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Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta and Ellora are cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most
outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta, were remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John
Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic
legacy that will come to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.
Ajanta Caves
It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. They
depict the story of Buddhism, spanning a period from 200 BC to 650 AD.
The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centers of
the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Many of the caves house
panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, are also elaborately
portrayed.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house
elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period.
The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.
The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the
same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its
two - storied structure sports a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music.
Day 1: Flight To India(Mumbai)
Arrival at Mumbai airport. After the traditional welcome transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.
Day 2: Mumbai
Early morning drive to Gateway of India built in 1927 and then transfer via boat to Elephanta Caves, a world heritage site.The caves are about 30 – 45 minutes by
boat off the coast of Mumbai. The most important sculpture of Elephanta caves is of Trimurti Sadasiva. Upon your return, take a walk through the harbour area. Also enjoy sightseeings in
Mumbai including visits to Gandhi Museum & Hanging Gardens.
Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves – Aurangabad
Early morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Aurangabad. After a short break, leave for an excursion to the World Heritage Monument of Ellora Caves.
The caves were built during 7th - 10th century AD and contain art and sculptures related to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism religions.
Day 4: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad
After breakfast leave for Ajanta caves another World Heritage Site. The rock-cut cave monuments of Ajanta, contain paintings and sculpture considered to be
masterpieces of both "Buddhist religious art" and "universal pictorial art.
Day 5:Departure
Transfer to the railway station / airport for the onward destination.
Detailed itinerary can be amended on request.
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