According to historical records, the construction of the caverns at Ajanta occurred between the second century BCE and 650 or 480 CE. In contrast, the construction of the caves at Ellora occurred between the fifth century CE and the tenth century CE. In modern times, the caverns have been designated as a UNESCO Globe Heritage Site and are on the itineraries of tourists and history enthusiasts worldwide. Therefore, if visiting them is also on your list of things to do before you die, here is a comprehensive guide to make your vacation less stressful.

How To Obtain Access To It

The caverns are located in Northern Maharashtra, which is around 400 kilometers away from Mumbai. Due to their popularity, the caves are also easy to reach by various ways of transportation. The following are some specifics for an easy and enjoyable excursion:

By Rail

The Aurangabad train stations are where you will get the most convenient access to public transit. The caves at Ellora may be reached in less than an hour and a half, while those in Ajanta are located about an hour and a half away. It will take around six or seven hours to get from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

By Air

You will need to go to the Aurangabad airport, where the caverns are located around 100 kilometers from the airport. The airport has excellent transport links to several of India's major cities.

By Road

The city of Aurangabad is conveniently accessible by road from several adjacent cities and towns, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, and Hyderabad. You may take a bus or drive there in your vehicle to get to the caverns.

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves Are Famous For The Following Attractions:

The caverns are not only fascinating from a historical and architectural standpoint but also a sight to see. Permit us to acquaint you with these ancient jewels found in archaeological sites.

Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caverns are a collection of thirty rock-cut caves home to some of the most impressive works of art and figures ever documented in the annals of Indian history. Cave 1, Cave 2, Cave 4, and Cave 17 are the ones you shouldn't miss out on, however. Cave 17 is also a good one.

Cave 1

Cave 1 stands out among all of the caverns mostly because the artwork portrayed in Cave 1 is genuine. It features a large gateway decorated with paintings of Bodhisattvas, and the sides show two significant moments in Buddha's life: the time just before he attained enlightenment and when he transformed himself into many different images.

Cave 2

The ceiling of Cave 2 has beautiful abstract patterns of demons, birds, fruits, and flowers that are both mind-boggling and detailed. It is the cave's focal point. Even though it is unfinished, Ajanta Cave 4 is home to one of the largest religious communities in the cave. This community is said to exude a mystical aura still.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves are a sight since they are made up of 34 different caves, each of which has special characteristics. Because you probably will not be able to see all of them, Cave 1, Cave 2, and Cave 16 are the ones that we think you should prioritize seeing. This is particularly true if you have a limited time and do not want to skip any of the greatest ones.

Cave 1 is a Vihara, another name for a Buddhist temple, and has eight sacred chambers. The site of 12 elaborate pillars and a statue of Lord Buddha riding a lion Cave 2 is another stunning place. The magnificent entrance was embellished with a sculpture of Maitreya Buddha and Padmapani clutching a lotus flower.

Ajanta Ellora Festival

Each year in November, Travelers from all over the globe attend the Ajanta and Ellora Festival, which is hosted annually by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. The caverns are made more appealing by the live performances of dance and music. The event highlights the skills of up-and-coming folk and classical musicians and the ingenuity and beauty of Aurangabad's historic buildings and structures.

Invest Your Money in Paintings

Buying and sightseeing are two activities that go hand in hand, and both the Ajanta and Ellora caves provide many possibilities for you to indulge in your shopping passions. There are several open-air marketplaces where you may find stunning Buddha statues that local artisans have created. These markets also sell decorations made of silver and semi-precious stones, footwear, and clothes.

Experience Beauty Of The Wonder Years

June through March are ideal for exploring the Ajanta and Ellora Caves since the weather is often favorable during those months. Up to September, this area, on average, sees a lot of rain showers, contributing to the region's lovely daytime weather. Caverns are an excellent place to visit if you are interested in history and seek to build a connection to the past. Due to the caves' long history, they are frequented by many history enthusiasts.