Daulatabad Fort to hike up and catch a spectacular panoramic sunset, wrapping up a perfect day of historical exploration.

Frequently asked questions