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.
Ajanta and Ellora caves are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are quite popular among travelers from all over the world.
Places to Visit:
Ajanta Caves
- Ajanta Caves is now included in the list of UNESCO World heritage Sites.
- Ajanta caves depict the Buddhist culture and their stories through various sculptures and paintings.
- It also takes you to the world of Jatakas.
- The Ajanta caves is a set of 3 rock-cut Buddhist caves that date back to the period between 2nd century BC and 650 CE.
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The Buddhist Caves, Ellora
- The 12 Buddhist Caves mostly include viharas or monasteries.
- In these caves, several monasteries have shrines that are carved with paintings and sculptures of Buddha, Bodhisattva and Saints.
- Among all, Chaitya hall Cave 10 popularly known as the Carpenter’s Cave is the most famous Buddhist cave.
- This cave features a cathedral-like stupa hall, which is called as chaityas.
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Jain Caves, Ellora
- Cave 34 is an unfinished four-pillared hall with a shrine.
- Another place called Samvatsarana is located in Ellora caves which was used by thirthankaras preached after attaining omniscience.
- Cave 34 is an unfinished four-pillared hall with a shrine.
- Another place called Samvatsarana is located in Ellora caves which was used by thirthankaras preached after attaining omniscience.
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Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grishneshwar Temple located in Ellora is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
- Also known as Grishneshwar or Dhushmeshwar Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered an important pilgrimage site.
- Grishneshwar is the smallest of the Jyotirlingas and is considered the last or the 12th Jyotirlinga of India.
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Daualatabad Fort
- Daulatabad Fort is an ancient fortification that rises formidably from the midst of verdant greenery.
- Often hailed as one of the ‘seven wonders of Maharashtra’, this architectural marvel is believed to have been built in the 12th century.
- Also known as Devgiri fort, perhaps the most enchanting qualities is its location, from the zenith of which you can capture a mesmerizing view of the entire city.
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Aurangabad Caves
- Aurangabad Caves are twelve rock-cut Buddhist shrines, located around 20 km north-west of Aurangabad.
- These caves date back to the 6th and 8th century and should not be confused with the Ajanta and Ellora Caves which also located close to Aurangabad.
- Carved out of Soft Basalt Rock, these are considered as one of the most spectacular caves in India.
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Bibi Ka Makbara, Aurangabad
- Bibi ka Maqbara is a beautiful mausoleum of Rabia- Ul – Daurani alias Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
- Bibi ka Maqbara was constructed by Aurangzeb in the year 1661 in the memory of his wife.
- The monument resembles the famous Taj Mahal, as the main inspiration for building the design was from here and is often referred to as the Taj of the Deccan.
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