Ellora Jain Caves Audio Tour: Self-Guided Walk with App

Summary

Self-Paced Audio Walk Through Ellora’s Jain Temples

You’ll get to explore Ellora’s lesser-known Jain caves with total freedom—no need to rush or stick with a group. The audio guide fills you in on history and hidden details while you wander through ancient halls and courtyards at your own speed.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as I stepped up to the front of the Jain caves was the quiet—just a few birds and the crunch of gravel under my shoes. These five caves, numbered 30 to 34, sit a little apart from the busier Buddhist and Hindu sections at Ellora. They’re not as crowded either, which honestly made it easier to take in the details. The air felt cooler here, maybe because of all the stone and shade. I fired up the audio guide on my phone and just followed along.

Standing in front of Cave 32, our app narrator pointed out how different these carvings are—more delicate, less dramatic than some of the other caves nearby. There’s a courtyard where you can spot faded traces of old paint if you look close enough (I almost missed them). Inside, it smells faintly musty, like old stone after rain. The central hall is surprisingly spacious; I could hear my own footsteps echoing as I walked through. Upstairs, on Cave 32’s first floor, sunlight filters in through small openings and lights up statues of Tirthankaras—holy figures in Jainism—lined up along the walls.

Cave 33 feels quieter still. On its top level, there’s this odd sense of calm—I caught myself just standing there for a minute or two without thinking about time. The ground level is more worn down but still has some intricate pillars if you look closely. By the time I reached Cave 34 and then wandered outside again, a couple of local kids were selling cold water near the entrance (trust me, you’ll want one if it’s hot out). The app let me move at my own pace—I could pause whenever something caught my eye or rewind if I missed a detail.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ellora Jain Caves Exploration

• Guided walk through Jain Caves 30 to 34

Top questions

Do I need to book a guide separately for this tour?

Nope! The audio guide on your phone covers everything—you don’t need a live guide.

How much time should I set aside for these caves?

If you listen to all the stops and explore each cave, plan for about 1–2 hours.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes—it’s self-paced and doesn’t require any special fitness level.

Can I use public transport to reach Ellora Caves?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby that make getting here pretty easy.

What’s included

You’ll get access to the full audio-guided walking tour through your app for three months—listen as many times as you like during that period. No extra fees or repeat payments needed.