The famous Ajanta and Ellora caves aresituated near the city of Aurangabad. These rock cut cave shrines are considered, one excellent specimens of ancient Indian architectural style. The 29 caves at Ajanta and 34 caves at Ellora were remained unnoticed till John Smith, a Brithish Army Officer, accidentally came across the caves in1819. The caves of Ajanta and Ellora have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta group The Ajanta group of caves were discovered in the 19th century. The cave is known for its art and architecture. The caves are in wooded and rugged horse shoe-shaped ravine. Ajanta is located 106 Kms, away from the Aurangabda city. The caves
lying deep with in the Sahyadri hills,cut into the curved mountain slope, above the river Waghora. The caves speaks the story of Buddhism dating back to 200 BC to 650 AD. The 29 caves were built as isolate retrates of the Buddhist monks, who used to teach and perform rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas. The monks carved out the impressive images on the walls by using hammers and chisel. Many of the house panels of caves, depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich collection of tales of the several in carnations of the Buddha. In addition the images of nymphs and princesses have also been depicted. Ajanta caves are open all week days except Mondays.
Ellora Caves
Ellora is an ancient village lies 30 Kms away from the city of Aurangabad.The caves represents the excellent rock-cut temple
architecture. The 34caves are carved out of the Charanndari hills, house massive facades and nicely enhanced interiors. The caves consists of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temple and monasteries, built between 5th century and 10th century A.D.The 17 caves in the centre are dedicated to Hinduism, the 12 caves to the south are Buddhist while 5 caves to the north are Jain. The images in side the Buddhist caves convey the message of nobility, grace and serenity in herent in the Buddha. Cave no 6 and 10 has images from the Buddhism and Hinduism faith, under the same roof. The Hindu images are dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian crafts men. The Vishwakarma cave is considered both a Chaitya and a Vihara. It has an image of seated Buddha placed in the stupa. The two - storied structure inside the Vishwakarma cave portrays a colourful elaboration of dwarfs, dancing and making music. TheVishwakarma cave, the Kailasa Hindu temple and the Jain Indrasabha, present an attractive sight. Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays.
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Attractions around Ajanta and Ellora :
Aurangabad Caves -
The group of caves are located at a distance of 9 Kms from Aurangabad. The rockcut caves built between the 6th and 8th century AD, are must visit place.
Bibi-Ka-Maqbara - The tomb situated 8 Kms away from Aurangabad, was built in 1679 by the Emperor Aurangzeb. The tomb modelled like Taj Mahal, was built by the emperor in the memory of his wife Rabia-ud-Durrani.
Panchakki or Water Mill - The mill dating back to Mughal period, was built in 1624 A.D. It derives its name from a mill worked by water power, used for grinding grain. It was built to commemorate a Muslim saint Baba Shah Muzaffar.
Accessibility :
Ajanta and Ellora caves are easily accessible from Aurangabad.
» Air - Ajanta and Ellora have not their own airport. Nearest airport is Aurangabad which is located at a distance of 30Kms from Ellora and 106 Kms Ajanta. Aurangabad airport is directly connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
» Rail - Aurangabad is the nearest railhead from Ajanta and Ellora. The trains are available for Mumbai and other cities of India from Aurangabad.
» Road - Ajanta and Ellora can be reached by road from other cities of Maharashtra like Mumbai, Nasik, Jalgaon and Aurangabad etc.
Accommodation :
Aurangabad is the ideal base for visiting Ajanta and Ellora. The city has plenty of accommodation choices. Some of the famous hotels of Aurangabad areTaj Residency (Taj Group), Welcome Hotel Rama International The Meadows,Hotel Ambassador Ajanta, Hotel President Park, and Hotel Aurangabad etc.
Best Time to Visit :
The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are open for the tourists through out the year. The best time to visit the caves is between October and March.
Customize your Tour Package >>>
Basic Inclusions of the package :
- Assisted transfers from airport to hotel and back
- Accommodation in Hotels (as per the category selected)
- Daily Breakfast Buffet
- City tour + Drives by private car
- An English / Language speaking well mannered guide during sightseeing trips
- All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions :
- Any meal unless mentioned above, personal expenses like telephone /laundry bills etc.
- Entrance fees and still camera or video camera charges at various monuments and museums.
- Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, and bellboys at hotels
- Departure taxes or Visa handling fees (A Visa is required to visit India)
- Any International Air fare, Airports tax and travel insurance etc. and other services not specified above.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Remarks
» All prices quoted per person in INR. on twin sharing basis. Rates subject to change without notice Rates are applicable for a minimum of two (2) persons travelling at one time.
» Rates are applicable for Indian market only.
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