Maharashtra is one state that cannot be avoided when you plan a vacation. Besides the many historical sites and monuments, you find the Ajanta-Ellora caves. These are in Aurangabad in Maharashtra and are known to be a definition of Indian architecture and art. The distance between these two monuments is only 100kms but then, you cannot visit one and avoid the other.
Ellora is known for architecture and sculpture belonging to different religions that prevailed during those times, that is, Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism, while the Ajanta caves are all about beautiful paintings that are made on the walls of the caves.
More about the Caves
30 caves of all different sizes that have been excavated in a stretch of rock that is shaped like a horse shoe and facing Waghora, a narrow stream is what Ajanta is all about. Each of the caves had been connected by stairs to the stream. These have been demolished at present and there are only a limited number present. Ajanta is the name of a village located near-by. Besides different paintings, these caves have depicted stories of Buddha.
Ellora caves comprise 34 temples and monasteries that have been dug side by side of a cliff that extends more than 2km. These caves have been built during the 5th and the 10th century. You can state that the Ellora caves are the finest examples of rock-cut architecture of India.
Ellora is known to have temples that are devoted to the Buddhist, Jain and also the Hindus. The earliest structures were those dedicated to the Buddhist. Most of these structures consist of monasteries or ‘viharas’. These were buildings that had many storey’s. These were carved into mountains. These included sleeping quarters, living quarters, and various other rooms. The ‘carpenter’s cave’ or the Vishwakarma is the most popular.
Best Time to Visit Ajanta Ellora Caves
You need to plan a trip between the months of June anywhere till March. This works the best time to visit these caves. April or May can be tough due to the harsh summers and humidity. You will not be able to explore the caves totally.
Monsoon or winters are ideal.
Location
Ajanta and Ellora caves are around 250 miles from Mumbai that is around 400 kilometers.
Getting there
For the Ajanta caves, the closest railway station is Jalgaon and for the Ellora caves it is Aurangabad. Travelling to Aurangabad from Mumbai by train takes around 6 to 7 hours.
You can also fly to Aurangabad. Once you reach Aurangabad, you have the option of hiring a cab or even drive down. Travelling from Ajanta to Ellora takes around 3 hours. Hiring a car from any travel agency is another option. You will pay 1250 rupees for Ellora and around 2250 for Ajanta. The type of car hired determines the rates.
The alternate option you can plan on is the bus tours conducted by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation. These are air-conditioned Volvo buses that are comfortable. The tours are separate, one going to Ajanta and the other going to Ellora. You can book in advance.
