The Ajanta Caves are 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India. Ellora, also called Verul or Elura, is the short form of the ancient name Elapura. The older form of the name has been found in ancient references such as the Baroda inscription of 812 CE which mentions “The greatness of this edifice” and that “this great edifice was built on a hill by Krishnaraja at Elapura”
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Welcome to India! After clearing Customs and Immigration make your way through the terminal. Your representative will greet you at the ‘meeting point’ at the exit and transfer you comfortably to your hotel check in and enjoy the stay.
After breakfast we proceed to Aurangabad a cultural heritage location the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora. On arrival check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure exploring Aurangabad.
After breakfast we proceed for a full day excursion tour phenomenon Ajanta Caves inspires awe in the art connoisseurs all over the world and the Ajanta Caves stand for the entire evolution of the Buddhist architecture. The caves were cut out of the volcanic lava of the Deccan. The sylvan surroundings of the caves add much charm to these stunning pieces of Buddhist architecture. Ajanta Caves were discovered inadvertently in 1819, by a British captain John Smith while he was on a hunting expedition. The caves are an exclusive amalgamation of architecture, sculpture and paintings. The monastic Buddhist architecture at Ajanta comprises of two forms – the Chaitya or prayer hall and the Vihara or monastery.
While you pay a visit to the caves, you will come across countless scenes from the tales of Shibi Jataka, Samkhpala Jataka, Mahajanka Jataka and Champeyya Jataka. Out of all the Viharas or monasteries, Cave 16 is the finest monastery at Ajanta. The walls of the cave are decorated with a number of paintings including the conversion of Nanda, miracle of Sarvasti, elephant procession, Gautam’s first meditation and scenes from Hasti Jataka and Maha Ummagga Jataka. Cave 17, which is a vihara, bears the greatest number of paintings including a row of eight Buddhas. Other scenes include different Jataka Tales such as Chhaddanta Jataka, Mahamapi Jataka, Sama Jataka, Ruru Jataka and Nigrodhamriga Jataka.
We return back to the hotel , evening at leisure and enjoy your comfortable stay
Morning breakfast at the hotel and we set for another tour to Ellora Caves are wonderful pieces of history representing three faiths – Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. However, one can observe that even the Buddhist Caves have reference to the Hindu and Jain faith, and demonstrate the gradual decline of Buddhism. The Buddhist Caves belong to the Mahayana Phase and bear some the finest images of Lord Buddha. The ceilings of the caves bear paintings and geometrical patterns while the walls and pillars of the caves have various sculptures and mural depicting scenes from Lord Buddha’s life. Other images on the walls of the caves include images of Jain and Buddhist deities, their consorts, apsaras, attendants of gods, animals and plants.
Cave 10, which is famously known as Visvakarma, is a chaitya hall or prayer hall. The cave bears the image of Buddha seated in a stupa. Figurines of river goddesses can be seen adorning the entrance of the Ramesvara Cave. Among the Viharas or the residence of monks, cave 5 is the largest. The most impressive of all however is the Tin Tala, the three storied cave. Cave 16 known as Kailasa temple. It took 100 years to build the temple which was carved out of a single rock. The temple is the most stunning of all the Ellora caves. Inside, one can notice exquisite carvings with various themes and incidents from the Puranas.
We return back to the hotel, evening at leisure and enjoy your comfortable stay .An excellent piece of Indian art and architecture. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves can be visited from sunrise to sunset on all weekdays (except Monday).
After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and Drive back to Mumbai transfer to the airport with the sweet memories and an experience of the vacation which you can share with your family and friends and cherish all your life.
