If you wish to visit the oldest and finest art and sculpture remains of India, you should visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. About 30 rock cut Buddhist caves can be seen in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, all belonging to 2nd century BC.
A Visual Treat!
Travellers can view beautiful Buddha sculptures in Ajanta and Hindu, Jain Sculptures at Ellora. The caves are protected monuments and are taken care by the Archeological Survey Of India. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is simply imaginary for any human to come up with such masterpiece without the modern day tools or construction equipments. One can say that despite the technological revolution, people of those times lived comfortably and luxuriously.
It would be hard to believe that the Ajanta caves are actually cut into a cliff in the shape of U. The caves are situated on the banks of river Waghora.
How Was It Discovered?
The story is quite interesting. The caves were totally lost in a vast Jungle. During the British rule in India, one of the officers accidentally came across these massive caves while he was on a hunting party.
What More?
The caves contain the largest corpus of early wall paintings. The Indian art is highly rare and contemporary of 5th century and the Ajanta tradition.
What Are They Referred In History?
The caves actually belonged to the Satavahana dynasty and that is why they are also referred as Satavahana-period caves.
What Was The Purpose Of Caves?
These were the Buddhist Monasteries. They contain Vihara halls for prayer and living, Chaitya halls (Ribbed Roofs and Stupa), small square dormitories, Verandahs and the main central square hall with large windows and multiple entrances.
How To Reach?
Take a train from Mumbai to Jalgaon Railway Station (Mumbai - Delhi Line).
Ellora Caves:
For Hindu, Jain architecture and Mural work, you must take a tour to Ellora caves that is just a few kilometres away from Ajanta. According to history, this belonged to the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
The Epitome of rock cut architecture of India is also the 'World Heritage Site'.
Although there are many caves in Ellora, the Vishwakarma cave (Carpenter's cave), Kailashnatha cave, Dashavatara, Jain caves, Indra Sabha are most important ones.
What to carry?
Carry fruit drinks and fruits as you may feel exhausted touring numerous caves.
Top 3s: Mineral water, sunscreen and eye wear is must.
A Visual Treat!
It is simply imaginary for any human to come up with such masterpiece without the modern day tools or construction equipments. One can say that despite the technological revolution, people of those times lived comfortably and luxuriously.
It would be hard to believe that the Ajanta caves are actually cut into a cliff in the shape of U. The caves are situated on the banks of river Waghora.
How Was It Discovered?
The story is quite interesting. The caves were totally lost in a vast Jungle. During the British rule in India, one of the officers accidentally came across these massive caves while he was on a hunting party.
What More?
The caves contain the largest corpus of early wall paintings. The Indian art is highly rare and contemporary of 5th century and the Ajanta tradition.
What Are They Referred In History?
The caves actually belonged to the Satavahana dynasty and that is why they are also referred as Satavahana-period caves.
What Was The Purpose Of Caves?
These were the Buddhist Monasteries. They contain Vihara halls for prayer and living, Chaitya halls (Ribbed Roofs and Stupa), small square dormitories, Verandahs and the main central square hall with large windows and multiple entrances.
How To Reach?
Take a train from Mumbai to Jalgaon Railway Station (Mumbai - Delhi Line).
Ellora Caves:
For Hindu, Jain architecture and Mural work, you must take a tour to Ellora caves that is just a few kilometres away from Ajanta. According to history, this belonged to the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
The Epitome of rock cut architecture of India is also the 'World Heritage Site'.
Although there are many caves in Ellora, the Vishwakarma cave (Carpenter's cave), Kailashnatha cave, Dashavatara, Jain caves, Indra Sabha are most important ones.
What to carry?
Carry fruit drinks and fruits as you may feel exhausted touring numerous caves.
Top 3s: Mineral water, sunscreen and eye wear is must.
