Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which are situated in the state of Maharashtra, are undoubtedly among the most popular caves in India that should visit. Other than being UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they speak to the apex of Indian rock-cut architect. These caves have protected individuals having a place with various religions, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain. Ajanta is a combination of 29 caves going back to the second to sixth century AD, while Ellora is a combination of 34 caves going back to the sixth to eleventh centuries AD. While the caves at Ajanta are prevalently Buddhist, those at Ellora are a mixture of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain. The works of art and figures contained in these caves are a declaration to the design greatness accomplished amid that period.
The most unimaginable thing about the Ajanta and Ellora caves is that they were crafted by hand, with just a hammer and chisel. There are different caves in India, yet these are certainly the most spectacular.
HISTORY:-
Ajanta caves are basically Buddhist religious communities of the past time. It is where Buddhist priests lived, pray and studied. The Ajanta caves were first found by some British officers in the nineteenth century when they were hunting and one of them happened to look at a cave covered with bushes, leaves, and stones. The officers advanced into the cave and discovered numerous caves with such history in them.
These officers informed the Government and Ajanta caves are being studied to this day. In 1983 it was declared as World Heritage site.
Location:-
Ellora caves are situated in Aurangabad at Maharashtra and 100 Kms apart, Ajanta caves are situated at Jalgaon
BEST TIME TO VISIT:- November to February
WAY TO GO:-
By Road
Aurangabad city is just 100 km from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora. To go Ajanta and Ellora caves, you can take a taxi or bus.
By Rail
Aurangabad is associated by means of rail to major areas like Pune and Mumbai. The Jalgaon Station is the closest station to Ellora.
Via Air
Aurangabad is the closest airport to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The city is well connected with airports of New Delhi and Mumbai.
TIMINGS:- Both the caves are open at 9 am early in the day and close usually around 5.30 pm. While the Ajanta caves are shut on Mondays, the Ellora caves are shut on Tuesdays.