Ajanta Cave and Ellora Caves (Ajanta Ellora caves) are situated in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra. Both the caves are recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s greatest historical monument. Ajanta Ellora Caves represent extraordinary classical Indian art of paintings, sculpture and architecture. The Distance between Ajanta and Ellora caves is about 100 km.
Ajanta Caves: Ajanta Caves are situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. There are 30 caves which dates backs from 2nd centuries B.C. to 6th centuries A.D. These magnificent caves contains the carvings that depict the life of Buddha and interesting stories from Jatakas. These caves are symbol of classical Indian art. Ajanta caves are rich in paintings and sculpture. These caves are excavated in horse–shoe shaped. Some of the caves are chaitya-grihas and the rest are monasteries. These caves were made in two phase. 1st phase was from 2nd century BC to 1 st century BC,when Caves 9,10,12,13 were made. Rest of the caves were made in 2nd phase in 5th and 6th centuries AD. Some of the caves are unfinished or half finished. The Ajanta caves were gradually forgotten. They were rediscovered in the year 1819 by some British soldiers who were on hunting in the Deccan plateau. The environment of here is very calm and beautiful. The best time to visit is from November to March. During these days, weather remains cool and dry.
Ajanta Caves Opening Hours: The caves can be visited from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Ajanta caves are closed on Monday.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport is Aurangabad (108 km). Jalgaon is nearest railway station of Ajanta Caves which is about 58 km from here. Jalgaon is well connected by rail with other cities of India. One can take Taxis and auto-rickshaws which are widely available at Aurangabad airport and Jalgaon train station to reach Ajanta Caves. Also State Transport and luxury buses run from Aurangabad and Jalgaon to Ajanta.
Ellora Caves :
Ellora cave temples are situated about 30 km north-northwest of Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The distance between from Ajanta and Ellora is 100 Km. Ellora caves are known for its extraordinary architecture. The temples are a mix of Hindu, buddha and Jain faiths. The caves were excavated in the scarp of a large plateau during 6th and 10th centuries. The carving work was began around 550 AD. There are total 34 caves in Ellora which contains Buddhist Chaityas, Viharas, Hindu and Jain temples. Unlike Ajanta caves, Ellora was never forgotten. It always attracted lot of pilgrims and tourists from centuries. Cave 16 must be seen by everyone who visits Ellora. Cave 16 is a magnificent Kailasa Temple which is the world’s largest monolithic structure. It is said that, Cave 16 was started by the Rashtrakuta king, Krishna I. Caves 1 to 12 which are on southern end contains Buddhist Chaityas and Viharas. Caves 13 to 29 are Hindu Temples situated in the middle while Caves 30 to 34 contains Jain Temples. Jain Temple caves are situated in northern end.
Ellora Caves Opening Hours: The caves are open from sunrise to sunset. The Ellora caves are closed on Tuesday.
How to reach:
One should stay at Aurangabad. There are daily tour, taxi, public and privated buses from Aurangabad to Ellora. Aurangabad is well connected by air, rail and road with other cities of India.
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