I was searching for a physics book in the old case and what I found was a guide book to caves I had been to last year. It reminded me of the greatness of the human creation. So just for a change I thought of reviewing a tourist paradise.
I will be emphasizing a lot on technical details because I think it was not mentioned in great details before.(Except j4net to an extent).
I would suggest you not to have any previews of the place. That will give you much more joy of watching artistic creations a man have ever produced.
You may face some problems getting their by State
Transport, which I think is the case with many Indian cities(No Offence intended). If you can afford a private vehicle(Like Taxis etc), then their is nothing like that. I will advice you to be prepared of the road conditions. But those things can be kept aside for what you are going to face.
A Never Before Journey to Phenomenal Wonders.
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta caves are Buddhist caves.They are about 166 kilometers north-east of Aurangabad city or about 60 km south of Jalgaon.There are 30 caves carved into steep face of a horseshoe shaped rock on Waghore river.These caves were carved before Ellora caves.As Ellora caves developed Ajanta caves were abandoned and eventually forgotten with decline of Buddhism.But this masterpiece was un-veiled by a British hunting party in 1819.This is how the unique beauty was rediscovered.Actually there isolation helped to preserve some of there fantastic paintings remain as it is up-todate.Ajanta is also listed as world heritage site as Ellora by UNESCO(United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural Organization).Caves are closed on Monday, Entry fee is 5 Rs plus % Rs. for lighting and additional 25 Rs. if you wish to use Video camera.I had been to caves a year ago so I don’t know if the rates are changed.
Torch is advised to carry because many caves are dark so it may come handy.Flash photography is prohibited.
Guides can be hired from Government of India tourist office for 100 Rs.
Good guide books for Ajanta caves are available on site.
There are two good sites from where you can get a good view of whole horseshoe shaped gorge from which Ajanta caves were carved.
There are many Buses, shared taxis form Aurangabad and Jalgaon.
MTDC travellers lodge, MTDC Holiday resort are prefered to stay for day long trip.If you wish to see both Ajanta and Ellora caves in a trip then first visit Ajanta caves in chronological order.
Ellora Caves
Ellora caves are about 30 kilometers from Aurangabad.These caves are world heritage listed cave temples.
There are 34 caves at Ellora.The classification viz. religion is
17 Hindu - period 600 to 900 AD
12 Buddhist-period 600 to 800 AD
05 Jain - period 800 to 1000 AD
Generations of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain caved temples monasteries from 2 kilometer long escarpment an decorated them with admirable imagination and details.
Ellora represents renaissance of Hinduism under the Chalukya and Rastrakuta dynasties.The most remarkable of Ellora is Kailasa Temples i.e. cave number 16.This is worlds largest monolithic sculpture carved in rock by some 7000 labourers and over a period of 150 years!!!.This cave is dedicated to Lord SHIVA.
Entry to Ellora is free.But visit to Kailsa temple will cost 5 Rs. and in addition 25 Rs. if you wish to take video camera.Caves are closed on Monday.It takes about a day to visit Ellora caves.Official guides are available who speak reasonably good English on payment of 100Rs.One can also find Guidebooks to caves on site.
There are regular bus service to & from Ellora caves.So this masterpiece becomes a must see places in India.
If you can dedicate One full week then you may probable appreciate the Sculptures, Painting and Artwork truly.