Ajanta – Ellora Caves

The city is very well known for the Ajanta – Ellora Caves, India Tour a world heritage site. The status was given by UNESCO. The Ajanta has about 29 caves and Ellora has about 34 caves. The caves depict the medieval period and the Buddhist era from 200 BC to 650 AD. The Godavari River runs through the city, which is quite scenic when looked at from a distance. Another interesting fact about Aurangabad is the Daulatabad Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor. The Fort is an example of architectural mastery even in those times. There are many multiplexes, Cinema Halls and shopping complexes in the city.

The climatic conditions are also quite pleasant throughout the year. Since the summers are a bit hot and humid, the city is best to be visited in the winters from October to February. The Aurangabad airport is located at about 10 km from the city but the railway station is at a distance of 113 km from Aurangabad, located in Manmad. Roads are quite well connected with all the major cities and buses ply regularly to and from the city. Another fascinating fact about Aurangabad as a quite densely populated city is you hardly see people crowding the local places. They prefer to stay indoors or pack up to the nearby destinations.

Shaped during the span of 2nd century BC and 8th century AD, the India Tours Ajanta and Ellora caves are the most alluring destinations of the country. The caves of Ajanta Ellora were discovered by John Smith the Briish Army Officer on the group expedition in the yar 1819 which has been carved on the Sahyadri hills over the Wagora river.

There are 29 caves which has been built as retreat of the Buddhists monks who performed the rituals and rights in the Chaitanyas and Viaharas which were the ancient learning centers of Buddhists. The saints carved the marvelous pictuires on the walls with the help of hammer and chisel. There are number of caves that explains the stories from Jhatkas- which are better known as tales of several incarnations of Lord Buddha.

At the distance of 30 kilometers from Aurangabad is the Ellora caves which are 34 in numbers. These Ellora caves are carved in 350 AD to 700 AD and is dedicated to three faiths Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The 17 in the center is dedicated to Hinduism, 12 caves in the south is dedicated to Buddhists and the rest 5 caves in the north are for the Jains.

The Kailasa Temple in the cave that stands is the best example of the architectural wonder of the entire composition of the monument. This mountain is believed to be the holiest abode to Lord Shiva and is probably the world's largest monument. The assembly hall, gateway, pavilion, sanctum and the tower are all in the single block.

Like all the other temples, the constructions which are starting from the base but the sculpture here starts from very top and the sides. The temple is massive in its size and is also very delicate work of art. The Dumar Lena Cave is the most popular cave which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built on the resemblance of Elephanta.