Ellora and Ajanta Caves Maharashtra India

The Ellora and Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are UNESCO World Heritage Site caves that consist of ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments carved into rock. The caves feature intricate sculptures and elaborate architectural designs, and provide a glimpse into India’s past.

Ellora and Ajanta Caves Maharashtra India Summary

Attraction Name: Ellora and Ajanta Caves Maharashtra
Country: India
Continent: Asia
Capital Name: New Delhi
Language: Hindi, English
Currency: Indian Rupee
Nationality: Indians

Why must you visit Ellora and Ajanta Caves Maharashtra India?

The Ellora and Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra, India, are some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. These caves are well known for their exquisite architecture and breathtaking artwork, depicting tales of Hindu and Buddhist mythology. As such, these caves are a must-see for anyone interested in history and art.

The Ellora and Ajanta Caves also offer insight into Indian spirituality, as well as provide visitors a chance to marvel at the ancient wonders of the world.

Tell us about Ellora and Ajanta Caves Maharashtra India

The Ellora and Ajanta Caves are two of the most impressive architectural sites in India and are located in the state of Maharashtra, around 400 km east of Mumbai. The caves are carved out of the basalt cliffs of the Charanandri hills, and were built by different civilisations over the centuries.

The Ellora Caves are considered to be the most remarkable of the two and consist of 34 caves, which were made by Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks between the 6th and the 10th centuries A.D. Many of the caves are dedicated to Hindu gods and feature intricate sculptures and carvings. On the other hand, the Ajanta caves date back to the 2nd century B.C., and consist of 30 Buddhist cave temples, created under the patronage of the Satvahan dynasty.

Inside there are paintings and sculptures that depict scenes from Jataka tales and legends from Hindu mythology. Together, these caves constitute one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites, and are a must-see when visiting Maharashtra.

What are the things to do in Ellora and Ajanta Caves Maharashtra India?

Ellora and Ajanta Caves are two of the most well-known ancient rock-cut cave complexes in India, and they are a must-visit if you’re in Maharashtra. The Ellora Caves are a series of two dozen Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples that were carved out of the surrounding hillsides and rock formations over a period of 600 years. The Ajanta Caves are another set of similar structures, but mainly Buddhist, carved into an even more remote hilly area.

Visiting both Ellora and Ajanta Caves will take at least a full day. Both complexes contain many beautiful, historic structures that you won’t want to miss. The most notable feature at Ellora is the Kailasa Temple, a large temple complex carved from one single piece of rock. It has entrances from four sides, along with a variety of other sculptures, intricate carving, and three large courtyards. At Ajanta, the Cave 16 has some of the most beautiful Buddhist paintings of any ancient site.

At Ellora and Ajanta, visitors can get a sense of the different religions that have played a role in Indian history and culture. In addition, tourists can rent a tour guide to explain the importance of each structure and the history of each site.

Other activities at Ellora and Ajanta include meditation, birdwatching, and shopping. The nearby Ellora Village has a few shops where visitors can buy souvenirs and artifacts related to the sites.

Overall, Ellora and Ajanta Caves are a must-visit destination in Maharashtra. These ancient, impressive sites offer a glimpse into India’s past and are full of history. Visitors are sure to be mesmerized by the iconic architecture, intricate structures, and spiritual atmosphere of the caves.

What are the best foods at Ellora and Ajanta Caves Maharashtra India?

Some of the best foods to try at Ellora and Ajanta Caves include:

Paneer Tikka Masala: This flavorful and spiced dish is a popular vegetarian choice made from Indian cheese and gravy.
Aloo Gobi: A classic vegetarian dish of cauliflower and potatoes cooked in a flavorful sauce.
Mutton Korma: A delicious dish made from slow cooked mutton in a creamy sauce.
Tandoori Chicken: Marinated chicken cooked in a traditional clay oven.
Dal Makhani: A hearty black lentil curry.
Naan: A classic Indian flatbread.