Ajanta Ellora Caves in India

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are representative of the flourish and growth of Buddhism in India. Discovered by an accident, these caves are the best examples of ancient Buddhist schools of learning and meditation. In total there are 63 caves in Ajanta and Ellora, in hill ranges and covered by dense forests and lush greenery. The place is ideal for studies, away from the hustle bustle of the city and surrounded by pure, green atmosphere, it tells why monks used to choose this place as a station of secluded study.

Ajanta Caves :
Ajanta caves are located at a distance of 110 km from Aurangabad City in Maharashtra, and house some 29 splendid caves. The cave temples are very beautifully carved out and were used as the residence of Buddhist monks. The finely built walls of these temples house some beautiful structures of Buddha. Interestingly the Ajanta caves represent both sects of Buddhism, Hinayana that worshipped only symbolic structures and Mahayana, that worshipped Buddha and other idols. This also signifies that the caves had been used for a long period, or were in use during the end of Hinayana and start of Mahayana. Caves numbered 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15 belongs to Hinayana, the older sect while 1,2, and 16, 17, 19 and 26 belong to the latter, Mahayana sects. Cave 1 and 2 showcases the vibrant and splendidly attractive mural paintings. Caves 19 and 26 are Chaityas that were used as prayer halls.

Ellora caves :
These caves are situated at a distance of 15 km from Aurangabad and are equally important in terms of Buddhism and its flourishing history in India. There are 34 caves in total, and interestingly, Jain, Hindu and Buddhist caves are on a same platter, there in Ellora, implying a conversion or assimilation between the religions. Caves 1 to 12 are Hindu while 13 to 29 are Buddhist caves and the rest are Jain.

The caves are situated in Charanadari hills in Verul village and are known to be built during the period 350BC to 750AD.

The best thing to notice in the place is the landscape, which is cool and soothing. The lush greenery covering the hill ranges make the place an ideal location to visit during a pilgrimage or a general tour schedule.

The most striking aspect of the place is at cave 10, which is dedicated to Viswakarma, the Hindu god, and surprisingly houses some Buddha figures and Boddhsattvas.

If you are visiting these caves don't forget to include Aurangabad and Daulatabad in you tour schedule as they are not very far from these caves. Aurangabad is famous for Humroo shawls, Kimkhwab and Mushroo handicrafts, Biwi Ka Maqbara and the Grishneshwara temple while Dulat-abaad is a fantastic destination and I assure it won't play a spoilsport.

Aurangabad airport is merely around 30 km from Ellora caves, while it is also nearest to Ajanta and also serves as a major railhead. The roads are well built and good commutation facilities exist to these caves.