India is a land of wonders, where the cultural and historical monuments speak volumes about the rich past of the country. Among the many such monuments, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves stand out for their exquisite beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. Located in the state of Maharashtra, these caves are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the magnificent heritage of India. In this article, we will take a closer look at these beautiful caves and the heritage tour that Maharashtra has to offer. 

Overview of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves 

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a group of 64 rock-cut caves, situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. These caves were carved out of volcanic rock between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, and are considered to be some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture. The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous for their beautiful paintings and sculptures, while the Ellora Caves are renowned for their remarkable architecture and engineering. 

History of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves 

The Ajanta Caves were built between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, during the reign of the Satavahana and Vakataka dynasties. These caves were used by Buddhist monks as prayer halls and monasteries. The Ellora Caves were built between the 6th century and 10th century AD, during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. These caves were used by monks from different religious communities, including Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus. 

Ajanta Caves 

The Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 caves, divided into two phases - the Hinayana phase and the Mahayana phase. The Hinayana phase includes Caves 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A, which were built between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD. The Mahayana phase includes Caves 1-8, 11, 14, and 15, which were built between the 5th century AD and the 6th century AD. The Ajanta Caves are famous for their beautiful paintings, which depict various scenes from the life of Buddha and other Buddhist legends. The paintings are done in the fresco-secco technique, which involves painting on a dry plaster surface. 

Ellora Caves 

The Ellora Caves are a group of 34 caves, divided into three phases - the Buddhist phase, the Hindu phase, and the Jain phase. The Buddhist phase includes Caves 1-12, which were built between the 6th century AD and the 7th century AD. The Hindu phase includes Caves 13-29, which were built between the 7th century AD and the 9th century AD. The Jain phase includes Caves 30-34, which were built between the 9th century AD and the 10th century AD. The Ellora Caves are famous for their remarkable architecture, which includes rock-cut temples, monasteries, and shrines. The most famous cave is Cave 16, also known as the Kailasa Temple, which is a massive structure carved out of a single rock. 

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Heritage Tour 

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) offers a heritage tour of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which is a must-do for anyone visiting the state. The tour covers the famous caves, as well as other important heritage sites in the area, including the Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the mini Taj Mahal, and the Daulatabad Fort. The tour takes you on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, giving you a glimpse into the past of the region. 

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves Heritage Tour is designed to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. The tour includes a visit to the Ajanta Caves, where you can explore the beautiful paintings and sculptures, and learn about the rich history of the caves. The tour also takes you to the Ellora Caves, where you can marvel at the remarkable architecture and engineering. You can also visit the Kailasa Temple, which is the most famous cave in the Ellora Caves complex. 

The Bibi Ka Maqbara is another important heritage site that is included in the tour. It is a beautiful mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, Dilras Banu Begum. The mausoleum is often referred to as the mini Taj Mahal because of its resemblance to the famous monument. 

The Daulatabad Fort is another important heritage site that is included in the tour. It is a massive fort built in the 14th century, which was once the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty. The fort is famous for its remarkable architecture and engineering, including the moat, which is filled with crocodiles. 

The Ajanta and Ellora CaThe tour covers the famous caves, as well as other important heritage sites in the area, including the Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the mini Taj Mahal, and the Daulatabad Fort. The tour takes you on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, giving you a glimpse into the past of the region. 

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves Heritage Tour is designed to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. The tour includes a visit to the Ajanta Caves, where you can explore the beautiful paintings and sculptures, and learn about the rich history of the caves. The tour also takes you to the Ellora Caves, where you can marvel at the remarkable architecture and engineering. You can also visit the Kailasa Temple, which is the most famous cave in the Ellora Caves complex. 

The Bibi Ka Maqbara is another important heritage site that is included in the tour. It is a beautiful mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, Dilras Banu Begum. The mausoleum is often referred to as the mini Taj Mahal because of its resemblance to the famous monument. 

The Daulatabad Fort is another important heritage site that is included in the tour. It is a massive fort built in the 14th century, which was once the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty. The fort is famous for its remarkable architecture and engineering, including the moat, which is filled with crocodiles. 

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves Heritage Tour is an excellent way to explore the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. It is a must-do for anyone visiting the state, as it provides a unique insight into the past of the region. 

How to reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves heritage tour by train and nearest railway station? 

To reach the Ajanta and Ellora Caves Heritage Tour by train, the nearest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station. Aurangabad is well connected by trains to all major cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which are located about 100 kilometers away from Aurangabad. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on the traffic conditions. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid any inconvenience. 

How to reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves heritage tour by air and nearest airport? 

FAQs 

When were the Ajanta and Ellora Caves built?  

Ans. The Ajanta Caves were built between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, while the Ellora Caves were built between the 6th century AD and the 10th century AD. 

What is the Ajanta Caves famous for?  

Ans. The Ajanta Caves are famous for their beautiful paintings, which depict various scenes from the life of Buddha and other Buddhist legends. 

What is the Ellora Caves famous for?  

Ans. The Ellora Caves are famous for their remarkable architecture, which includes rock-cut temples, monasteries, and shrines. 

What is the Kailasa Temple?  

Ans. The Kailasa Temple is the most famous cave in the Ellora Caves complex. It is a massive structure carved out of a single rock. 

What is the Bibi Ka Maqbara?  

Ans. The Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, Dilras Banu Begum.