The Ajanta Ellora caves are one of the prominent architectural sites of ancient India that reflect its rich heritage, history, and mastery over sophisticated art. As a result, in 1983, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, over time, one of the major tourist destinations of India. Therefore, if you, too, are considering a trip to this heritage of India, make sure that you read this blog to plan a comprehensive tour.
Here, we discuss the essential guide on Ajanta and Ellora caves, covering a bit of the history of the architecture, the best time to visit, entry fees, timings, and some valuable tips to make your travel comfortable and convenient.
History of Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are sophisticated rock-cut monuments dedicated to Buddhism. The architecture was built in two phases: the Hinayana and the Mahayana phases. Featuring Buddhist paintings and sculptures, the Ajanta Caves are 2,000 to 2,200 years old.
- The Ajanta Caves consist of 29 Buddhist caves.
- The first phase was between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE, and the second one lies in the 5th century CE.
- They hold philosophical significance of Buddhism in the form of Chityas (monasteries) and Virahas (worship halls).
- The architecture was built by Buddhist monks with the help of Satavahanas, the Vakatakas, and the Gupta Empire.
- The Ajanta Cave was abandoned around 480 CE, due to unknown reasons. It was later rediscovered by a British officer, John Smith, in 1819.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves are situated 100 kilometers northwest of the Ajanta Caves. These caves feature rock-cut monuments, temples, and sculptures of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Serving as a testament of Indian religious harmony, the Ellora caves’ history dates back to 1,200 to 1,500 years.
- The Ellora Caves are a blend of 34 caves consisting of the faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
- The caves were built in 4 phases during the 6th and 10th centuries CE by the prominent dynasties of that time. Here is a breakdown:
- First Phase (c. 550 to 600 CE): Some early Hindu and Buddhist monuments were built under the Kalachuri dynasty.
- Buddhist Phase (c. 600–700 CE): Caves from 1 to 12 were built featuring Virahas, and Chaitya Grihas.
- Hindu Phase (c. 730–950 CE): The caves were under the construction of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, which built 17 caves, including Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple).
- Jain Phase (c. 800–1000 CE): The last phase was led by the Jain monuments and sculptures, including the 24th Tirthankar Mahavira, 23rd Parshvanatha, and the son of the 1st Tirthankar, Bahubali.
- Major dynasties that built Ellora Caves include the Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta dynasties. And, they were under the protection of the Yadava dynasty during the 13th century.
- Over time, by the 15th century, the caves faced attempts of destruction, including the failed attempt of Mughal invaders and emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.
At its core, the Ajanta Ellora Caves history showcases the brilliance of monolithic architecture and engineering, artistic paintings, intricate carvings and murals, sculptural brilliance, and most eminently, cultural diversity and tolerance.
Is Ajanta Ellora Worth Visiting?
The Ajanta and Ellora caves tour is a fascinating experience for travelers who have an interest in Indian history, art, culture, and ancient architecture. Here is what you can experience:
- 1,500-year-old vivid painting of Sankhapala and Mahajanaka Jatakas in Cave 1, and Chhaddanta Jataka in Cave 10.
- Ajanta Caves feature Bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani in Cave 1 and intricate colour motifs of birds, fruits, and flowers.
- Other Ajanta caves, including 4, 16, 17, 19, and 26, are highly recommended in Ajanta caves tour packages to explore most of the Buddhist culture, architecture, paintings, and sculptures.
- The Ellora Caves are divided into three sections:
- Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist Caves
- Caves 13 to 29 are dedicated to Hinduism
- Cave 30 to 34 belongs to Jainism
- The chariot-shaped monument dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is famously known as the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16).
- Ellora caves from 1 to 12 are dedicated to Buddhism, with the Vishvakarma Cave 10 showcasing surreal symmetry and detailed architecture.
- Other prominent caves include Ravana Ka Khai (Cave 140, Rameshwara Cave (Cave 24), and Indra Sabha in Jain Cave 32.
The Best Time to Visit Ajanta Ellora Caves
The best time to visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves extends beyond a particular month, as the scenery transforms into various surreal forms of natural beauty. Therefore, visiting during a few crowds and a calm atmosphere can get you the maximum experience of the Ajanta Ellora Caves. Here is a breakdown:
Peak Tourist Months: December to February (during these months, you will find the highest number of tourists). During this time, consider booking Ajanta Ellora Cave tickets in advance.
- October to March: The winter season is considered the ideal season for Ajanta Ellora exploration. Due to the temperatures from 27 °C to 30 °C, the atmosphere remains calm, warm during the day, and pleasant for outdoor activities.
- July to September: The monsoon is less favoured due to slippery paths, but remains a preferred choice for the travelers who seek to explore the soothing greenery, waterfalls, and rain forming a deep, mysterious ambience. The temperature fluctuates between 28 °C and 32 °C, making the overall experience pleasant.
- March to June: The summer season is generally avoided due to the heavy temperatures reaching 35 °C to above 40 °C, which is not favorable for outdoor adventures and exploration. Therefore, avoid these months even if they are the off-season.
Insider Tip: Consider exploring Ellora and Ajanta tour packages during early October, November, and early March. These months offer pleasant and normal weather while avoiding extreme heat or winter.
Ajanta Ellora Caves Timing and Entry Fees
Here is the breakdown of Ajanta Ellora Caves timing and fees:
The Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday. And Ellora stays closed on Tuesdays. Consider booking Ajanta and Ellora caves tickets in advance and plan your journey accordingly.
- Ajanta Caves Timings: 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays
- Ellora Caves Timings: 6 am to 6 pm, except on Tuesdays
- Ajanta Ellora Entry Fee: ₹40 (For Indians, SAARC, and BIMSTEC residents)
- Entry Fees for Foreigners: ₹600
- For Children Under 15: No Fees Required
- Additional Fees for Video Camera: ₹25
Ajanta Ellora Caves Traveling Tips
Here are some of the traveler’s tips that may be required while exploring Ajanta and Ellora Caves for the first time:
- Make sure you arrive early during peak seasons, as crowds are higher during the day.
- Consider a 2- to 3-day trip, as both caves are 100km apart. Covering them in one day can be very tiring.
- The private vehicles are not allowed directly to the caves; consider using public transport.
- Wear clothes according to the season, and carry a raincoat during the monsoon.
- Carry a water bottle for hydration, and other gear, including a flashlight, to explore the darker interiors.
- Wearing respectful clothes is recommended as the caves have religious and cultural significance.
- Take ample rest between exploring the caves, as they can stretch up to 2 kilometers in distance.
- Consider checking timings and Ajanta Ellora Caves online ticket booking in advance, to avoid last-minute rush.
Conclusion
Ajanta and Ellora caves are a testament to Indian ancient Indian architecture, artistic mastery, and vibrant culture. They allow you to explore the true essence of India, philosophy, and spirituality. This Ajanta Ellora Caves guide explores the history of the mysterious caves, covering who built them and their structural significance. We also explored the best time to visit the caves, along with Ellora and Ajanta Caves timings and entry fee, and essential traveler tips.
Noble House Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a leading tour and travel operator in India that provides extensive Ajanta caves tour packages to domestic and international travelers. As a travel agency, we ensure your trip is convenient by handling conveyance, ticket booking, accommodation, and consistent customer support. Thus, you can partner with us to make your Ajanta and Ellora cave exploration a memorable journey.
Also Read: Ajanta Ellora Cave Paintings & Sculptures
