Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves are located near Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra, India. Adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings and frescoes, Ajanta and Ellora caves are an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments as the complex includes both Buddhist monasteries as well as Hindu and Jain temples. The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built in the period between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD whereas the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and dates to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD.

Ajanta and Ellora caves are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are quite popular among travellers from all over the world. Ajanta Caves, located around 99km north of Aurangabad are mostly Buddhist sites and were used as a retreat by Buddhist Monks. Ellora is just  15 km west of Aurangabad and have a better mix of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sites. These hand-carved caves were built and sponsored by the Indian rulers of those periods and are almost buried by thick forests all around. One of the most famous sites in the entire Ajanta and Ellora Caves is the Kailash Temple, which is also the single largest monolithic structure in the world. These rock-cut caves containing carvings are some of the best examples of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture.

104 km from Aurangabed, carved into the rocky hillside, are the Ajanta caves.These caves date back to between 200BC to 250AD.They were accidentally discovered in1918 by John Smith, a British captain,and have since then achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status. There are 30 caves in all out of which 5 are Chaityas or prayer halls and the rest are monastries.
The Ajanta caves are a rich storehouse of Buddhist religious art.The paintings, frescos and sculptures depict scenes from the Jataka tales.
Similarly,30km from Aurangabad are the 34 caves at Ellora.Predating to between 350AD and 700AD , 12 of these caves are Buddhist and the others represent Hindu and Jain culture.Richly painted ceilings and beautiful images of Lord Buddha adorn the Buddhist caves.The Vishwakarma prayer hall in Cave 10 is especially impressive. Among the Hindu caves is Cave 16 or Kailasa Temple built out of a single rock, The intricate carvings depict incidents from the Hindu texts,The Puranas.

Iternary

2 Night/3 Day AJANTA /ELLORA ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival in Aurangabad transfer to hotel overnight in Aurangabad
Day 2 : Morning departure Ajanta caves.Return to Aurangabad by evening
Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesday) – UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the finest examples of rockcut caves, there are 34 caves, Cave 16 is the most famous and has Lord Shiva sculpted on the rocks-the largest monolith in the world. After Ellora Caves, further proceed for Pithalkora Caves:-Pithalkora caves are about 78 kms. From Aurangabad. The intricate work on the sculptured facades in these caves is definitely worth a visit.
Day 3 : Ellora sight seeing and evening drop at airport
Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesday) – UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the finest examples of rockcut caves, there are 34 caves, Cave 16 is the most famous and has Lord Shiva sculpted on the rocks-the largest monolith in the world. After Ellora Caves, further proceed for Pithalkora Caves:-Pithalkora caves are about 78 kms. From Aurangabad. The intricate work on the sculptured facades in these caves is definitely worth a visit

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