Ajant And Ellora Caves, One Of The World Heritage Sites In India

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are a set of 29 caves and the perfect example of Buddhist architecture. These caves are located at a distance of about 400 km from Mumbai
, in the northern part of Maharastra.  The paintings inside these caves depict the Jataka tales and other different stories related to Buddha. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are the globally renowned tourist destination, which reveals the unique examples of art and architecture. If you want to go back to the time and relive the primeval legacy of India then these caves are the perfect place to visit. These caves were declared as a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO in the year 1983. A visit to these caves will provide you a feeling of peace and serenity.

History

The mere fact that these caves were inhabited by Buddhist monks and religious devotees for over 800 years, speaks volumes about the historical importance about these caves. Like most of the Buddhist monasteries in the world, Ajanta stressed on teaching as its several caves were divided into different categories of living, learning and worship. The higher religious monks were specially assigned to specific caves for living. One can notice these facts with the structural design of these caves. It is believed that the caves were built in two diverse periods, divided by many centuries. 

Attractions

Ellora Caves- Acknowledged as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Ellora caves are said to have been structured by the rulers of Rahtrakuta Dynasty. Ellora comprises of 34 individual caves, which poses as the prime example of rock-cut architecture in India. These caves symbolize the three different religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

The caves are carved out of vertical face of the Charanandri Hills involving temples and monasteries. Among the total number of caves in Ellora, twelve belong to Buddhist religion, seventeen belong to Hindu religion and five belong to Jainism.  The chief highlight of these caves is its carvings, which reveal the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain expressions. One of the extraordinary features about these caves is the Kailasanatha Temple, which is the main attraction of Ellora. This gigantic structure was built to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple seems like a freestanding, multi-storied complex, which actually carved out of a single rock that covers an area double to the size of Parthenon in Athens.

Among the Buddhist caves, the most outstanding one is the chaitya hall, which is also widely known as the "Carpenter's Cave". Among the Jain caves, Choota Kailash is the remarkable one. An annual festival is celebrated in the month of March at these caves, which includes classical dance and music.

Ajanta Caves- These caves are one the most remarkable Buddhist caves in the entire nation, which exhibits the story of Buddhism from a period of 200 BC to 650 AD. Ajanta comprises of 30 caves and is acknowledged as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. These caves were constructed by the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, which are the primeval places of learning and also regarded as the nerve centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Ajanta Caves were discovered in the year 1819 AD. Some of the paintings found in these caves dates back to the period from 5^th to 7^th century AD. Almost every painting found in these caves is related to Buddhist religion.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Ajanata and Ellora caves is from October to early March.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to these caves is located in Aurangabad, which is at a distance of about 15 km.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to these caves is in Aurangabad, at a distance of about 30 km.  

By Road: The nearest place to reach these caves through road is Aurangabad, which is also a chief city in Maharashtra.