Aurangabad Private 3-Day Tour with the Ajanta and Ellora Caves

longs to the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths. One of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Maharashtra, Ellora dates back to the Rashtrakuta dynasty, about 1,500 years ago, and is the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. There are in all 34 caves, of which 12 are Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain. A protected site under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India, Cave No. 16 popularly known as Kailash Temple is a World Heritage Site carved from a single monolithic structure.

It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Behind the mausoleum is a small Archaeological Museum.

A cluster of 32 Buddhist caves not far from a medieval village of the same name, the site is a protected monument in the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. Moreover, since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The thirty rock-hewn caves at Ajanta, cut into the scarp of a cliff are either Chaityas (chapels) or Viharas (monasteries). On the walls of the caves are paintings, many still glowing with their original colours. The outer walls are covered with brilliantly executed sculpture. The Buddhist theme of the Ajanta paintings recounts the life of Lord Buddha and tales of his previous earthly experiences.

The Tantric influence is evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara (mausoleum) from this point.