Places to visit in Ajanta caves
Kailasanatha: Kailash Temple is
Ajanta Ellora Caves Tourist Guide
Ajanta Ellora Overview
Ajanta cave located around 99 km from the town of Aurangabad, lie the Ajanta Caves, now included in the list of UNESCO World heritage Sites. Ajanta's wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below - the Saptakund.
Ellora caves are in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Ellora showcases the experiments that had carried out by Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks some 300 to 600 years back. The former were tolerant of all religions and under their liberal patronage, the technique of excavating rock-cut temples reached a high degree of perfection.
Location of Ajanta Caves
The caves are situated 100 km north-east of Ellora, 104 km from Aurangabad and 52 km from Jalgaon Railway Station. They are cut into the volcanic lava of the Deccan in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills and are set in beautiful sylvan surroundings. These magnificent caves containing carvings that depict the life of Buddha, and their carvings and sculptures are considered to be the beginning of classical Indian art.
Why you must visit Ajanta Ellora Caves
Ajanta & Ellora is ancient is very famous caves to visit Ajanta Ellora Caves have always been recognized as the gems that represent Indian history and the impressive artistry that existed in the foregone era. These tourist attractions consist of 64 rock-cut caves, located in close proximity from the city of Aurangabad. If your itinerary forces you to choose, the architecture at Ellora is more impressive. However, Ajanta has an outstanding setting overlooking a gorge and is more enjoyable to explore. The Japanese government funds the maintenance of the Buddhist Ajanta caves, so they're in noticeably better condition than sadly neglected Ellora. This definitely makes Ajanta more appealing.
The best time to visit Ajanta city is between the months of June and March. From June to September (monsoon) the region receives average to plenty of rain showers, which make the exploration experience a delight. While during months of November to February the temperature drops moderately.
How to reach Ajanta Caves
By Flight: Aurangabad is the nearest Air point for Ajanta. It can be reached from New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay), international airport. Indian airlines as well as Jet Airways have daily flight to Aurangabad from New Delhi and Mumbai.
By Train: Jalgaon (59 kms from Ajanta) is the nearest station where you should alight while coming from Delhi or Mumbai. Two trains Tapovan Express and Devgiri Express depart daily from Mumbai to Aurangabad.
Who built Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
Ellora is known for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cave temples built during (6th and 9th centuries) the rule of the Kalachuri, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties. The Jagannatha Sabha a group of five Jain cave temples of 9th century built by Rashtrakuta.
How many caves are there in Ajanta?
Ajanta dates from 100 B.C. while Ellora is younger by some 600 years. The village of Ajanta is in the Sahyadri hills, about 99 kms. From Aurangabad; a few miles away in a mammoth horseshoe-formed rock, are 30 caves overlooking a gorge, each forming a room in the hill and some with inner rooms.
Visiting hours for Ajanta - Ellora caves
The Caves are open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The Ajanta Caves remain closed on all Monday’s. The Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays. Both, Ajanta and Ellora caves are open on national holidays.
Entry Fee to caves
The admission fee for foreign tourists it is approximately US$ 10. A additional fee of Rs.25 is charged if you are taking a video camera with you. Children below the age of 15 years are permitted free of charge. The entry is free on all Friday’s and this is the day you probably should stay away.
Places to visit in Ajanta caves
Kailasanatha: Kailash Temple is basically the Cave 16, which is the most popular attraction of Ellora. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is largest rock-cut temple in the world that was chiseled out of 3 million cubic feet of rock. The temple is a multi-storeyed complex, designed similar to Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple features a two-storied gateway, which resembles a South Indian Gopura. This gateway leads to a U-shaped courtyard, which is bordered by columned galleries. Sculptures of deities adorn the galleries of this temple that was once connected to the central temple by flying bridges. They are a testimony to the fact that the three religions Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism were one and hence there are also Hindu temples to visit. The home of god Shiva in the Himalayas, It is the largest monolithic structure in the world, carved top-down from a single rock. The temple is a tall pyramidal structure carved with niches, plasters, as well as images of deities.
Swayambhu Ganpati Temple: A 400-year-old Ganesha temple, Swayambhu is built of pule which is nothing but white sand and is believed to be a self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha. The idol of the presiding deity of this temple, Lord Ganapathy, is a swayambhu(self created/manifested), which is formed of white sand. The idol placed in the sanctum sanctorum, made of copper, gets lit up by sunlight during the sunrise and sunset. Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, also regarded as ‘Paschim Dwar Dewata’, is at a distance of about 55 km from Ratnagiri Town.
Ganapatipule Beach: A clean rocky beach with fine silvery white sand, the Ganapatipule beach, is also known for the lagoon it houses. Ganapatipule Beach is situated at a distance of 28 km from Ratnagiri and is one of the most visited places of this city. This beach has been named after the Hindu deity Ganesha and houses an ancient temple under the same name. Other attractions of this beach include delicious food stalls, beautiful views of sunset and unique white sand which is rarely found on Indian beaches.
Marleshwar Temple: Marleshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple and is located on the outskirts of Ratnagiri. It is situated on an isolated hill and is thoroughly surrounded by a dense network of evergreen forest. Marleshwar temple provides a beautiful view of the nearby mountains and is surrounded by numerous waterfalls. However, one should visit this place preferably in the monsoon season as most of the waterfalls get dried up during other seasons.
Guhagar Beach: Guhagar beach is situated at a distance of about 8 km from Ratnagiri and is one of the most peaceful beaches in the state of Maharashtra. Guhagar beach is known for its pleasant weather and calm water which can be comfortably used for swimming purposes. This beach remains surrounded by local fishermen, boat owners and adventure sport operators and is one of the most captivating places in Ratnagiri.
Ratnagiri Lighthouse: Ratnagiri lighthouse is situated at a distance of around 10 km from the main town and can be safely described as the untouched landmark of Ratnagiri. The lighthouse is surrounded by the ancient fort of Ratnadurg on one side and by Arabian Sea on the other. Ratnagiri lighthouse is a pleasingly peaceful place and provides you a 360 degree view of the Arabian Sea.
Shri Devi Bhagwati Temple: Shri Devi Bhagwati Temple is situated inside the ancient fort of Ratnagiri and is dedicated to Hindu deity Durga. In spite of being surrounded by an abandoned fort, this temple stands as a major centre of faith for the locals of Ratnagiri. The festival of Navratri is considered as the best occasion to visit this temple as one can get a beautiful glimpse of local traditions and values during this festival.
FAQ - What is where...?
What to buy and shop in "Ajanta Ellora"
Bidri Pottery
Where to buy & shop for souvenirs tourist items in "Ajanta Ellora"
Buy traditional Bidri Pottery that makes for excellent souvenirs along with some knick-knacks at small shops near the parking bay of Ajanta caves.
Where to have best food in "Ajanta Ellora"
Kailash Restaurant is best to eat in Ajanta Ellora
Where to stay in "Ajanta Ellora"
Standard: Hotel Ajanta
Deluxe: Hotel Maitreyas
Luxury: Hotel Padmapani Park
Where to drink in "Ajanta Ellora"
Tandoor Restaurant and Bar
Best Bars in "Ajanta Ellora"
Hotel Padmapani Park
Where to eat Lunch & Dinner" Ajanta Ellora"
Dina's Hotel is best to enjoy Lunch & Dinner at Ajanta Ellora
