Explore The Caves of Ajanta And Ellora
Ajanta and Ellora caves are one of the prime attraction points in Maharashtra, Aurangabad. These caves are popular for their unique architecture and design which represent Indian history and the amazing artistry that attracts many people from all over the world. This popular attraction is a collection of 64 rock-cut caves. Ajanta and Ellora caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Ajanta and Ellora caves are well-known for the art and craft of Indian artisans, which is present through the architecture of the caverns. There are many portraits and statues in these caves. In this blog, we deliver all the information about Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves, are established in the Aurangabad. Maharashtra. These caves are one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. In these cases, you see 29 Buddhist cave temples that were built in the 2nd century B.C. Ajanta and Ellora caves are two different sites more than 100 km apart. In these caves, you see hermitages and idolization halls. They are furnished with rock-cut statues and pictures that show some of the best examples of antique Indian art. In Ajanta caves, 1 cave is the most beautiful, and decorated and carries several iconic artworks like the Padmapani mural. Cave 10 is the most aged in among complex, and contains a huge prayer hall with rows of octagonal posts on either side and a stupa at the end. Caves 16 and 17 have some of the best-preserved and carry the most famous paintings of the Ajanta Caves, representing decorated histories from the Jataka tales. Cave no 26, carries intricate sculptures, a reclining Buddha, and a legend of Temptations by Mara. The Ajanta Caves define both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. The Ajanta Caves carry the best masterworks of Buddhist art in India.
Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves also known as Verul Leni, and located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, are renowned for their remarkable mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries. Unlike the Ajanta Caves, which primarily consist of Buddhist cave temples, Ellora presents a diverse range of religious structures within its 34 caves including Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples, built in the 6th and 9th centuries. The caves present the renaissance of Hinduism under the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties. In Ellora caves, 16 cave is the most important, known as Kailasa temple. This chariot-shaped cave is desiccated to Shiva, which is the biggest single monolithic rock recess in the world.
In ancient records, 10 generations of artisans continued to work on these caves and it took more than 200 years to conduct several edges of the Rastrakuta kings. There are many prime temple features like the gateway, main shrine, Nandi shrine, etc. These caves are created with niches, windows, pilasters, and corniches. One notable feature is the series of friezes adorning the plinth, depicting scenes from the two renowned epics — Ramayana and Mahabharata.
You require at least 2 hours to analyze the entire temples and caves. Another prime attraction is Cave no 16, where you see the wall architecture of Buddhist. Cave no 5 has a uniquely developed hall with a sequel of parallel refectory courts in the middle and a Buddha statue in the back and cave no 10 has a stupa hall and a statue of Buddha seated in an admonish pose.
Things to Do at Ajanta and Ellora Caves
1. Ajanta Ellora festival
The Ajanta and Ellora Festival is held by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. This festival is organized in November and draws thousands of tourists from all over the world. The dance and music festival boosts the charm of Sonehri Mahal, which was constructed in the 17th century. Ajanta and Ellora caves present the beautiful architecture of the ancient time but the Ajanta and Ellora Dance Festival present the talent of young folk and classical artists. In this festival, you see folk and cultural dance performances, buy handicrafts in Kalagram, and participate in rangoli and mehndi competitions.
2. Shopping
There are numerous markets where you love to shop after visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Shopping is one of the prime things to do in Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Here you purchase beautiful Buddha sculptures handcrafts, semi-precious stones and silver ornaments, footwear, cloths, Buddhist and Jain paintings, all things you buy from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves markets.
3. Staycation
Ajanta and Ellora Caves deliver several options for accommodations as well, so here you stay at affordable prices. If you want to stay in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves region, then there are many guest houses, hotels, and resorts available at affordable prices.
How to Reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves
In India, Ajanta Ellora Caves are one of the best places to visit, these caves are smoothly attainable through different ways of transport.
- By Air- These caves are about 100 km from the Aurangabad airport, which is connected with some prime cities.
- By Train- Jalgaon Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. You can easily reach Aurangabad by train.
- By Road- If you choose your car then Aurangabad is smoothly reachable by road from many cities.
