Architecture of Excellency: Ellora and Ajanta Caves

Hi again,

          Today I'm going to share my solo experience to Aurangabad, a childhood dreamland, Ajanta and Ellora caves. From archaeological survey it has been found that these caves are thousands of years old. Ajanta caves and the sculptures are considered to be 2700 where as Ellora caves are 1200 to 1400 years old. These caves were used as monasteries and temple by 480 BC and are also considered as UNESCO World Heritage. 

        Aurangabad is a small city in Maharashtra. Small, yet packed of history. In 1610 the place was founded and named as Kharki however later in the year of 1653, when Aurangzeb was appointed as the Viceroy of that province, he renamed the place as Aurangabad. Some monuments of Mughal dynasty still sits as a crown to the city.

Now, I'll jot down all important things you need to know before you start packing your backpacks.

0. Best season too visit.

1. How to reach Aurangabad

2. Where to stay, cheap of course

3. Which places to visit and how to visit
4. Things to keep in mind.



0. Best Season to visit:


    The pleasant weather you may encounter in October to February only, perhaps March however don't go much further. In summer, the temperature may rise upto 39 degree Celsius. If you ask me I would suggest you to visit in January. Because, firstly, you will find an amazing weather and finally, this is the time of Ajanta festival.




1. How to Reach Aurangabad:

There are several means of transportation available ,

• Bus, you may get from Bangalore and that might you around 1500-1800 bucks. Online booking facilities will help. Don't expect Govt. bus.
• If you interested travelling by train, reach out to Aurangabad Railway Station and the station code is AWB.
• You may take a flight and reach to Aurangabad Airport. From Mumbai it might take around 45-60 minutes.
• Anyway self driving and hitch-hiking is always an option. 

2. Where to stay:

       Staying at a unknown place may be uncomfortable sometimes, however if you can find someone who is willing to host you, you will feel like homely again. That is why I always use COUCHSURFING.  In the app you will get to know a lot of peoples, travelers, hosts all around the globe.

     In Aurangabad there are some cheap hotel near Railway station. I stated in a hotel near railway station and it cost me 800 bucks for two nights. 

3. Which places to visit and how to visit: 

Here I shall jot down all the places worth a visit in Aurangabad.

• Ajanta caves. Ancient rock-cut monastery summarizing  Buddhist philosophy.

The whole area is like a horse-shoe, don't miss out the VIEWPOINT.

• Ellora caves, One of the largest rock-cut-monastery-temple caves featuring Jain, Hindu and Buddhist architecture, art and culture.

• Biwi-Ka-Maqbara, the mini Tajmahal of India

• Daulatabad Fort

• Panchakki, technology implemented in Mughal Era to grind food for pilgrims and energy source is a waterfall.
• Grave of Emperor Aurangjeb, sitting beside Peer Baba and listing to the stories of the emperor is peace.

A awesome painting I have encountered,

4. Things to keep in MIND: 

A little advice to fellow travelers who are going to Aurangabad for the first time,

1. Ajanta cave is closed on Monday and timing is 8AM- 5PM.
2. Ellora cave is closed on Tuesday and the timing is 9AM- 6.15PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
3. The distance of Ellora cave is almost 30 KM from Aurangabad and that for Ajanta is almost 100 KM. You may find private vehicles or you can rent one, however if you can't find any, the Government buses are there connecting whole city and is super cheap.
4. There is always a bus going to Ajanta from Bus stop and it will charge you 121 bucks. You will reach Ajanta in 1 and half hour.
5. Of-course car ride is there, it would cost you 1600 bucks to Ajanta.
6. Shirdi is near by, if you want to visit Sai Baba mausoleum site.

Whenever I think about my trip to Ajanta and Ellora, I find a peaceful bliss inside and this will always inspire the NOMAD inside me.

That's all Folks,