Where is ellora

Ellora Caves are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism and were created between the 5th and the 13th centuries CE. The caves are 30 km northwest of central Aurangabad , a few km from Khuldabad , and km northeast of Mumbai in Maharashtra state. Aurangabad has the nearest airport 36 km , and there are daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai. Aurangabad is the nearest railway station, and there are regular trains from Mumbai, Hyderabad , Delhi, Amritsar etc.

There is an overnight train from Mumbai. The frequency is good, and they are extremely safe and fairly comfortable, though not very luxurious. There is no need for advance booking and tickets are issued on the bus itself.

The tourist attractions in Ajanta are undoubtedly the caves. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta remained in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in Ajanta and Ellora are protected monument sites under the Archaeological Survey of India and has been included in the World Heritage list of monuments.

These murals and frescoes adorning the walls of these structures depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from BC to AD. Many of the caves have panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a treasure trove of stories about the several incarnations of the Buddha. A little preparation can make your sightseeing insightful, memorable, and satisfying.

The tourist attractions of Ellora is spread over the 34 or so rock cut caves in a row. The centerpiece is probably the massive Kailashanatha Temple which is entirely carved out of the volcanic basalt mount. Exact matches only. Search in title. Search in content. Search in excerpt. Location of Ajanta and Ellora Caves with approximate distances. Daulatabad Location of Ajanta and Ellora Caves with approximate distances.

The rock-cut activity was carried out in three phases from the 6th century to the 12th century. The earliest caves caves 1—12 , excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries, reflect the Mahayana philosophy of Buddhism then prevalent in this region.

The Brahmanical group of caves caves 13—29 , including the renowned Kailasa temple cave 16 , was excavated between the 7th and 10th centuries.

The last phase, between the 9th and 12th centuries, saw the excavation of a group of caves caves 30—34 reflecting Jaina philosophy. These caves mark the development of the Vajrayana form of Buddhism and represent a host of Buddhist deities. Amongst these, Cave 16 is an excellent example of structural innovation, and marks the culmination of rock-cut architecture in India featuring elaborate workmanship and striking proportions.

The temple is decorated with some of the boldest and finest sculptural compositions to be found in India. The sculpture depicting Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Siva, is especially noteworthy. The remains of beautiful paintings belonging to different periods are preserved on the ceilings of the front mandapa pillared hall of this temple.

The Jaina group of caves caves 30 — 34 is exquisitely carved with fine, delicate sculptures, and includes fine paintings dedicated to the Digambara sect. Through their art and architecture, the Ellora Caves serve as a window to ancient India, including socio-cultural phenomena, material culture, politics, and lifestyles. Criterion i : The ensemble of Ellora is a unique artistic achievement, a masterpiece of human creative genius. If one considers only the work of excavating the rock, a monument such as the Kailasa Temple is a technological exploit without equal.

Criterion iii : Ellora brings to life again the civilization of ancient India with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments from AD to Criterion vi : The Ellora Caves not only bear witness to three great religions, i. Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism, they illustrate the spirit of tolerance, characteristic of ancient India, which permitted these three religions to establish their sanctuaries and their communities in a single place, which thus served to reinforce its universal value.

Ellora Caves includes all the elements necessary to express its Outstanding Universal Value, including the architectural and sculptural elements that bear witness to Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism in an uninterrupted sequence of monuments from AD to Identified potential threats to the integrity of the property include visitor and environmental management, seepage and cracking in the caves, and the capacity of conservation staff at the property.