Ajanta and Ellora are situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Ajanta and Ellora caves are world famous for their cave carvings and paintings. Ajanta paintings have attracted various tourists and will continue to do so for years to come. The caves of Ajanta were the canvas for innumerable painters thousands of years ago.
It will be surprising to know that for 900 years continuously, 26 caves were chipped out of a horseshoe type of cliff. Paintings at Ajanta run into one another and form a beautiful motif that wants us to keep staring at it for hours at a stretch. The main theme of the paintings is the famous tales of Jataka apart from other paintings that depicted scenes from contemporary courtly life. The use of colour and detailing in the painting will leave anyone enchanted.
Near Ajanta are other caves – the Ellora caves. Ellora caves were subject to Buddhist and Jain influences. Ellora has 12 caves in all and the famous rock-cut Hindu temple of Kailasanath is in Ellora.
The carvings at Ellora caves started in 7th century AD and they carried on the great heritage of Ajanta.
The sculptures at Ellora are splendid and massive and they linger on in the minds of all tourist visitors. The carvings at Ellora are so lively and full of energy that you almost question yourself if you are looking at a sculpture of not. The city of Aurangabad is well connected and the caves of Ajanta and Ellora are 100 and 300 kms away from the city respectively.
