Ellora caves which is located 26 kms North of Aurangabad city are rock cut caves. The 35 caves built between the fifth and the tenth century are actually cut out from the vertical face of the basaltic formations of the Charanandri hills. They contain Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples. The 12 Buddhist (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain caves (caves 30-34), built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period. Amongst the Buddhsist caves, the first nine (caves 1-9) are monasteries. The last two caves, Do Tal (cave 11) and Tin Tal (cave 12) have three stories (levels).
Some notable Hindu caves include cave no.10 called the ‘Vishvakarma cave’ or the ‘Carpenter’s cave’. The magnificent Kailasa Temple which is cave no. 16 is the largest single monolithic. Dashavatara cave (cave 15) which depicts the 10 incarnations of Vishnu. Ramesvara cave (cave 21) has figurines of river goddesses at the entrance and the Dhumar Lena (cave 29) whose design is similar to the cave temple on Elephanta Island in Mumbai. The cave structures consist of Chaityas (stupa halls) and Viharas (dwelling halls).
The Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense of asceticism – they are not relatively large as compared to others but they present exceptionally detailed art works. For example, the 32nd cave Indra Sabha is a shrine with a very fine carving of the lotus flower on the ceiling. In another cave, an imposing yakshini is seated on her lion under a mango tree, laden with fruits. All other Jain caves are also characterised by intricate detailing. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the ceilings - fragments of which are still visible.
Like the Ajanta, these caves too have been declared as a World Heritage site.
The cave structures consist of Chaityas (stupa halls) and Viharas (dwelling halls). structure in the world.
Ellora has a temperate climate with moderate winter from November to February and hot summer from April to June. The Monsoon begins from June and lasts until September. It rains moderately but the nearby areas vary from arid, semi-arid to fertile.
This place can be visited anytime of the year but it is best to travel between October and March when winter sets in and the weather is pleasant to move out and enjoy the caves.
The restaurants near the caves may not accept credit cards. Good hotels in Aurangabad accept international credit cards. Few ATMs of major banks are found around the city. So it is advisable to carry some money in cash and pay the rest by credit card.
No permit is required to travel to Ellora caves. Just a visa to India is all what is needed.
The use of flash in the cameras is not allowed as it deteriorates the paintings.
By Road: From Aurangabad one can take a private vehicle to Ellora caves. MTDC buses from Aurangabad leave every half hour to drop tourists at the caves. One can hire a taxi and visit Ellora and Daulatabad on the same day.
The rock cut architecture of the caves with their chaityas and viharas.
The Kailasa temple which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world.
The Vishwakarma cave or the Carpenter’s cave.
Opening Hours And Days: Visiting Hours: The caves are open from 9 am to 5-30 pm and remain closed on Tuesdays. It is advisable to hire a guide for the detailed history of the monument and understanding the architecture.
Hotel Kailasa has a restaurant at Ellora. Foodwalla’s Ellora restaurant near the caves also serves good food. In Aurangabad one can find a variety of dining options from restaurants to extensive a-la-carte selections which offer Gujarati, North Indian and rich Mughlai cuisines. Some hotels also provide packed lunch for cave trips.
Where To Stay:
The Ellora caves have two hotels nearby. They are Hotel Kailasa and Hotel Natraj.
Aurangabad which is 26 km away has bigger hotels like Taj Residency, Rama International and The Meadows. It is better to stay at Aurangabad and visit the caves on a day trip.
