Ajanta And Ellora

Ajanta and Ellora are famous for their heritage caves. These are engraved in the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are flawless personifications of art and architecture. These alluring rock-cut caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that attract numerous travellers from all corners of the world.

When to Visit Ajanta and Ellora

The best time to go Ajanta and Ellora is June to March, as the weather is pleasant during this period. Winter and Monsoon seasons are perfect for visiting the enticing caves and enjoying your archaeological trip. During the monsoons, the region receives rain showers, making the sightseeing experience a delight for visitors.

Magnificent Places to Visit in Ajanta and Ellora

Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the historical gems that represent Indian antiquity and the impressive artistry of the bygone era. These iconic tourist attractions comprise 64 rock-cut caves. Some of the eminent Ajanta and Ellora places to visit are:

Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These caves date back to the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. The Ajanta Caveswere constructed by Buddhist monks with the benefaction of the Guptas, Vakataka, and Satavahana dynasties. The caves illustrate the Buddhist culture and its narratives through various paintings and sculptures.

Ellora Caves

Ellora Cavesare younger than Ajanta Caves and date back to between the 5th and 10th Centuries. The caves were constructed by the Yadava and Rashtrakuta dynasties to house monasteries and temples for Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religions. These caves are categorised into three parts: Hindu Caves, Buddhist Caves, and Jain Caves. The caves comprise 34 caves, and each cave is unique.

Grishneshwar Temple

One of the best things to do in Ajanta and Ellora is to seek blessings at the legendary GrishneshwarTemple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Grishneshwar Temple is considered the 12th and the smallest Jyotirlinga in India.

Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad Fortis among the excellently preserved forts of India. It was built by the Yadava King Bhillama V in the 11th century CE. The fort is located atop a huge rock Ledge and comprises 750 steps. Don't miss out on the all-encompassing view from the top.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbarais also referred to as the Taj Mahal of the Deccan. It was built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife. The captivating historical wonder stands as evidence of the rich cultural tradition of the Mughal era. The exquisite monument represents the splendid architecture that leaves the visitors awe-struck.

How to Reach Ajanta and Ellora

Ajanta and Ellora are prominent attractions in India, making this place effortlessly accessible through various modes of transport. You can choose from your preferred travel options:

By Flight:

Aurangabad Airport is the nearest airport to Ajanta (109.8 km) and Ellora (35.3 km). The airport can be easily accessed from Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur. From here, you can take a bus or cab to reach the caves.

By Railways:

The nearest railway stations are Aurangabad Railway Station, which is 120 km away from Ajanta Caves and 28 km from Ellora Caves, and Jalgaon Junction, which is 56.5 km away from Ajanta Caves and 159 km from Ellora Caves. Both railway stations feature good connectivity across the country.

By Road:

Ajanta and Ellora are easily reachable by road from neighbouring cities, including Auranagabd, Pune, Shirdi, Bijapur, Indore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. Numerous government and private buses are running to and from Aurangabad Central Bus Station.

Places to Visit Near Ajanta and Ellora

After exploring the antique caves and other famous attractions, you can take some time to witness some of these fabulous nearby cities in Ajanta and Ellora, as mentioned below:

• Panchakki (99.7 km)
• Lendi Baug (194.6 km)
• Melghat Tiger Reserve (229.7 km)
• Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple (240.3 km)
• Kajal rani cave (246.2 km)
• Saputara ropeway (284.6 km)