Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta and Ellora are cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta, were remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will come to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Ajanta Caves
It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning a period from 200 BC to 650 AD.

The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, are also elaborately portrayed.

Ellora Caves
The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.

The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two - storied structure sports a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music.

Detailed Programme ( Tour )

Day 01 -- Arrive Bombay
Assistance and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 -- Bombay
Pick up at 0900 hours from the hotel and transfer to Gateway of India for visit of Elephanta Caves

The rock-cut Hindu temples at Elephanta, an island 6 miles across the harbour provide an exciting glimpses of Indian sculpture dating from 600 AD. Huge panels depict episodes relating to Lord Shiva, the central one being the most imposing one - a five metre bust of the god, represents his three aspects as creator, preserver and destroyer.

Afternoon city sightseeing tour.

Bombay - Political capital of Maharashtra and commercial capital of India, it has no recorded ancient past. Although Buddhist and Hindu dynasties ruled the region until around the 13th century, there were only scattered settlements on the island. The real development of Bombay commenced soon after under the East India Company. Gateway of India built to commemorate the royal visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the Prince of Wales Museum housing collection of Indo Saracenic architecture, Flora Fountain, Victoria Terminus, St. Thomas Cathedral, Crawford Market, Malabar Hill and the Hanging Gardens and Dhobi Ghat(Washerman's village) are some of the attractions. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 03 -- Bombay-Aurangabad flight
Transfer to airport for flight to Aurangabad.

Assistance and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon visit Ellora Caves.

Ellora Caves, 34 cave temples were carved out of the hillside with hand tools. Only 12 of these 34 caves are Buddhist. The 17 Hindu caves in the centre are the most impressive. The massive Kailash Temple(cave 16) is nearly one and half times taller than the Parthenon and occupies almost twice its area. It is believed that it was constructed by excavating approx. 200,000 tones of rock and is possibly the world's largest monolithic structure. Shiva's Himalayan home, the temple is exquisitely sculpted with scenes from Hindu mythology, each pulsing with drama and passion. The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is a masterpiece.

Day 04 -- Aurangabad
Full day visit of Ajanta Caves.

Ajanta Caves were discovered in 1819 by a British hunting party. There isolation had contributed to the fine state of preservation in which some of the paintings over 2000 years old remain to this day. Aurangabad is known for the caves excavated and painted by Buddhist monks between 200BC and AD 600. The 30 caves at Ajanta are the superb example of India's finest artistic treasures. They depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and Buddhist fables with skill and devotion. the best known caves(1,12,16,17, 19) contain magnificent depictions of the bodhisattvas, Avlokitesvara and Padmapani..

Day 05 -- Aurangabad-Bombay flight - 1955/2055 hours
Morning at leisure. Check-out time is 12 Noon

Transfer to airport for flight to Bombay and onward connection. 

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward serve you again in near future.