These monumental caves beckon the curious and the eager, giving one a never-to-be-forgotten travel experience.

Ellora is well known for its awesome caves which have stood the test of time and changes in culture and which have remained among the greatest living testimonies of early Indian culture. Ensure that Ellora is on your travel itinerary if you would like an unforgettable travel experience.

History of Ellora

The history of Ellora will take you back to the 2nd century BC, and span a time period that reaches into the 8th century AD. Located 30 kilometres away from Aurangabad, on the Charanadari Hills, the 34 caves of Ellora are rock cut remnants of temples and monasteries of Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. Declared as a World Heritage Site, this place will give you a true idea of religious harmony as well as India’s ancient culture.

Tourism in Ellora

Tourism at Ellora is rampant. When you visit this monumental place, you will be delighted with the eye-feast that is before you. 17 Hindu caves, 5 Jain caves and 12 Buddhist caves exist in close proximity to each other, just waiting to be explored. The best part of the day to visit these caves is in the afternoon, since these caves face the West. If you plan to visit earlier in the day, carry along a flashlight as the caves will be quite dark. You will enjoy the carved and drawn representations within the caves. Pay special note to the architectural masterpieces within the Tin Tala, the twelfth Buddhist cave. While only the inner walls have sculptured panels and the pillars are plain, what really is beautiful is the fact that the entire three floors of the cave were fashioned by human hands with extreme skill.

Another cave of note is the sixteenth Hindu cave – the Kailasa Temple. It is said to have been begun by Krishna I, the Rashtrakuta king, and its magnificence is an architectural wonder. A single block was used to create the gateway, sanctum, tower, assembly hall and the pavilion.

As far as the Jain caves are concerned, you will enjoy exploring caves 32 and 34, which host the statues of Parasnath. Be sure to include these on your travel itinerary. These caves have a beautiful shrine and fantastic illustrations carved with precision.

Ellora is well connected by road and, on reaching Aurangabad. During your trip to India your tour package will in all likelihood cover this.