Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the ancient repository of Indian architectural heritage. Located In Maharashtra, 100 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves were discovered accidentally by a British Captain, John Smith in 1819, while on a hunting expedition. Aurangabad, a dream destination of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, founded in 1610, is known today, as one of the four important cities in Maharashtra. The city is heading towards rapid industrial growth, but retains its past glory and charms, heritage and traditions. Aurangabad can be reached by flight or train, or even by motored down to from Manmad , the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India. There are 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta. And all are sheer outstanding specimens of Indian architectural excellence. oday Ajanta and Ellora caves have been honored the world heritage site status to be preserved as an artistic legacy for generations to witness.
Ajanta Caves : The Ajanta Caves depict the stories of Buddhism spanning from the period from 200 B.C. and 650 A.D. These 3rd-century caves are fine achievements by Buddhist monks and are considered the finest masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture. Ajanta caves have panels depicting tales from the Jatakas, a rich collection of stories dealing with several reincarnations of the Budhha. he caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan and are set in beautiful blooming surroundings. Numbering as many as 29 caves, Ajanta caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks. These monks taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas. These 29 caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools like hammer & chisel. These caves were the retreats of Buddhist monks who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning. hese historical manmade caves comprise of beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, illustrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Built using simple tools such as hammer and chisel, these caves houses some of the most well preserved wall paintings including that of two great Boddhisattvas, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. The elaborate and exquisite sculptures and paintings depict stories from Jataka tales. The caves also house images of nymphs and princesses.The Ajanta caves and the treasures they house are a landmark in the overall development of Buddhism as such. These caves have some of the most divine sculptures and images of Budhha preaching. One can have a first hand info on the overall development of Buddhism, observing these caves. The Ajanta Caves are well known for their fresco paintings. The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings, which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha. The interiors are enhanced by a variety of paintings on the ceiling that include geometric patterns, floral and ornamental motifs, a variety of animals, birds and plants.
Ellora Caves : The Ellora (Verul) Caves have been Carved during 350 A.D. to 700 A.D. The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are the finest specimens of cave temple architecture. These structures reflect the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. As the finest specimens of cave temples, Ellora caves have elaborate facades and intricately aesthetic interiors to hypnotize your sensibilities. They are fascinating and the finest example of cave temple architecture housing elaborate facades and exquisite interiors. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the center dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The sculptures in the Buddhist caves depict the nobility, grace and serenity that are inherent in the Buddha. The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha.Most of the caves are Viharas or Monastery halls used by the monks for study, solitary meditation and worship. The interiors of the cave are exquisitely adorned. The most fascinating structure is the magnificent Kailash Temple hewn out of a single rock and is three storage high. The grand sculpture of Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva, with his full might is a landmark in Indian art.
Climate : The best time to visit the caves is during the monsoons- the river is swollen and the ravine is surrounded by gushing waterfalls. Summer is observed from March to May with an average maximum and minimum temperatures of 37 and 21 Degrees Celsius respectively. The hottest summer temperature is around 45°C but never goes above that. Nights are usually pleasant and cooler during the entire summer. Average Relative Humidity is as low as 9%. Monsoon which ranges from June to October receives moderate rainfall of 91 cm on an average. The average relative humidity during this period of time is 40%. The summers are quite grueling especially as you have to walk around quite a bit.
Get IN :
By Air : Aurangabad can be reached from New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay), international airport. Govt. run Indian airlines flight to Aurangabad daily from New Delhi and Mumbai. The nearest international airports are Mumbai and Pune. Kingfisher Class also operates a seasonal flight from Udaipur to Aurangabad.
By Rail : Two express trains with an accommodation run between Mumbai an Aurangabad, daily. If travelling from New Delhi to Mumbai, alight at Jalgoan from where the caves can be reached in one hour. The city has direct rail links to important Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, etc.
By Road : Ajanta- 106 kms, Bombay- 392 kms, Ellora- 30 kms, Nanded- 272 kms, Nasik- 221 kms, Pune- 229 kms, Shirdi- 136 kms. he highway connections make the journey to the world famous destinations of Ajanta and Ellora very comfortable.
