The Ajanta Ellora Caves have long been regarded as the crown jewels of Indian history. Also, Ajanta Ellora caves are the outstanding artistic achievement of that bygone age. Near the city of Aurangabad, 64 rock-cut caverns serve as tourist attractions. This place Ajanta Ellora caves are now UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Ajanta and Ellora Caves are still on many people’s bucket lists. Ajanta Ellora caves offer a wide range of intriguing activities in addition to this. Let’s discuss the top 10 things to do in and around Ajanta Ellora Caves.
#1. Bibi Ka Makbara
The Bibi ka Maqbara is a stunning mausoleum. It was built for Rabia-ul-Daurani, also known as Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Bibi Ka Makbarahas a striking similarity to the Taj Mahal. In 1661, Aurangzeb built Bibi ka Maqbara as a monument to honour his late wife. The Taj of the Deccan is often used to describe this monument. It is because it was primarily inspired by the Taj Mahal. People built bibi ka Maqbarawith the intention of competing with the Taj Mahal. But due to a fall in architecture and changes to the structure’s proportions, it has turned into a copy of the Taj Mahal. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the mausoleum.
Timings: Opens every day. From 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Distance from Aurangabad: 5 km
Best Time To Visit: The ideal time to visit this location would be between October to March. This is when the weather is fairly comfortable.
#2. Khuldabad
The name “Rauza,” which translates to “garden of paradise,” is the name for the adjacent Aurangabad town of Khuldabad. Hindus passionately venerate the Bhadra Maruti Temple, which is one of its most well-known and prominent temples. On Hanuman Jayanti in particular, a lot of people come here. In Khuldabad, a fortified town, there are numerous significant monuments. The most well-known ones are the tombs of the first Nizam of Hyderabad and the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Tips: It is preferable to reserve a taxi to get to Khuldabad
Distance from Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Aurangabad: Khuldabad is 3 km from the Ajanta and Ellora Cave world heritage sites. Also, it is 13 km from Aurangabad.
#3. Kailasa Temple
The largest monolithic rock building in the world, the Kailasa temple of Ellora, is Cave 16. One of India’s most magnificent cave temples is Kailasa Temple. The gigantic structure is one of the Ellora Caves, a group of 34 cave temples and monasteries. The megalithic Kailasa temple is without a doubt the most well-known structure on the site, even though it is one of several magnificent structures. The Kailash Temple is an independent, multi-story temple complex. Architects designed it to same as Mount Kailash, the puranic residence of Lord Shiva.
Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, made a concerted effort to desecrate the Kailash Temple. Although he couldn’t destroy it. All he could manage was a little bit of cosmetic damage, but not to the major building. Engineers took 18 years to finish it. It’s interesting to note that modern engineers cannot complete the same temple in 18 years utilizing current technologies. This is one of the best places to visit near Ajanta Ellora Caves.
Timings:7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Tuesday.
Time Needed: Approximately 4 hours.
Entry Fee: INR 10 for each Indian and INR 250 for foreigners.
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
#4. Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort is an ancient fortification. It rises formidably from the midst of verdant greenery, located 15 km away from the main city of Aurangabad. People often hail this architectural marvel as one of the ‘seven wonders of Maharashtra’. Also, people believe engineers built it in 12th Its location allows you to have a spectacular view of the entire city, which gives it an allure. To reach the top, you must hike some 750-odd steps. However, the view from below is breathtaking.
The Daulatabad Fort is amazing for a couple of reasons. First, its design is super cool and makes it one of the strongest forts from long ago. Another cool thing is how well the engineers designed this fort. It had really smart designs that made it almost impossible for enemies to attack. Also, the fort had smart ways to manage water, which was super important. While visiting, have a look at the fort against the beautiful green fields of Aurangabad. You will feel like stepping back in time to a fascinating era.
Tips: While visiting, hire a local guide.
Timing: 0:00 am to 6:00 pm
The time you need: 1 to 2 hours.
Entry fee: INR 10 for each Indian and INR 100 for foreigners.
#5. Ajanta Ellora Festival
Every year in November, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation hosts the Ajanta and Ellora Festival. Visitors come from all around the world to this festival. The Sonehri Mahal was constructed in the 17th century. It gains even more attractiveness as a result of the dance and music festivals. The Ajanta Ellora Dance Festival displays the skills of upcoming folk and classical performers. Also, it displays the artistry and architectural genius of Aurangabad’s monuments.
#6. Shopping
After admiring the artwork from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you’d love to shop here. You will find your heart’s content in one of the many open-air marketplaces that are available. The best activities in Ajanta and Ellora Caves unquestionably include shopping. This place is one of the best places in India to shop. It is because it has some exquisite Buddha sculptures made by local artisans. Also, footwear, apparel, paintings by Buddhist and Jain artists, semi-precious stone and silver jewellery, and ornaments, are all made locally.
#7. Staycation
There are numerous lodging alternatives available at Ajanta Ellora Caves, and they are all priced differently. We suggest, Hotel Kailas, Ajanta T Junction Guest House. Also, you can choose Ajanta Tourist Resort as a location to stay in the Ajanta-Ellora Caves area.
Please note that the majority of lodging alternatives cost between INR 2000 and INR 4000 per night. But this includes all the necessities.
#8. Omkareshwar Temple
In Jalgaon, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites is Omkareshwar Temple. If visiting Jalgaon, you must stop at the old Shiva temple. Its location is about 3 km outside of the city. You could pray in solitude and meditate for a short while at the temple. Because it is a calm place with few visitors on typical days. The pilgrims have access to plenty of amenities, including restrooms and drinking water. Omkareshwar Temple holds grand celebrations for holidays like Shravan Somwar. And also, for Mahashivratri, Gokulashtami. if you go there on these days, you might see a lot of people praying there. The temple is 50 kilometres from Ajanta Ellora caves.
Best time to visit: Best months to travel are October through March.
#9. Grishneshwar Temple
The GrishneshwarJyothirlinga Temple is one of the twelve sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple holds great significance as a pilgrimage site in Maharashtra. Over the years, it has undergone reconstruction by MalojiBhosala and later by Ahalyabai Holkar. This is because the original temple was destroyed by the Mughals during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Padma Purana and Shiv Purana also make mention of this temple. Famous for its splendid architecture, the Grishneshwar temple features intricate panels on its walls.
These depict the teachings of Hindu scriptures. During important festivals like Mahashivratri, the idol of Grishneshwar is ceremoniously carried in a procession to the Shivalay Sarovar. There are a lot of devotees drawn to this. The temple is near the Ellora Caves and Daulatabad. These are popular tourist destinations in Aurangabad. You can also reach the temple if you take a short walk from the Ellora Caves.
Darshan timing: From 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee is required.
#10. Parola Fort
The Parola Fort is on the banks of the Bori River. This is one of the best examples of 16th-century architecture and military defences. The fort was constructed in 1727 by Jansi Rani Laxmi Bai’s father. It is the location of the warrior queen’s birth. You can still see the bastions, as well as the seven entrance gateways and the Balaji temple. This is where the yearly festival draws a sizable number of pilgrims from nearby cities and villages. If you’re thinking of travelling to Jalgaon from Ajanta Caves, you might want to stop at the Parola Fort. It is around 46 kilometres away. From Jalgaon to Parola Fort, you could take a taxi or board a bus. Before India gained its independence from Great Britain, the British government established the municipal council of Parola. This is undoubtedly another well-known place to visit around Ajanta Ellora caves.
Conclusion
So, here we have discussed the top 10 things to do in and around Ajanta Ellora Caves. So, now why not take a royal tour of the caves? Join one of India’s luxurious trains to experience pure splendour, delight, and the country’s warmest hospitality. Must visit this outstanding location to gather some experience for a lifetime.
FAQs:
Q. What Is The Ideal Time To Visit Ajanta Ellora Caves?
Winter and monsoons are the perfect time to visit Ajanta Ellora caves.
Q. Which One Is Better Either Ajanta or Ellora?
The Ellora complex’s attractions are more dispersed and require more walking. Since the Ajanta Caves date back to the BCE era, you may experience a sense of ancient history here than at the Ellora Caves because they are a little older.
Q. Is There Any Rule Regarding Photography in Ajanta Caves?
Flash photography is not permitted. This is because it damages the murals and paintings’ old paint and varnish. Avoid using flash on mobile phone cameras as well.
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