Aurangabad, Ellora and Ajanta caves

Places of Interest - India


Ajanta-Ellora-Caves-Rocks-Stone-Statues-Grotto-India


introduction


Aurangabad is located in the state of Maharashtra and has been at a crossroads of major (trade)routes from east to west (Bombay) since ancient times. Of the original industry, cotton and silk, remains can be found, although the automotive industry and chemistry are now the most important growing industries besides tourism.

 

The city is named after Emperor Aurangzeb of the Mogul empire and means literally “built by the throne”. The actual city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, who was the prime minister of shah Murtaza Nizam II of Ahmednagar, at that time the ruler of the Dekan (southern part of India). In 1681 the city became the residence of the Mogul emperor (until 1707), which he used as a base to defeat the last Dekanese sultanates.

 

The city is mainly known for the 2 nearby World Heritage sites Ellora, about 30 km away, and Ajanta at 100 km in a northeastern direction. Aurangabad itself has a number of reasonable sights such as the remains of the ring wall around the city including some remaining gates.


highlights


Aurangabad:

The biggest and most famous landmark of Aurangabad is the Bibi Ka Maqbara, which is located just outside the center on the north side. Built in 1679, this "replica" of the Taj Mahal is meant as a mausoleum for Aurangzeb's woman.

 

The father of Aurangzeb is also the builder of the original Taj and after the construction was ironically locked up by his son to show extravagance. Near the Kham river is the ancient Panchakki water-wheel belonging to the mill where the wheel got its name from.

 

The water is taken by pipes about 6 km away; the mill would also ensure grinding grain for passing pilgrims. 

 

Fort Daulatabad and Khuldabad

At 13 km, halfway the Ellora caves and Aurangabad lies the hill fort of Daulatabad. The entire fort is walled by some 5 km of walls and the main part of the bastion is built on the 200 meter high hill (called hill of God). In the 14th century the fort was called Daulatabad (literally: “fortunate city”) by sultan Mohammed Tughlaq who made the city its capital.

 

The small town Khuldabad is located about 3 km south of Ellora and is a Muslim pilgrims place. It is here that, among other things, the last great sultan Aurangzeb of the Mogul empire is buried in a very modest tomb Here, too, Mohammed's red scarf is shown annually for thousands of Muslim pilgrims.


Ellora (caves)

For five centuries generations of monks have carved numerous monasteries, chapels and temples from volcanic rocks of the Charanandri hills. That’s what this complex with Buddhist, Hindu and Janistic temples we call Ellora caves is now. In total, 34 caves are open to the public in such an area of about 2km2.

 

The first caves were Buddhist, after which there were countless Hindu and the last 5 Janistic. All were carved between the 6th and 10th century AD and contain murals and (religious) objects. The caves were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.

 

The highlight of a visit is that of the Kailasa temple that is roughly in the middle of the complex. This rock-carved temple was built in the year 760 and has to mimic mountain Kailasa, the home of the Hindu Shiva God in the Himalayas. Not only its huge size but also the beautiful paintings are enchanting.


Ajanta caves

About 50 km north of Ellora caves are the caves of Ajanta. Also these caves are on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. There are a total of 29 (Buddhist) caves in Ajanta and these are a lot more complete than those in Ellora.

 

The reason is because the caves have been hidden for a long time and could so escape destruction, which mainly happened during the domination of India by Islam. Another difference is that these are built in a U-shape. Finally, there are a number of viewpoints that are worthwhile. 

 

On the sides of the gorge, originally dedicated to a Naga (snake king), a community of Buddhist monks (bhikkhu) began cutting out chaitiyas (temples) and viharas (monasteries). Especially the latter caves show the great days of artistic activity. The monks were supported by painters, sculptors and carpenters. The paintings illustrate the different events in the life of Prince Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and are based on the Jataka narratives (stories about the past lives of the Buddha).

 

In addition there are also paintings with Chinese, Greek and Roman influences. Some paintings tell about court-life and the bourgeois life of that time, in which the costume of that time is clearly recognizable. Cave 1 (far right) is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries. It is made in the end of the fifth century. In the cave you will find twenty columns that are located around a square courtyard. A Buddha statue can be found in the middle of the cave. There are paintings all around and also on the ceiling.

 

On the left side of the entrance you will find the Sibi Jataka, followed by the Samkhapala Jataka, which continues at the left wall. Next on the left wall are paintings from the Mahajanaka Jataka. On the right back wall the story is told from the Champeya Jakata. Decorative motifs have been painted on the ceiling, which can also be found in the work of the local textile industry. 

 

Other attractions:

  • The Aurangabad caves and the Shivaji museum.

Ajanta-Ellora-Caves-Rocks-Stone-Statues-Grotto-India

tips & advice (2004)


Aurangabad has an airport located about 10 km west of the center. The train station is on the south side of the city and from there trains go to Bombay (Mumbai) and Hyderabad. There is not really a bus station but many buses stop at the MSRTC- stop in the center (at Nehru place).

 

Aurangabad - Ajanta caves - Jalgaon: about halfway the road Aurangabad- Jalgaon, about 4 km from the crossing, are the Ajanta caves (100 km). The bus ride towards Jalgaon (about 160 km away) and takes about 4 hours and costs about 85Rs; it leaves every hour. Get off at the intersection (after more than 2 hours) and take the green Euro I bus (for 7 Rs) and drive to the complex of the caves.


  • Name: Regal Plaza

Address: Station Road (Bansilal Nagar)

Price: 140 Rs (single)

Phone nr. : 0240-239322

 

Content:

Perfectly centrally located at train station but also information office. Rooms are fine and also the staff.


TOUR Ellora and Ajanta caves:

"Classic" tours organizes daily tours to the Ellora and Ajanta caves from Aurangabad. Including a guide and transport but no admission tickets. Tours start and end at the MTDC Holiday Resort in Aurangabad.

 

The tour to the Ellora caves costs about 140 Rs and also includes:

  • The Daulatabad Fort;
  • The Khuldabad tomb.

 

Some comments / tips:

  • The best time to visit the city of Aurangabad and its tourist attractions (in and around the city) is October to February. In the summer there are heavy monsoon rains and the temperatures are very high. If you go in this period, take headgear and sunglasses, plenty of water (and also a snack) and sunscreen.
  • Take a flashlight because the caves are mostly dark;
  • Flashing with cameras is not allowed;
  • The entrance to the two separate cave complexes costs are 240 Rs;
  • At Ajanta caves a large baggage storage is possible so you can also travel eg to Jalgaon if desired; 
  • The tour to Ellora caves and Aurangabad sights is already a lot; perhaps a tour to both cave complexes is too much of a good one day.

www.aurangabadtours.com

Phone nr. 2335598


Aurangabad-Palace-India-Hilltop

see also: