Even if you have been to Ellora World Heritage Site in the past, you must return to the site again and see the Ellora Visitor Center (EVC). This impressive building, spread over a large area, will catch your attention as you park your vehicle in its compound or get off the bus to do the Ellora caves. Opened to public in 2013, the EVC is your information source. Built on uneven ground, the centre houses administrative offices on the floor of entry. As you are ushered downstairs, you would notice an exit to yet another ground level at the rear end. This lower level houses two auditoriums that play an audio visual clip of about fifteen minutes explaining the construct of Ellora and its secular nature with Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples located next to its each other. You should also visit the replica gallery on the same level where a look-alike of the famous Kailasa Temple is displayed.
If this is your first visit, it would be a good idea to tour this swanky facility before proceeding to the caves. Learn about various aspects of the heritage and make a list of things to see and observe. Visitors who come to the EVC after doing the caves may realize that they missed out observing a cave that has an interesting story associated with it. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the EVC and you might be requested to avoid loud conversations, especially when in a group. The museum, as it is popularly called, is situated about half a kilometre from the caves and is open to visitors between 9 am and 5:30 pm. It remains closed on Mondays and national holidays.
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