Ellora is famous for Buddhist caves that form a part of India's artistic legacy. Located at a 30-kilometer drive from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, Ellora is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Brimming with sculptural wealth and fresco splendor, the caves at Ellora are more than 5 centuries old and were carved out of a section of the Sahayadri hills.
The caves at Ellora can be traced back to the Chalukayan period. Ellora today is an important center of tantric worship. An interesting feature of the caves at Ellora is the fact that some of the larger shrines have open stone courtyards.
History
The fascinating caves at Ellora were carved out during the reign of Chalukya rulers. Sculptures that adorn the cave walls at Ellora indicate the inclination towards 'female worship' in those Days.
The caves at Ellora may be classified into Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves. In all there are 34 monasteries and places of worship located within the Ellora caves.
Tourist Attractions
Explore each cave on tours to Ellora. Caves 1 to 12 are considered to be Buddhist in nature with walls teeming with frescoes and sculptures related to the life and preachings of Lord Buddha.
Caves 13 to 29 are Hindu caves of which Cave 16 is of special significance. This exotic cave houses a Kailashanatha Temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
Tour Caves 30 to 34 that are Jain caves. These caves have expressive sculptures of all the Jain Tirthankaras.
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