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Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the most excellent examples of ancient rock-cut caves located near Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra, India. This cave is adorned with unusual sculptures, paintings and frescoes. Ellora caves are merger of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu shrines as the compound includes both Buddhist hermitages as well as Hindu and Jain shrines.

History of Ellora Caves, Daulatabad

Talking about Ajanta caves it is 29 in number, built in the period between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. While the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and dates to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD.

Architecture:

Ellora caves are nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are very famous among visitors from across the world. Ellora caves are just 15 km west of Aurangabad and has a better mix of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples. These are well renowned as the hand-carved caves built by the Indian rulers of those periods. These are nearly buried by thick forests all around. One of the most famous sites in the whole Ellora Caves is the Kailash Temple, which is also the single biggest colossal structure in the world. These caves made out of rock-cutting contain carvings which are some of the best examples of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture.

Tourist attractions nearby Ellora caves:

Grishneshwar

Grishneshwar is a prehistoric pilgrimage site where one of the twelve Jyotirlinga manifestations of Lord Shiva is established. It is located at a distance of around half a kilometer from Ellora and 11 km from Daulatabad near Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

Bibi ka Makbara

The Bibi ka Maqbara is a good-looking mausoleum of Rabia- Ul - Daurani alias Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This makbara have an arresting resemblance to Taj Mahal. Aurangzeb made this Maqbara in the year 1661 in the memory of his loving wife just like Taj Mahal. Aurangzeb attributed this magnificent edifice in the name of his son Azam Shah who was born in the year 1653, to commemorate Rabia - Ul - Daurani, who left for her heavenly abode in the year 1657.

The monument resembles the famous Taj Mahal, as the main inspiration for building the design was from here and is often referred to as the Taj of the Deccan. From the year of its inception Bibi ka Maqbara is intended to competing the Taj Mahal. Still, because of the decline in architecture and the proportions of the construction, it ultimately resulted in a copied form of the same. Incidentally, this is one of the largest structures to have been built during Aurangzeb's reign. This tomb is a top-rated attraction, and the monument along with the backdrop of the mountain ranges bring out something beautiful.

The Buddhist caves, Ellora

The 12 Buddhist Caves mostly contain viharas or hermitages. In these caves, numerous monasteries have monuments that are engraved with paintings and monuments of Buddha, Bodhisattva and Saints.

Among all, Chaitya hall Cave 10 popularly known as the “Carpenter's Cave” is the most renowned Buddhist cave in Daulatabad. This cave has a special cathedral-like stupa hall. It is called as chaityas. In the centre of this cave, there is the 15-feet high statue of Buddha. Chaitya has a pillared verandah (gallery), which houses two shrines and a single cell.

Jain caves, Ellora

Cave 34 is an unfinished yet beautiful four-pillared hall with a stupa with a place called Samvatsarana. It is located in Ellora caves which were used by Tirthankaras preached after attaining omniscience.

What is the best time to visit Ellora Caves, Daulatabad?

People usually visit Ellora caves all year round but June to March are known as the best months to visit. Being a rocky place it becomes a little difficult to travel around and discover the caves in summers. Winters and Monsoon are the perfect climate being pleasant from October to March and June to September. If you want to visit then choose the best time within this period to visit the caves. If you don't want the sun to bother you Avoid summers while enjoying the archaeological tour in Ellora caves. The blazing heat of April and May creates a bit challenging situations for the tourists.

How to Reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

Ellora caves are located at very good location which is not very far from airport. Jalgaon is the nearest airport to Ajanta caves which is located 50 km away with linking flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad both. Aurangabad is the adjacent city to Ellora Caves which is about 30 km away. Aurangabad Airport is the best-connected airport with several flights from major cities across India. Jalgaon and Aurangabad Railway station are the two railway junctions very well connected with all the cities in India. There are many private and government buses which run from the main cities in and around Maharashtra.

Local transport in Ajanta and Ellora Caves

In Aurangabad, an easy way to travel is by auto-rickshaw. Still, cars on hire and local taxis are also available to travel within the city and to its surrounding areas. To Ellora caves, Daulatabad several MTDC as well as local buses ply on regular basis. Commuting within the city is not a problem as cabs and buses are readily available.

Food of Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The cuisine of Aurangabad exudes the Mughals and the Nizams ruled the flavour of North India and Hyderabadi kitchen as the city of Aurangabad. Those who love to gorge on delightful dishes can eat to their heart's content and take back the memories and aroma of famous flavoured Nawabi biriyani or the aromatic pulao. This place is a food fanatic’s delight. You will love every recipe either from veg or no-veg. People visit for non-veg cuisines especially Kebabs.

Tours packages are available between Aurangabad and the Ajanta/Ellora Caves.

If you book a tour package then your trip to Ellora caves will include the

• Grishneshwar Temple,

• Daulatabad Fort,

• Aurangzeb's Tomb at Khuldabad, and

• the Panchakki and

• Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad.

Contact only the renowned travel operators to book a relishing package to Ellora caves. Tour Travel World can be your perfect tour partner to offer budget packages.