Ajanta Ellora Tourism, Maharashtra

Ajanta-Ellora Caves

Ajanta caves, located in the Sahyadri hills, are rock cut caves that dates back to 100 B.C. These 30 Ajanta caves were created over a period of 600 years, in a huge horseshoe formed rock that overlooks a gorge. Many of these caves have rooms and inner rooms, which were crafted as Chaityas (chapels) for prayers and Viharas (monasteries) for Buddhist monks to live and teach. The cave walls are also full of exquisite carvings and wall paintings that have been created by just hammer and chisel. These carvings provide a view into the life of ancient India with details like hair styles, ornaments, textiles, musical instruments, detail of architecture etc.

Ellora caves are about 600 years younger than Ajanta caves (built from 5th century to 11th century) and were carved out of a vertical face of escarpment. These caves are about 34 in number and have Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries. The Ellora caves are also home to the Kailasa temple which is the largest monolithic structure in the world.