India /Maharashtra /Aurangabad /Ellora Caves
Ellora caves, locally known as ‘Verul Leni’ is located on the Aurangabad-Chalisgaon road at a distance of 30 km north-northwest of Aurangabad, the district headquarters. The name Ellora itself inspires everyone as it represents one of the largest rock-hewn monastic-temple complexes in the entire world. Ellora is also world famous for the largest single monolithic excavation in the world, the great Kailasa (Cave 16). The visit to these caves is enjoyed maximum during monsoon, when every stream is filled with rainwater, and the entire environ is lush green. The monsoon is not only a season of rains in this part, the local visitors are attracted to visit these ideal locations to have a glimpse of the mother nature in full bloom.
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Historical
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 431102
STD Code: 2432
Info Website: ajantacaves.com
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
HistoryEdit
Ellora caves were carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries. The carving work began around 550 AD, about the same time the Ajanta Caves (100km northeast) were abandoned. The Ellora Caves were built at time when Buddhism was declining in India and Hinduism was beginning to reassert itself. The Brahmanical movement was especially powerful under the patronage of the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta kings, who oversaw most of the work at Ellora – including the magnificent Kailasa Temple built in the 700s.The last period of building activity took place in the 10th century, when the local rulers switched allegiance from Shaivism (Hinduism devoted to Shiva) to the Digambara sect of Jainism.The coexistence of structures from three different religions serve as a splendid visual representation of the prevalent religious tolerance of India. For this reason and others, the Ellora Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Places to VisitAdd
How to ReachEdit
By Air : There is no airport Ellora Caves.The nearest airport (which is a domestic airport) from these caves is situated in Aurangabad (15 kms) and can be reached directly from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur.
By Train : Jalgaon railway station is the nearest Railway station in Ellora Caves. which is nearly 60 kilometers from Ajanta. this railway station connected with all other major cities in India.
By BUS : Bus services available from Aurangabad to Ellora is around 30km. One can reserve Auto which will charge around Rs 350-400. Or else take Govt Buses from Central bus stop
By Taxi : Aurangabad, is well connected by road. Tourists can take taxi from Aurangabad to access Ellora Caves.
By Other : N.A.
Top HotelsAdd
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Kailas ; Ellora Caves, Ellora District, Aurangabad. ; Ph – 91 2437 244446 ; Facilities – Internet access, a library and games,Bar/Lounge,Business Centre,Fitness Centre, Free Parking,Restaurant Room Service.
Top RestaurantsAdd
Must Eat FoodAdd
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Ellora Ajanta Festival ; Venue: Soneri Mahal (Golden Palace) ; Period : November ; Details: An historic 17th century architectural marvel in Aurangabad near Ellora, in the last week of November each year. The festival features some of the most distinguished singers and dancers of India.
Ellora festival ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : March ; Details: Ellora festival of classical dance and music is organised in the third week of March by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. It acts as a platform for the artists to show their talents by the performances. Renowned artists from all over the world, participate in this grand festival. It is awe-inspiring to look the magnificent caves during the festival.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Beware of pickpockets as Ellora Caves is a major tourist city in India.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 102
ItineraryEdit
N.A.