Ellora

Introduction and history: Ellora caves, also known as ‘Verul Lani’ locally, are located 30 kilometres North-West of city Aurangabad. Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (cave 29). The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world. These caves, unlike those of Ajanta, were never lost only because of their proximity to the trade routes since ancient period.

What to see and when to go: The exquisite carvings and paintings found in Ellora are its major highlights. These carvings have marks of Hindu, Jain and Buddhsim expressions. The wooden beams, graceful angles, steps and the mystical figures of gods and goddesses are absolutely spellbinding. They exhibit the creative excellence of the artist of that time. The best time to visit these marvellous caves is during the monsoon season that spans from Late-June to early November.

Things to do: All the caves at Ellora face west and can be seen best in the afternoon. Although, the Ellora caves are not much different from the Ajanta in terms of space and time, the Chaityas and Viharas of Ellora are architecturally and sculpturally quite different. It is interesting to note that the Ellora representations are earthier, taking elements from the Vajrayana school of Buddhism. This is the primarily reason why the dwarapalas, the gigantic Boddhisattavas and their consorts have lot of earthiness about them. The Ellora Caves are known more for their architectural skills rather than the sculptural aesthetics that Ellora is noted for.

Accommodation: There are hotels available at Aurangabad depending on the tourist’s pocket. Travellers can also choose to stay at Mumbai, Nashik or Pune so as to make a perfect trip to the caves.

Mode of transport: Aurangabad is connected to metro cities in India through rail, road and air. Nearest Airport, railway station and bus station to Ellora caves is Aurangabad. It is recommended to hire taxis for local transport for tourists.

Related links:
• Related Website: www.indiasite.com/maharashtra/aurangabad/ellora.html

See also (nearby places): Dalutabad fort, Ghrishneshwar Temple, Ajanta Caves, Khuldabad, Lonar, Shani Shignapur, Pariyon ka Talab (Lake of Fairies), Paithan and Pithalkora

Elephanta

Introduction and history: Elephanta caves, was known ancient times as ‘Gharapuri’ or The Place of Caves during the ancient times. The Portuguese took possession of the island and named it ‘Elephanta’ after the great statue, which they had found on the seashore. There are in all seven caves, of which the most important is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns. The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are very impressive.

What to see and when to go: The main temple consists of a large pillared hall and there exists a freestanding square shrine at the west end of the hall. The pillars and relief in the cave are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large reliefs depicting different aspects of Shaivaite iconography. Around the perimeter of the cave are sculptured compartments with images from the Hindu mythology. The best time to visit these beautiful caves is from the months of November to March.

Things to do: Elephanta Island is a scenic beauty and a piece of solace, with light-green foliage and monkeys scampering about. It is strongly recommended that visitors do not bring any food to avoid any interaction with moneys. This place is depicting Lord Shivas different avatar. While you enter from the north gate, a 6.3 meter tall sculpture of three faced Shiva will take away your breath. The three faces depict his role as a creator, protector and destroyer. As you progress you will come across his other avatars as Yogisvara, Shiva Nataraja, and Ardhanarivra.

Accommodation: Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and offers wide variety of accommodation depending on your budget. You can choose your accommodation price from 200 Rupees to a five-digit number.

Mode of transport: You would have tae a ferry from Apollo port near gate way of India. Mumbai is very well connected to rail, road and water ways to national and international regions.

Related links:
• Related Website: www.templenet.com/Maharashtra/elephanta.html

See also (nearby places): Crawford Market, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Flora Fountain and the Gothic/Victorian buildings of the Fort Area, Jehangir Art Gallery, Prince of Wales Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach, Malabar Hill, Mani Bhavan, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine, Siddhivinayak Temple, Juhu Beach.

Ajanta

Introduction and history: Situated 100 kilometres from the city of Aurangabad, Ajanta caves are one of the most magnificent Buddhist caves in the entire India. John Smith, a British captain, accidentally discovered them in 1819, while on a hunting expedition. The 29 caves at Ajanta provide a unique combination of architecture, sculpture and paintings. The carvings and the paintings in the caves depict the life stories of Lord Buddha. Along with this, several types of human and animal figures are also carved out of the rocks.

What to see and when to go: There caves are divided into ‘Chaitya-Grihas’ (Stupa halls) and ‘Viharas’ (dwelling halls). Around five of these caves (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are ‘Chaitya-Grihas’. The rest of the caves are ‘Sangharamas’ or Viharas (monasteries). The caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 are important from the art point of view. It is said that if you are in Maharashtra, Ajanta caves are a must visit, so you can travel any time throughout the year.

Things to do: Cave 1 & 2 depict paintings including, variety of designs, scrollwork, geometric patterns, miniature seated Buddha’s, dream of the Buddha’s mother, Maya and the birth of the Buddha, procession of female devotees carrying offerings and scenes from the Hamsa Jataka and Vidhurapandita Jataka. Caves 4 & 6 are Viharas or Monasteries of architectural interest. Cave 9, 10, 12 & 15A, are Chaitya Halls of the Hinayana period. Each cave has something special hidden from the history.

Accommodation: There are hotels available at Aurangabad depending on the tourist’s pocket. Holiday resort at Fardpur is just 4 km from caves and provides clean and comfortable accommodation.

Related links:
• Official Website: http://www.ajantacaves.com

See also (nearby places): Dalutabad fort, Ghrishneshwar Temple, Ellora Caves, Khuldabad, Lonar, Shani Shignapur, Pariyon ka Talab (Lake of Fairies), Paithan, Pithalkora, Shirdi, Nasik.