Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Ellora Caves

Ellora, India

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 6 2026

Top 10No. 1 in AsiaNo. 1 in India

Ellora Caves

A cluster of 34 rock-cut caves in Maharashtra, India, carved into basalt cliffs. Visitors walk past Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves, with the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) at the centre.

Highlights

  • Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
  • Buddhist caves 1 to 12
  • Jain caves 30 to 34

Good to know

  • Ticket costs ₹40, book online
  • Caves 30 to 34 are far, use shuttle
  • Wear hats, scorching sun, carry water

Also in India

  1. Rani ki Vav N° 25 Rani ki Vav Patan Ruin
  2. Ajanta Caves N° 26 Ajanta Caves Ajanta Rock-cut site
  3. Chand Baori N° 27 Chand Baori Abhaneri Ruin
  4. Hampi N° 36 Hampi Hampi Ancient city
  5. Khajuraho N° 43 Khajuraho Khajuraho Temple site
  6. Sun Temple of Modhera N° 53 Sun Temple of Modhera Modhera Temple site