This is one of the best places to ride if you like open highways and revving your engine on the open road. It is about 550 km from Hyderabad and is a breeze to ride, provided you are careful, follow the rule book of safe riding, and respect both your motorcycle and your own limits.
Day 1: The Ride and Divine Blessings
Now that the safety parameters are set, let’s talk about getting there. I started early, around 6 AM, to ensure I could take longer breaks later when the sun hits hard. It was worth it; the morning sun is not only less harsh but also great for soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D (though I am not sure how much actually soaks in through all the riding gear!). If any expert doctors are reading, feel free to leave a comment on that—it would be helpful for me and fellow riders alike.
Once the vitamins were soaked in, it was time for some coffee to ensure the adrenaline was pumping to keep me going. It was a smooth highway ride with no major potholes to conquer—which was a bit of a downer for the Himalayan! However, with the FuelX Pro upgrade, it was a super smooth ride where I could easily cruise at 90-100 km/h whenever the road opened up. This steady pace ensured I reached the resort, Abhayanand Agro Tourism, by late afternoon, parking my bike and checking in around 4:30 PM.
After freshening up, it was time for a divine visit to the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, the 12th Jyotirlinga. It was a surreal experience, with the temple complex filled with the energy of Lord Shiva. (Note: Men are required to take their shirts off before entering the main temple complex.) A very well-managed queue system led to a good darshan, allowing me to seek blessings for a safe return journey and many more rides to come. Then, it was time to grab some good food and catch some rest after a long day in the saddle, especially since the plan for the next day was to visit the Ellora Caves right when their doors open at 6:30 AM.
Day 2: Exploring the Mysteries of Ellora
I woke up early again, this time gearing up for a long day of walking to experience a temple that some believe was built by aliens. Yes, aliens! The architecture is so complex that it is hard to imagine rebuilding it even today with such fine detailing, let alone 1,200 years ago.
The Ellora Caves were carved out between the 6th and 10th centuries. No words or pictures can replace the actual experience of standing before the Kailasa Temple complex and the surrounding caves, which represent three major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Here is what you will experience once you enter the gates of this UNESCO World Heritage site:
- Early Morning (6:00 AM) – Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple): Arrive as the gates open to explore the majestic, monolithic Kailasa Temple with minimal crowds. This massive, chariot-shaped temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the site’s highlight and can take up to two hours to fully appreciate, including climbing an adjacent path for an aerial view.
- Late Morning (8:30 AM) – Buddhist Caves (Caves 1-12): From Cave 16, walk south towards Cave 1 and explore the Buddhist section in numerical order. These include monasteries and shrines, with notable stops at Cave 10 (Vishwakarma Cave), a large prayer hall with a cathedral-like atmosphere, and Caves 11 & 12, which are impressive two and three-story monasteries.
- Midday (12:30 PM) – Lunch & Rest: Take a break for lunch. Food options are available near the main entrance/ticket counter area. Ensure you stay hydrated and wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Early Afternoon (1:30 PM) – Hindu Caves (Caves 13-29): Explore more of the Hindu caves located in the central section around the main entrance. Key ones to visit are Cave 15 (Dasavatara) and Cave 21 (Ramesvara). Cave 29 (Dumar Lena) is a massive temple located near a natural waterfall; you can use the electric golf cart service to travel here from the main gate.
- Late Afternoon (3:30 PM) – Jain Caves (Caves 30-34): Take the electric golf cart from the Cave 16 area to visit the Jain caves at the northern end of the complex. The most remarkable are Cave 32 (Indra Sabha), a beautiful two-story shrine, and Cave 30 (Chhota Kailasa).
Once you are done, you will come away with a profound appreciation for history, religion, and culture that will remain etched in your memory for a lifetime.
Local Flavors & Nearby Sights
Another key attraction is the tomb of Aurangzeb, located just a 10 to 15-minute ride from the main temple complex. It is a calm, quiet resting place for a historical figure known for his many complexities.
If you are interested in local flavors, do not miss the fresh sugarcane juice. This area is the core of India’s sugarcane belt, and the juice here is incredibly fresh. Also, the local mutton is rated as some of the best and juiciest. You won’t find swanky restaurants right at the site, but about 5 km away on the highway, there are plenty of dhabas where you can relish local dishes served with lovely hospitality.
So, when are you planning your ride to the Ellora Caves?
The Distance You Will Cover:
| Day | Route | Distance (km) |
| Day 1 | Hyderabad to Abhayanand Agro Tourism | 540 – 565 |
| Day 2 | Local Ellora Caves | N/A |
| Day 3 | Abhayanand Agro Tourism to Hyderabad | 540 – 565 |
