The Jain temple was carved out of a natural cave. The inside of the temple has a pillared mandapa, and three sanctums. The pillared hall and sanctums retain Jai

Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) guide · Places of worship

Sacred Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)

Padmavati Cave Temple, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): History and respectful visitor guide

A rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to the goddess Padmavati, carved into a hillside with carved pillars and a small sanctum. It is quiet and receives few tourists.

On the road between Aurangabad city and Ellora CavesTemple30–45 minutes
Photo: Simplysundar · CC BY-SA 4.0

The short answer

Padmavati Cave Temple: what visitors should know first

Worth it if you are visiting the Ajanta or Ellora caves and want to see another rock-cut site with fewer crowds. It is smaller and simpler than those UNESCO sites, but the carvings are fine and the pilgrimage atmosphere is authentic.

Useful facts

Padmavati Cave Temple facts at a glance

Location
On the road between Aurangabad city and Ellora Caves
Type
Temple
Time needed
30–45 minutes
Best time
Morning or late afternoon; midday is very hot on the open hillside

Why it matters

Why Padmavati Cave Temple is worth your time

Padmavati Cave is part of the long history of rock-cut temples in the Aurangabad region, which includes the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora caves. This smaller shrine shows how these techniques were used not just for grand Buddhist and Hindu monuments, but also for neighbourhood temples and local goddess worship.

Padmavati is a form of the goddess (sometimes associated with Lakshmi or a local deity) and the cave is a place of local pilgrimage, especially for women seeking blessings. For visitors, it is a quieter window into how these rock-carved spaces were created and used over centuries.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Ask your driver to stop on the road to Ellora; the cave entrance is visible from the main route. Climb the steps to the carved opening in the hillside. As your eyes adjust to the interior light, you see a small chamber with a carved sanctum and devotional images of the goddess. The rock shows the chisel marks of ancient carvers.

There are usually a few pilgrims inside, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays, or on festival days. Sit quietly for a moment and notice the carving work on the pillars. This is not a major site like Ajanta, so the atmosphere is one of a living temple, not a tourist attraction.

If you have time and the interest, ask the temple attendant about the age and history of the carvings. They are usually happy to talk. Then drive on to Ellora or back to Aurangabad. It is best as a 30-minute pause on a longer journey, not a destination in itself.

Plan with confidence

Visit as a guest, not a spectator.

  • Go as a stop on the way to or from Ellora Caves
  • Wear modest clothing; it is an active temple
  • Remove footwear before entering the sanctum if asked
  • The steps are steep but short; take your time
  • Bring water; there are no facilities nearby

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area
On the road between Aurangabad city and Ellora Caves
Time needed
30–45 minutes
Best time
Morning or late afternoon; midday is very hot on the open hillside
Walking level
Moderate
Senior comfort
There is a flight of steps up to the cave entrance from the road, and the steps are steep but not long. Inside, the cave floor is uneven stone. There is shade inside the cave and some seating areas. Not suitable for those with knee or hip issues.
Tickets and access
Generally no entry fee, though a donation to the temple is appreciated. Check locally on the day of visit for any changes.

Best for

Those interested in rock-cut architecture and carvingVisitors at Ellora or Ajanta who want a quieter alternativePilgrims honouring the goddessPhotography of carved details

Plan it with

Ellora CavesA sacred site of 34 Hindu, Buddhist and Jain rock-cut caves spanning 6 centuries, crowned by the magnificent Kailash Temple, carved from a single hillside.Places to visit · 4–5 hours at the site, plus 1 hour travelAjanta CavesA UNESCO World Heritage site of 30 Buddhist cave temples carved into a horseshoe cliff, featuring some of India's finest ancient rock art and sculptures from the 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE.Places to visit · 5–6 hours including travelGrishneshwar TempleAn ancient Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (most sacred Shiva shrines) and a pilgrimage site for centuries.Places of worship · 1.5–2 hours including travel

Plan the practical part

Hotels near Padmavati Cave Temple

Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.

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Travelling with parents?

There is a flight of steps up to the cave entrance from the road, and the steps are steep but not long. Inside, the cave floor is uneven stone. There is shade inside the cave and some seating areas. Not suitable for those with knee or hip issues.

Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.

See concierge support

FAQs

Is it as big as Ajanta or Ellora?

No. It is much smaller and quieter, with just one cave chamber. It is a neighbourhood shrine, not a major complex.

Is there a fee to enter?

Generally no, though donations are welcome. Check on the day.

Is it a pilgrimage site?

Yes. Women in particular visit to worship the goddess Padmavati. Respect that this is an active temple.

Sources and further reading

Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.

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