If you are craving an adventure in life, then a visit to Ajanta & Ellora caves should be next on your travel bucket list. These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and have a significant place in ancient Indian history. Ajanta and Ellora caves are at two different sites, but their location is within the same region. One can explore Ajanta caves with MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses. Since Ellora caves are also not far away, you can cover them on the same day through the MSRTC bus.
Adventure in Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India, are a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and ancient history. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase a spectacular fusion of religious art, architecture, and craftsmanship that have captivated visitors for centuries.
The Ajanta Caves date back to around the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE and primarily showcase Buddhist art and teachings. The complex consists of 30 rock-cut caves, including monasteries and prayer halls, adorned with exquisite murals and sculptures that portray the life of Buddha and various Jataka tales.
The Ellora Caves, on the other hand, were excavated between the 5th and 10th centuries CE and exemplify the harmonious coexistence of three major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. The site comprises 34 caves, with 12 dedicated to Buddhism, 17 to Hinduism, and 5 to Jainism. Among these, the Kailasa Temple in Cave 16 is a marvel of monolithic architecture, as it was carved out of a single rock.
Best Time to Visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The best time to visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cooler, making it ideal for exploration and sightseeing. During this period, the monsoon rains have subsided, and the surroundings are lush and vibrant, further enhancing the beauty of these ancient wonders.
Ajanta caves are located 100 km away from the Aurangabad Airport. One can also book an MSRTC bus for traveling to the Ajanta caves from there. The timings of the caves are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The caves are open every day except Mondays. The ticket fee for entry into Ajanta caves is INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners.
Explore the Ellora Caves
Ellora caves are among the largest rock-cut cave complexes in the world. Ellora caves date back to 600–1000 CE and are situated in the Sahyadri range in Aurangabad. The distance of Ellora caves from Ajanta is nearly 100 km and takes about 2 hours of drive time. Ellora caves feature Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism artwork and monuments. There are 17 Hindu caves, 12 Buddhist, and 5 Jain caves at Ellora. These caves represent mythological tales of these religions. The paintings and sculptures of Ellora caves are spellbinding. A special attraction of these caves is the Kailasha Temple in cave 16. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of its kind in the world. It was carved out of a single rock through the excavation of around 3 million cubic feet of stone.
Ajanta Ellora Buses
One can explore the Ellora caves with MSRTC buses. These buses have AC Volvo coaches and run a tour to Ellora caves covering other attractions on the routes. The distance between the Aurangabad central bus stand to Ellora caves is only around 27 km. The trip cost starts from INR 276 per person. The popular road routes for Ellora are:
- Pune to Ellora
- Ahmedabad to Ellora
- Ahmednagar to Ellora
- Bharuch to Ellora
- Dhule to Ellora
Visiting Ajanta caves is a mesmerizing experience. If you are planning to explore these caves, there are various RTC buses available to travel, such as MSRTC and MTDC, etc. You can book a local Volvo AC bus for Ajanta caves with MSRTC, as it has nominal rates. A round trip of Ajanta caves by an AC bus costs around INR 711 per person. You can take the MSRTC bus from the central bus station, and it will drop you at the Ajanta caves entrance. The popular road routes for Ajanta are:
- Pune to Ajanta
- Mumbai to Ajanta
- Ahmednagar to Ajanta
- Dhule to Ajanta
Ajanta Ellora Timings
Ellora Caves are open on all weekdays except Tuesdays. They are open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, from sunrise to sunset. The entry fee for Ellora Caves is INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners.
In conclusion, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are an artistic and architectural marvel and a reflection of India’s diverse religious history. These caves offer an unforgettable journey through time and an opportunity to witness the unparalleled craftsmanship of the ancient artisans who brought these masterpieces to life.
Ajanta & Ellora caves are an ideal place for history lovers, adventure seekers, and photo freaks. So don’t think twice before planning a trip here. Just head out to this marvellous spot and book your MSRTC bus through redBus today!