The Ellora Caves are a complex of ancient rock-cut temples located near the city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The site is renowned for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, which date back to the 6th to 10th centuries CE.
History
The Ellora Caves were created over a period of several centuries by various religious communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The earliest caves were built in the 6th century CE by Buddhist monks, while the later caves were constructed by Hindu and Jain kings during the 8th to 10th centuries CE.
Architecture
The complex contains a total of 34 caves, each with its own unique style and purpose. The caves are carved into the Charanandri hills and are arranged in a north-south direction. The Buddhist caves are located in the southern part of the complex, the Hindu caves are in the middle, and the Jain caves are in the north.
Travel information
The Ellora Caves are a popular tourist destination and can be easily reached from the city of Aurangabad. Aurangabad is well connected by air, rail, and road to other major cities in India. The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, which is about 30 km away from the site. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station, which is about 18 km away. The caves are also easily accessible by road, and buses and taxis are available from Aurangabad to the site.
The caves are open to visitors every day from sunrise to sunset. The entry fee for Indian citizens is Rs. 40 per person, while the fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 600 per person. The site is best visited during the cooler months of October to February, although it can be visited year-round. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as the site involves a lot of walking and climbing.
