About Ajanta Ellora
These are two mesmerising locations displaying the artistry of the past, cut out of rock, by hand, and are amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. It is highly inspiring to note that the fact that they were carved between the 2nd century BC and the 8th century AD. At Ajanta, artists actually carved monasteries and temples out of solid rock. Here the sculptures and fabulously preserved frescoes monumentalize a 2,000-year-old civilisation by portraying its daily life as well as the epic stories of its religion. Ajanta, was surprisingly left by its creators for some unknown reason who then moved to Ellora (30 km from Aurangabad). Ellora cave temples over the next six centuries portrayed Buddhist as well as Hindu and Jain mythology.


Reaching There
» By Air : Aurangabad located 99 kilometres from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora is the nearest airport from Ajanta and ellora and is directly linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

» By Rail : Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 kilometres from Ajanta. Aurangabad is directly linked to Mumbai and Pune.

» By Road : The excellent road network in Maharashtra links the caves of Ajanta and Ellora with Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Bijapur, and Aurangabad.


Sightseeing in Ajanta Ellora
» Ajanta Caves : Located deep within the Sahyadri hills, above the Waghora river, are these outstanding group of caves, attracting tourists from all over. In the 19th century, a group of British officers on a tiger hunt accidently came across this exquisite piece of art. The caves at Ajanta depict the story of Buddhism covering the period from 200 BC to 650 AD.
Secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centres of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures.

» Ellora Caves :The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill and are located 30 kms from Aurangabad. They proudly own detailed facades and exquisitely adorned interiors and represent structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period.
The 12 Buddhist caves are to the south, the , the 17 in the centre are dedicated to Hinduism, 5 caves to the north are Jain. Of them Ala Kailasa Temple, the world's largest monolithic structure, sculptured as intricately as if it were an ivory miniature.


Accommodation in Ajanta Ellora
The right kind of accommodation will add to the comfort of the journey for you and your family or friends. Aurangabad is a convenient base for a trip to the caves of Ajanta-Ellora. The various hotels available in Aurangabad offer one the best of facilities and services. There is a good variety of luxury and budget hotels in Aurangabad to make your stay here one of its kind.