Historical Travel Guide: Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are historical marvels amazingly carved into sidehill rocks in total obscurity.

Brief info:

Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves speak of Buddhist tales from 200 BC to 650 AD. These caves stood undiscovered for centuries until some British officials out on tiger hunt stumbled upon them in the 19th century. There are in all 29 caves in Ajanta that were intricately carved by monks using only hammer and chisel. These caves were centers of Buddhist retreat of monks who performed rituals in Viharas and Chaityas. The detailed sculptures depict intriguing stories from the Jataka tales. You will also see several paintings of houris and princesses. The Ajanta caves are architectural marvel that glorify Buddhism.

The Ellora Caves: The Ellora caves are known to be built and carved during 350 BC till 700 AD. Unlike Ajanta caves, the Ellora caves speak of multiple faiths such as Hinduism, Jainism as well as Buddhism. They are 34 caves in total. Ellora caves is situated at a distance of 29 kilometers from Aurangabad. They are captivating and the best example of temple cave architecture comprising of detailed frontages and dainty insides. The 12 caves to the south are dedicated to Buddhism, the 17 in the middle speak of Hinduism, and the 5 caves towards the north part are dedicated to Jainism.

Location and how to reach:
Both the caves are situated in North Maharasthra at a distance of four hundred kilometers from Mumbai. To reach Ellora caves the nearest railway station is situated in Aurangabad. To reach Ajanta Caves the closest railway station is at Jalgoan. The nearest airport is at Aurangabad. It takes about two hours to travel between both the cave sites by car.

Opening Hours:
Ajanta Caves: The opening hours are from 9am till 530pm. They are closed on Monday but open on all national holidays.
Ellora Caves: The timings are the same as that of Ajanta Caves, 9am till 530pm. They are closed on Tuesday but open on all national holidays.

Ajanta and Ellora caves entrance fees:
Ajanta Caves: The admission fees is Rs 10 for Indian citizens and about $10 for noncitizens. No fees for children below fifteen.
Ellora Caves: There is no fees to enter the Ellora caves. They charge Rs 10 from Indian citizens and $5 from foreigners to enter the grand Kailasa temple. The entrance fees for children is free.

The festival at Ajanta and Ellora Caves:
There is a four day Ellora Ajanta Festival organized at Sunheri Mahal, which is a historical and architectural wonder near Ellora. This festival is organized every year in the last week of November. The festival celebrates Indian culture and features some of the most well acknowledged singers and performing artists of India.

Travel Tips:

• It is best to visit Ajanta and Ellora caves is from November to March, it is much cooler and the chances of rain is less.
• You must carry a flashlight or a torch as the lighting inside some of the Ajanta Caves is not quite bright.
• If you are visiting Ellora Caves then you must visit the Kailasa temple. You will get a superb view and perspective of the temple’s interiors by climbing up on the hill around the temple.