Situated in the heart of Maharashtra, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are some of the top historical sites in India. This place holds immense significance and is famous for its beautiful artwork, rock-cut architecture, and deep cultural heritage. Thousands of people visit this incredible place to see these wonders that depict a range of stories from ancient India. The paintings, sculptures, and carvings, everything has something to communicate. Therefore, people should surely plan their tour of this amazing historical spot and dive deep into India's wealthy heritage. Through this blog, we will know what makes this place special and why people must visit here at least once in their lifetime.

Why Are Ajanta and Ellora Caves So Special?

When people think of some of the majestic ancient places, the Ajanta and Ellora caves usually come to their minds. These caves comprise complexes that are situated near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These are truly a gem of ancient Indian craftsmanship. Though both Ajanta and Ellora are 100km apart, but they are usually visited together. Both of them share immense similarities, such as rock-cut designs and rich artwork. Given the title of the "UNESCO World Heritage Sites", these caves give a glimpse into India's spiritual and artistic past. 

For people planning a trip to these caves, you can opt for affordable ajanta caves tour packages that will help you get the best value for your money and experience an unforgettable tour to this historical site.

Top 10 Facts About the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Before visiting the Ajanta Ellora Caves, it is essential to be aware of some of the key facts that make this place special and worth visiting. Here is a breakdown of the top 10 facts about the Ajanta and Ellora:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Both Ajanta and Ellora caves were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983. The primary reason to do so was because of their cultural, religious, and artistic importance. The authorities realized that the place holds tremendous history and cultural insights and should be declared as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites to attract tourism and enhance its comprehensive goodwill.

2. History of the Caves

People usually don't know that the Ajanta Caves are older than the Ellora Caves. The Ajanta caves date back to the 2nd century BCE, and this site was primarily utilized by Buddhist monks. On the other hand, the Ellora Caves were built between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. These cave complexes represent a combination of the Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain influences. Therefore, both of them hold diverse tales within themselves.

3. Amazing Rock-Cut Work

These caves were not built in a proper manner; rather, they were carved straight into the rock. Such an exceptional technique makes them rare and one of the most fascinating sites in India. When you visit inside these caves, you will find a range of amazing carvings and wall paintings that have been there for centuries.

4. Buddhist Influence in Ajanta

Most of the paintings in the Ajanta caves depict the Jataka Tales. Jataka tales are stories that talk about the previous lives of the Buddha. These paintings are colorful and are full of life and detail. When you visit here through your Ajanta Caves tour packages, do not forget to have a look at these majestic paintings.

5. Religious Diversity in Ellora

As compared to the Ajanta caves, the Ellora caves represent three different religions that are Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. All of these co-exist in one place, which makes it one of the key destinations in India. Moreover, it is also a sign of religious harmony in India.

6. Kailash Temple at Ellora

At Cave 16 at Ellora, one can visit the Kailash Temple. It is one of the world's biggest monolithic temples, which means that it was carved from a single rock. This temple is one of the significant wonders for engineers and artists. Another surprising factor is that it took just 18 years to build this masterpiece instead of 100, as people think.

7. Masterful Craftsmanship

Another element in the top 10 facts about the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, is their masterful carvings. Both caves have beautiful carvings of gods, kings, common people, and scenarios from everyday life. Each figure is carved into the rock and tells a story. These stories further reflect deep beliefs and cultural practices of ancient times.

8. Caves as Monasteries

The Ajanta caves also served as homes for monks. There are meditation cells and halls for teaching and praying. Moreover, people can also witness the sacred stupas for rituals.

9. Preservation and Conservation

As the centuries passed, the caves have been affected by weather and human activities. However, several initiatives and efforts have been made to preserve the paintings, sculptures, and structures for future generations.

10. Varaha's Triumph – Lord Vishnu's Avatar

Varaha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One can find its beautiful sculptures in the Ellora Cave 5. It depicts how he saved the Earth from the cosmic water and depicts good over evil. It is one of the most magnificent sculptures in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Main Attractions in Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Here are some of the main attractions at the Ajanta Ellora Caves that you should not miss: 

1. Ajanta Caves:

  • Cave 1: This cave is famous due to its complex paintings and Buddha sculptures. The wall paintings of this place are among the oldest and most preserved in the world.
  • Cave 16: Cave 16 is recognized for its large Buddha statue and colorful murals. These tell stories from Buddha's life and the Jataka Tales.

2. Ellora Caves:

  • Cave 16 (Kailash Temple): A primary highlight of the Ellora caves is the Kailash temple. It is filled with carvings of Hindu gods and mythological scenes.
  • Cave 10: Cave 10 holds a beautiful Buddhist monastery with amazing pillars, walls, and carvings that bring the teachings of Buddha to life.

Best Time To Visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The best time to visit Ajanta Ellora Caves is from October to March. During this time, one can experience a pleasant atmosphere, which makes it easy for them to explore the site comfortably. Do not visit in the monsoon season, which is from June to September, as the rain might cause difficulty in exploration as well as transportation.

Conclusion 

For people who wish to go back into history, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are your gateway. These caves tell people of the current generations the stories of faith, art, and ancient Indian life in the most beautiful manner. Therefore, this site will leave you amazed. 

To really enjoy the rich history and beauty of these caves, you can consider to book a guided tour with Noble House Tours Pvt. Ltd. They provide comprehensive Ajanta caves tour packages that cover everything from transportation to professional guides. Their guided tour makes sure that you don't miss out on any important details and helps you understand the deeper meaning behind the carvings and artwork.