How about an ancient historical cave? Ellora is surely a sight not to miss and is one of the most visited tourist monuments in India. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site and has an undying essence of history. This ancient monument is only a few km from Aurangabad, Maharashtra, and is a quite popular tourist attraction in the state.
The months of June to March is a very good time to visit the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Moreover, it needs to be seen that it might become a little difficult to travel during any other time period to this amazing piece of a historical travel destination. Because if you visit this destination during this time then the harsh climatic conditions may not let you discover this place in its full glory.
History of Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves were built from 600 to 1000 CE. A part of the Hindu caves and Buddhist caves were built during the rule of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Following that, the Jain caves are believed to have been built during the Yadav dynasty. However, there is still no clarity as to which of the caves were built first - the Hindu or the Buddhist?
According to archaeological surveys and expeditions, it is believed that Ellora Caves have seen three major construction time periods. These have been classified as the early Hindu period 550 to 600 CE, Buddhist period from 600 to 730 CE, and then the last one which is the Hindu period from 730 to 950 CE.
The inscriptions and the walls of the Ellora Caves date back to the 6th century. And out of all the caves discovered till now, Cave 16 or the Kailasha Temple is considered to be the largest single monolithic rock in the world found during an excavation process.
Major Attractions in and Around Ellora Caves
1. Kailasanatha Temple
Thinking about someplace unique to travel to, then, the Kailasanatha Temple is just the perfect tourist attraction for you to visit. This temple has been specifically designed to make you think about Mt. Kailash which is the home to Mahadev Shiv himself.
2. Grishneshwar Temple
Now, this is one of the ancient pilgrimage sites where you will be finding one of the twelve Jyotirlingas manifested. And to which this place has got a tremendous spiritual significance. From Ellora Caves, this place is around one and a half kilometers away. So, you can always take a walk to the temple and bask in its sheer historical magnificence.
3. Bibi Ka Makbara
Bibi-Ka-Makbara is one of the most brilliantly infrastructured places to visit and discover. This place has been built out of marbles on a square kind of platform along with four minarets located at its corners. Furthermore, this museum is located just behind the main structure housing a very rare kind of recollection of certain artifacts.
4. Mughal Silk Bazaar
The Mughal Silk Bazaar, as the name suggests, was specifically for the purpose of going shopping and purchase some beautiful sarees.
5. Aurangzeb’s Tomb
Now, Aurangzeb’s tomb is another interesting spot to visit. This place holds significant importance in history, as well as this tomb, belongs to such a historical personality.
6. Daulatabad Fort
Now, the Daulatabad Fort in Aurangabad is yet another gem of a tourist destination that you must visit if you consider yourself a history buff. This place offers the tourist an undaunting touch of nostalgia. And that is all the more reason for you to visit this interesting place and cherish some laughs and unforgettable memories.
How to Reach Ellora Caves
By Air
The Chikalthana Airport, Aurangabad is well connected with all the major parts of the country so traveling to this place by air becomes quite easy. If traveling by air, then you will need to deboard at Aurangabad Airport. After deboarding the flight, you can take a cab or a bus to reach your destination.
By Road
For traveling by road, you can either hire a local taxi or catch a local transportation bus for reaching this destination. Depending upon your location, you can also travel via your own vehicle.
By Train
Aurangabad is very well connected by all the train routes. However, the Jalgaon railway station is particularly the closest to the Ellora Caves. After deboarding the train, you will have to take public transport to cover the remaining distance.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner.
