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Shubhyatra>> Maharashtra Yatra >> Ajanta Ellora Caves

AJANTA ELLORA CAVES

Location : From Aurangabad Ajanta -100 km, Ellora - 30 km
Built In : Ajanta Caves - 200BC to 650 AD and Ellora Caves - 350 AD to 700 AD
Discovered By : Ajanta and Ellora caves discovered by John Smith in 1819
Major Attractions : Kailasa Temple, Buddha's Statues, Paintings

World Heritage Sites of Handcrafted Caves

Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves

No where in the world any one would have imagined that there is a treasure hidden chiseled out from the solid rocks when the mighty kingdoms where busy in building the unparalleled forts and palaces. The World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves are testimony to the fact that these are the unsurpassed rock cut caves not only in India but in the whole world, where from tourist visit to this place to have a glimpse of its excellence and exquisiteness depicting the rich ancient architectural heritage of India. Plan a tour to Ajanta Ellora Cave sites winding through ancient rocks deep into the natural vegetation away from hustle and bustle of city life.

Rediscover the Treasure - Ajanta Caves

Ajanta caves, a secluded retreat for the Buddhist monks was carved out of deep curved mountain side, lying deep in Sahyadri hills in 200 BC and remain shrouded in obscurity for more than a millennia from 650 AD when it was abandoned in favor of Ellora caves. It was only in 1819 when British officers spotted the caves when they where on the hunting expedition to the near by hills. Its amazing to see from the distance which looks like stark holes on the rock face are actually the treasure troves of numerous Buddha sculptures, ancient paintings, fine workmanship.

Visit the 29 caves in Ajanta of which 5 served as Chastiyas (Temples) and rest as Viharas (Monasteries). On entering the caves you will see the impressive figures, exquisite frescos and huge sculptures adorning the cave walls that speaks the tales of Bygone era. Don't miss to see the panels depicting the stories from Jatakas, a rich tale of different incarnations of Lord Buddha and image of nymphs and princesses among others.

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Ellora Caves - Spirit of Religious Harmony

Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves

Visit the wonder of fourth century and you will see what is called the perfect religious harmony. The 34 caves of Ellora built from 350 AD to 700 AD belongs to people of three different faiths Buddhists, Hindus and Jainism. The 12 caves on the South are of Buddhists and 17 caves in center are dedicated to the Hindus while five caves to the North belongs to the Jain's. The major attraction of these caves are the statue of Buddha seated in a two story structure of Stupa with all the grace, nobility and serenity inherent in him. Besides Buddha this stupa also sports dwarfs dancing and making music. In cave 16 there is a Kailasa Temple the architectural marvel that recalls about the abode of Lord Shiva - Mount Kailasa, where grand hall, sanctum, courtyard, aisle among others, all carved out from one stone block and covers the size double to Parthenon in Athens. The splendid achievement of human genius, this temple entailed removal of 200,000 tones of rock and took a century to complete. This intricate as well as delicate piece of ancient architectural heritage is a must to see experience. On the north to the Ellora caves and a mile away from central caves lies the Jain caves. Look at the ceilings of cave number 32 a shrine of Indra Sabha and you will find the beautiful design of Lotus flower. These caves usually portray the Jain philosophy and traditions. In other cave you will find the Goddess Vakshi on her lion under mango tree, laden with fruits. Jain caves have the intricate designs and rich paintings on its walls and ceilings that will we a visual treat to your eyes.

How to Reach There

The Aurangabad is the nearest place to Ajanta and Ellora caves and it is feasible for every one to approach the caves from this place. The nearest Airport is Chikalthana, from where the two caves are at a mere distance of 127 and 27 kilometers. The city of Aurangabad is also well connected by the train, there are daily trains for the main cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad etc. The road transport is the most suitable for the visitors and Aurangabad has a special service of air conditioner buses to Ajanta and Ellora caves. If you want to have a complete hassle free journey, you can also hire a car. These caves are open from Tuesday to Sunday and the timing is from 9 AM to 5 PM and remains closed on all national holidays. Then what are you waiting for come and enjoy and rest will be taken care off.

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Top 5 Reasons to Visit Ajanta Ellora Caves


Ajanta Caves

Treasures from History
The Ajanta and Ellora caves are the worlds best ancient cave structure besides that they portray the tale of India in the Bygone era. Visit these caves and find how the monumental heritage of ancient India two millenniums ago.


Ajanta Caves - A World in Itself
The 29 caves of Ajanta have chasatiyas and vihars which have served to 200 Buddhist monks and artisans as a residential place and temples respectively. See the statues of Lord Buddha and exquisite designs on cave walls, it's magical.


Ellora Caves - Symbol of Religious Harmony
The Ellora caves belong to the people of three faiths, Hindus, Buddhists and Jain's. Over all there are 34 caves of which 12 caves belong to Buddhists, 17 to Hindus and 5 caves belong to Jain's. It is the only place where you can find shrines and temples of various religions under one roof.


Kailasa Temple - Feat of Human Genius
Kailasa Temple carved from the single stone is the worlds best cave monument. To build this temple 200,000 tones of rock where removed and took 100 years to complete.


Ellora Festivals - Sharing Heritage
In the backdrop of Ellora caves every year during winters, a music and classical dance is festival organized by the Maharashtra Tourism. The country leading artists perform here and it is the best time to visit the Ellora caves.


Best Selling Yatras (Tours)

» Caves and Beaches

Ajanta Caves , AurangabadReveal a unique cultural heritage in the poetry carved in Ajanta and Ellora caves and tell the tales to the silvery sands on a high adventure trip on Goa beaches.
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
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» Unique Rajasthan and Goa

Khumbalgarh RAjasthanA fascinating journey to explore the best of the cultural heritage along with experiencing the gothic destinations of Goa and mumbai
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
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» Adventure Tour of India

Goa Water SportsAn adventure trail to experience the vast snow covered Hmmalayas that extends to the water world of Mumbai and Goa.
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
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