Ajanta and Ellora Caves

What is the best time to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

"The optimal time to explore Ajanta and Ellora Caves is from June to March when the climate is pleasant, making it ideal for archaeological journeys. Traveling during the scorching summers in April and May can be challenging, hindering the exploration of these historical sites. It is advisable to plan visits during the cooler seasons of winters and monsoons, from October to March and June to September, to fully enjoy the cave complex without the discomfort of extreme heat."

"Discovering the Marvels of Ajanta and Ellora Caves: A Journey into Ancient Rock-Cut Splendor"

Nestled near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India, the Ajanta and Ellora caves unfold a captivating narrative of ancient rock-cut brilliance. Boasting 29 caves dating from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD, Ajanta showcases Buddhist sanctuaries, while Ellora's 34 caves, spanning the 6th to 11th centuries AD, offer a rich tapestry of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist marvels. Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these caves, adorned with sculptures and frescoes, attract global travelers seeking a profound connection with India's historical and artistic heritage. From the secluded retreats of Buddhist monks in Ajanta to the diverse religious sites in Ellora, each cave tells a story of ancient Indian rulers' patronage and craftsmanship, culminating in the monumental Kailash Temple, a testament to architectural grandeur in this archaeological wonder."

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How to Reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

By Flight: Aurangabad, located approximately 99 km from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora, offers direct flight connections from major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur. Upon arrival at Aurangabad Airport (IXU), various transportation options, including cabs and buses, are readily available for the onward journey.

By Road: Ajanta Caves are well-connected by road to Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Bijapur, and Aurangabad. Bus services to Ellora from Aurangabad Central Bus Station are frequent, with the Maharashtra State Tourism Corporation (MTDC) Bus Service being a reliable option. A daily luxury bus tour, departing at 9:30 AM from the MTDC office (except Tuesdays), covers Ellora and other prominent sites in Aurangabad.

By Train: Jalgaon and Aurangabad serve as the two main railway junctions connecting Ajanta and Ellora. These junctions are well-connected to major cities across India, providing convenient and budget-friendly train options. Advance booking through IRCTC or a travel agent is advisable, and taxis are easily available upon reaching these destinations.

Local Transport: Within Aurangabad, auto-rickshaws, hired cars, and local taxis offer convenient transportation. Several MTDC and local buses connect Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora. Guided tours, including attractions like Grishneshwar Temple, Daulatabad Fort, Aurangzeb's Tomb, Panchakki, and Bibi Ka Maqbara, are regularly organized. Cabs and buses for local commuting within the city are readily accessible.

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Opening Hours

• Opening Time :06:00:00 am

• Closing Time :06:00:00 pm

Direction: map.

Ellora Caves enchant with an exquisite tapestry of ancient artistry, where intricate rock-cut sculptures and majestic temples narrate a timeless saga of cultural brilliance.

History of Ellora Caves: Unveiling Ancient Marvels of Art, Culture, and Faith

Travellers venturing into Maharashtra, India, are urged to delve into the captivating history and architectural wonders of Ellora Caves, a mesmerizing fusion of art, culture, religion, and engineering. Just 30 km from Aurangabad, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts 34 caves spread across a 2 km expanse.

Dating back to 600-1000 CE, Ellora narrates tales of religious harmony during the Rashtrakuta and Yadavas dynasties, serving as a haven for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monks. Excavated as a crucial site of pilgrimage and rest for traders on the South Asian trade route, Ellora's rock-cut complex preserves the essence of ancient devotion.

Monolithic Architecture of Ellora Caves: A Testament to Coexistence

The caves exemplify a remarkable coexistence of diverse faiths, intricately preserved to showcase ancient treasures. Among Hindu monuments, the Kailasa Temple, hewn from a single rock, stands as the world's largest monolithic structure, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Hindu Monuments: A Glimpse into Antiquity

Some Hindu caves, dating from around 550 CE, and a second phase between 730 and 950 CE, reveal the architectural prowess required to carve intricate details and depictions into 200,000 tonnes of rock. The imposing Kailasa Temple, an imaginative representation of Mount Kailash, unfolds vivid moments in the saga of Lord Shiva.

Buddhist Monuments: Tranquility in Stone

Southern Buddhist caves house domestic quarters for monks, kitchens, and shrines to Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Cave 10, Vishvakarma Cave, celebrates expert rock craftsmanship, while Cave 12 features a splendid stupa, offering a serene ambiance for ancient Indian Buddhists.

Jain Monuments: Exquisite Expressions of Faith

Five Jain caves, built by the Digambara sect in the 9th and 10th centuries, showcase intricate artworks and carvings reflecting Jain philosophies. Cave 30, the Chota Kailasha, and Cave 32, the Indra Sabha, pay homage to Jainism's core tenets with awe-inspiring reliefs and adornments.

FAQs to Visit Ellora Caves: Your Guide to Exploration

How Do You Get To Ellora Caves? Ellora, in Maharashtra, is easily accessible from Aurangabad, which is 30 km away. Flights to Aurangabad Airport, private taxis, and public buses from the Central Bus Station are convenient travel options.

How Much Does Ellora Caves Cost? Entry fees are INR 40 for locals and INR 600 for foreigners. The Ellora Caves Tourist Information Centre provides tickets and audio-visual guides, recommending cash payments due to unreliable card machines.

What Are The Opening Times Of Ellora Caves? Open from sunrise to sunset, Ellora Caves welcome visitors every day except Tuesdays, providing ample opportunities to explore the spectacular caverns.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Ellora Caves? November to March is recommended, avoiding weekends for a less crowded experience. The Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music in March adds a cultural dimension to the visit.

What Facilities Are At Ellora Caves? Ellora Caves offer amenities such as a car park, shuttle buses, eateries, souvenir shops, and informative talks in auditoriums, ensuring a comfortable and enriching day out.

Several noteworthy destinations surround Ellora Caves, offering a diverse array of historical and cultural experiences:

Ajanta Caves: Located 107 km from Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves boast beautifully carved rock-cut structures, earning global recognition. A popular destination, it adds a unique identity to India, drawing tourists worldwide.

Bibi Ka Maqbara: Situated approximately 5 km from Aurangabad, Bibi ka Maqbara, also known as the "Mini Taj Mahal," was constructed by Prince Azam, Aurangazeb's son, in memory of his mother, Begum Rabia Durani.

Pitalkhora Caves: Situated around 25 km from Kannad, near Aurangabad, Pitalkhora Caves, with their exquisite rock-cut architecture, house 14 Buddhist caves dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Devgiri Fort: Also known as Daulatabad Fort, Devgiri Fort, located half an hour from Aurangabad, stands as a massive and formidable structure, built by King Bhillam for strategic defense.

Grishneshwar Temple: Situated approximately 30 km from Aurangabad, Grishneshwar Temple, the oldest Jyotirlinga, stands as one of the prime Hindu temples, attracting devotees and visitors alike.

Bani Begum Bagh: Located 24 km from Aurangabad, Bani Begum Bagh is a serene garden created by Aurangzeb's grandson in memory of his wife, Bani Begum, providing a calm and peaceful retreat.

Khuldabad: A holy shrine for Muslims, Khuldabad, located 17 km from Aurangabad, offers a pleasant climate and hosts significant structures such as Aurangzeb’s Tomb, Azam Shah’s and his wife’s tombs, Dargah of Malik Akbar, Tomb of Tana Shah, and Zain-ud-din’s Dargah, surrounded by picturesque mountains and ancient buildings constructed by Aurangzeb.