Ajanta & Ellora, Maharashtra, India

Ajanta is recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's greatest historical monument. Ellora is also a world Heritage Site. These are located in the Sahayadri Mountain Range in northern Maharastra around 400 km from Mumbai. There are 29 caves at Ajanta dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD and 34 caves at Ellora dating from between 6th and 11th centuries AD. The caves at Ajanta are all Buddhist while the caves at Ellora are a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain.

Travel tips: The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is cool and dry.

The most incredible thing about these caves is that they were crafted by hand, with only a hammer and chisel. While the Ajanta caves are rich in paintings and sculptures, the Ellora caves are renowned for their extraordinary architecture. You can get excellent view and perspective of inside the Kailas temple by climbing up the hill around it. Bring a torch with you to the Ajanta caves as many of them are quite dark and lighting is poor,

How to reach

By Air: Nearest Airport is Aurangabad (30 km) and is well connected with New Delhi, Mumbai and other important cities of India.

An Airport has been developed at Jalgaon and soon it will be operative.

By Rail: Jalgaon is the nearest railway station. From Jalgaon you can take taxi or sate roadways to reach Ajanta.

Aurangabad 30 km away is the nearest railway station if you are traveling to Ellora.

By Road: Aurangabad is well connected by road with major cities of Maharashtra and other major cities of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Where to stay: You can check best available options to suit you.

Cave Timings for Ajanta and Ellora: 09:00 AM to 17:30 PM (IST)

Ajanta caves remain closed on Monday.

Ellora caves remain closed on Tuesday

CAVES remain OPEN on all NATIONAL HOLIDAYS.

Cave Charges for Ajanta and Ellora:

1. For Indians below 15 years : FREE of Charge
2. For Indians above 15 years : Rs. 10/- per head
3. For Foreigners above 15 years : US $ 5 or equivalent in Indian rupees per head
4. For Photo Camera/ Video Camera : Rs 5/- ( Camera to be used without flash )

Festivals

Ellora Ajanta festival is held at Soneri Mahal (Golden Palace), a historic 17th century architectural marvel in Aurangabad near Ellora for four days in the last week of November every year. The festival features some of the distinguished singers and dancers of India.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India

Khajuraho is located in Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Khajuraho is a famous tourist place known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Jain patriarchs. Khajuraho is now a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.

These temples were built between 9th and 11th century CE extended over 21 sq.km. And contained 85 temples built by many rulers of Chandela dynasty.

Out of 85 temples 20 are still reasonably well preserved. These temples are richly carved with excellent sculptures internally as well as externally. These temples are popular just because of its extreme depiction of love and sentiments in erotic images. The motto of carving such erotic figures on the walls of temples of khajuraho is to throw light on values and attitude of Hindu religion.

Best time to visit this place is between October and March.

How to reach

Air: Khajuraho Airport is well connected to major cities of India via Delhi, Agra and Mumbai.

Rail: Khajuraho is well connected to major cities by Indian Railway.

Road: Khajuraho is well-connected with major cities o India through National Highways.

Where to Stay

There are many Hotels to suit your budget.

Where to eat

Khajuraho is a small town but you will get enough eateries to feed you.

Attractions

The temples in Khajuraho are broadly divided into three parts: the Eastern group, the Southern group and the Western group of temples of which the Western group alone has the facility of an Audio guided tour wherein the tourists are guided through the seven eight temples.

The Khajuraho temple complex offers a light and sound show every evening and it is held in the open lawns of the temple complex.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held every year in February and it features various classical Indian dances set against the backdrop of the Chitragupta or Vishwanath temple.