Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, India, the Ajanta Ellora Caves are mesmerizing attractions that take you back in time. These ancient rock-cut caves, carved out between the 2nd century BCE to and 480 or 650 CE are a remarkable blend of art, culture, and history. Ajanta is known for its stunning Buddhist paintings and sculptures that beautifully narrate the life of Buddha, while Ellora stands out with its extraordinary temples and monasteries representing Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. Walking through these caves feels like stepping into a different era, where every wall and pillar tells a story of devotion, craftsmanship and spiritual experience. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique travel experience, the Ajanta Ellora Caves offer a fascinating glimpse into India’s culture.
Today, Ajanta Ellora Caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and exist on the bucket list of many travellers. So, if you are planning your visit to Ajanta Ellora Caves anytime soon, then read on to learn more about these amazing attractions.
History of Ajanta Ellora Caves
Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, the Ajanta Caves were carved by Buddhist monks over centuries. These 30 rock-cut caves were designed as monasteries, chapels and temples serving as places for meditation and learning. Inside, the walls and ceilings are adorned with vibrant frescoes and intricate carvings that depict stories from the life of Buddha, showcasing an exceptional blend of art and spirituality.
A short drive away, the Ellora Caves tell a different tale. Built between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, Ellora is a complex of 34 caves representing three major religions of ancient India: Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The most jaw-dropping is the Kailasa Temple which is a massive structure carved entirely out of a single rock. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and reflects the incredible engineering skills of the time. The artisans of Ellora meticulously carved the temple from top to bottom, creating a structure that is not just a place of worship but also a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture.
The Ajanta Ellora caves are more than just historical sites, they are a perfect example of human creativity and deviation. Walking through these caves is like stepping back in time, where every carving and painting tells a story of a rich cultural and religious history that continues to inspire people worldwide to come to this place to witness this marvellous structure.
Attractions At Ajanta Ellora Caves
If you plan your trip to Maharashtra, the Ajanta Ellora Caves are absolute must-visit attractions. These iconic caves near the city of Aurangabad offer a mesmerizing glimpse into ancient India. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate these historical wonders so that you can make the most of your trip:
1. The Ajanta Caves:
The Ajanta Caves are a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. These caves were used as a retreat by Buddhist monks and were meticulously carved out of the rock face of a steep, horseshoe-shaped gorge. As you explore the Ajanta caves, you will find yourself surrounded by intricate carvings and stunning paintings that tell the stories of Buddha’s life, including the previous incarnations or Jataka tales.
Cave 1: One of the highlights here is Cave 1, which houses a massive statue of the Buddha in a seated meditation pose. The walls of this cave are adorned with vivid frescoes that still retain much of their original colour, depicting scenes from Buddha’s life and various legends.
Cave 2: This is another gem, known for its well-preserved paintings of celestial maidens and deities that showcases the artistic skills of ancient Indian craftsmen.
Cave 16: When you are in Ajanta Caves, you cannot miss Cave 16, often called the “Cave of the Monasteries”. It is one of the largest monasteries and contains a series of elaborate carvings, including a magnificent depiction of the “Great Departure” of Prince Siddhartha from his palace. The attention to detail in these carvings is simply astounding and provides a glimpse into the spiritual journey of Buddhism.
2. Ellora Caves:
Ellora Caves are situated on a short drive from Ajanta Caves. Unlike Ajanta, Ellora represents a fusion of three major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The caves here were built between the 6th and 10th centuries and consist of 34 caves cut into the Charanandri Hills.
Cave 16: The star attraction of the Ellora Caves is the Cave 16 which is also known as the Kailasa Temple. This cave is not just a cave but an entire temple complex carved out of a single rock. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is designed to resemble Mount Kailash, Shiva’s Himalayan abode, and is decorated with intricate carvings of various deities, mythological scenes, and life-sized elephant statues. What’s truly mind-blowing is that this massive structure was chiselled from top to bottom, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient India.
Cave 32: As you move to the Jain Caves, especially Cave 32, you will see a stark contrast in style. The Jain caves are smaller but more detailed, reflecting the Jain ethos of simplicity and restraint. The carvings in these caves are exquisite with delicate depictions of lotus flowers, intricate designs and beautifully sculpted statues of Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers of Jainism.
Best Time To Visit Ajanta Ellora Caves
Winter Season: The best time to visit the Ajanta Ellora Caves in Maharashtra is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool, making it comfortable to explore these incredible rock-cut caves. Winter is the peak season, so expect a bit of a crowd but the experience is well worth it.
Summer Season: Avoid visiting in the summer months from April to June, as temperatures can soar above 40 degrees Celsius, which can make the trip exhausting. The scorching heat can be a lot to handle, especially since exploring the caves involves quite a bit of walking and climbing stairs.
Monsoon Season: From July to September brings heavy rains to the region, which can cause slippery paths and make the trip challenging. However, if you love lush greenery and don’t mind the rain, this could be a unique time to visit, with fewer tourists around.
So, plan your trip between October and March for the best experience. Not only will you enjoy the stunning architecture and ancient art in comfort but you will also avoid the extreme weather conditions. Make sure to pack light and wear comfortable shoes and you are all set for an unforgettable journey.
How To Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves
If you are planning to visit Ajanta Ellora Caves anytime soon, then here are the following ways to reach this amazing attraction which you can choose according to your preference:
By Air:
The closest airport to the Ajanta Ellora Caves is in Aurangabad which is about 30 km from Ellora and 100 km from Ajanta. Aurangabad airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad. Once you land, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the caves.
By Train:
Travelling by Train is another option to reach the Ajanta Ellora Caves. Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest railway station with regular trains from all the major cities in India. From Aurangabad station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the caves. For those heading to Ajanta first, the Jalgaon Railway Station is also an option which is located 60 km away from the caves.
By Road:
If you are someone who loves road trips, then visiting Ajanta Ellora Caves is a perfect day trip. You can either drive your own car or can hire a taxi from nearby cities like Mumbai which is about 330 km, Pune which is about 250 km or Nashik which is about 180 km away from the caves. You can enjoy the scenic views of Maharashtra’s countryside. You can also take buses from the MSRTC or private operators to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves economically.
Timings And Fees Of Ajanta Ellora Caves
The entry fee for foreigners is Rs. 600. For Indians and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, the entry charge is Rs. 40. There is an additional charge of Rs. 25 in case you wish to use a video camera inside the caves. Entry is free for children below the age of 15 years. The opening time of Ellora Caves is from sunrise to sunset, from 6 AM to 6 PM. Except for Tuesdays, you can visit it any day of the week. It’s open throughout the year. Whereas, the opening time of Ajanta Caves is from 09:00 am to 09:30 pm. Except for Mondays, you can visit any day of the week.
