Ajanta & Ellora Caves

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two of the world’s most magnificent examples of prehistoric rock-cut caves, located in the Sambhaji Nagar district of Maharashtra. Buddhist monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples can be found in the cave complexes of Ajanta and Ellora, which are decorated with exquisite sculptures, paintings, and frescoes. The Ajanta Caves, which are around 30 in number, were constructed between the second century BC and the sixth century AD, whereas the Ellora Caves, which are 34 in number and date from the sixth to the eleventh centuries AD, are more dispersed.The caves are quite well-liked by tourists from all over the world. Ajanta Caves are rock-hewn caves that are either viharas (monasteries), chaityas (shrine), chapels or prayer halls, or residential cells. They are situated approximately 99 kilometres north of Aurangabad. Ellora is only 15 kilometres to the west of Aurangabad, and it features a more balanced collection of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples. The Indian kings of the time commissioned and oversaw the construction of these elaborate caves, which are now almost entirely hidden by vegetation. The Kailash Temple is the largest single monolithic structure in the world and a major tourist attraction at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Bibi Ka Makbara
Due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal, it is known as the Taj of the Deccan. It was constructed in 1661 in honour of Mughal king Aurangazeb’s wife and is situated 29 kilometres from the caves close to the city of Aurangabad.

Bhadra Maruti Temple
The Hanuman idol in this temple is set up in a sleeping position. This temple, which is 4 kilometres from the caves on the outskirts of Khuldabad, attracts a lot of worshippers on special occasions.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The 12th and final Jyotirlinga temple is said to be in Verul village, close to the caves. Chhatrapati Shivaji’s grandfather rebuilt this historic temple in the sixteenth century. Ahalyabai Holkar, the queen of Indore, rebuilt it once more in the eighteenth century.