Places to Visit in Ajanta And Ellora

If you are looking for the perfect amalgamation of the nation's cultural history, brilliant architecture and finest art - then the various places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora are the ideal travel destinations for you. From the popular caves which are acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage Sites to nearby famous temples, there are some amazing places to visit in Ajanta and Ellorawith friends to dive deep into the country's rich cultural heritage.

Historical Destinations in Ajanta and Ellora

The world of Ajanta and Ellora is interspersed with beauty, history, grace and enigmatic architecture and design - all of which have been stealing the hearts of tourists from all over the world. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora for 3 days:

Ajanta Caves

With 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments, these spectacular cavesare known for their designs, ceiling architecture and wall paintings. As one of the most famous and popular places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora, these caves feature figures of Lord Buddha and also consist of handpicked scenes depicted from the Jataka Tales.

The Buddhist Caves of Ellora

The intricately carved 12 Buddhist cavesare home to several monasteries of viharas which host numerous shrines with paintings and sculptures related to Buddhism. From relics to mandalas and paintings, these caves reflect the authenticity of design ideas and the excellent execution of those in the ancient period of India.

Bibi-ka-Maqbara

A historical landmark in Aurangabad, Bibi Ka Maqbarais a famous mausoleum built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1661 to honour his wife and beloved, Dilras Banu Begum. This grand monument is one of the most interesting places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora for couples where you can have quiet, reflective moments with your loved one and enjoy the blend of history and nature, thanks to the heavenly backdrop of the mighty mountain ranges.

Cultural Spots in Ajanta and Ellora

Brimming with instances of a grand past, Ajanta and Ellora caves are a unique destination where history comes alive with a touch of religion and mythology. Here are the top places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora:

Kailash Temple

The largest rock-cut structure which is a part of the Ellora caves, the Kailash Templeis one of the most attractive places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora with family where you can explore history and religion at their best. The surrounding caves to this structure display other deities related to Brahmanism, Buddhism and Jainism. According to the archaeologists, the temple was constructed by cutting out three huge trenches to the base of the hill, giving it the unique shape it has.

Grishneshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a sacred temple which finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures. The structure is an extraordinary instance of architectural brilliance along with a rich history and is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. With intricate carvings on its pillars, the temple boasts exquisite architecture, heavily inspired by the South Indian temple architecture and designs.

Khuldabad

Also known as the Valley of Saints”, Khuldabad is a beautiful small town which is believed to be the residence of the Sufi saints in the 14th century. This spot is one of the most ethereal places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora for 2 days because here you can explore different historical monuments such as the Bhadra Maruti Temple, Shaikh Burhan ud-din Gharib Chisti, Dargah of Zar Zari Zar Baksh, etc.

Other Activities and Interesting Places

• Boat ride:Enjoy a boat ride at Panchakki River, one of the most peaceful places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora with your partner. Witness the beauty of nature and the adjacent gardens.
• Light and sound show:Gift yourself a once-in-a-lifetime experience by witnessing the magical light and sound evening shows organised at the Ellora caves which makes these caves among the most interesting places to visit in Ajanta and Ellora at night.
• Local handicrafts:Among the best tourist places in Ajanta and Ellora, you should never miss exploring the local bazaars and shops. From good quality handcrafted materials to designer sarees and traditional outfits, you can purchase to your heart's content at vibrant locations like City Chowk, Gul Mandi Market, etc.