Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India

***** Ellora Caves (Ellora leni) ***** 

Quote of the Post: "Sacred sounds in stone have gained international fame and re-designated as World Heritage Sites". - Quote about 'Ajanta and Ellora' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Ellora caves are 30 Km away from Aurangabad. The road passes by the base of the Daultabad Fort, We follow the route from Pune after visiting Shani Shignapur:

Pune - Ahmadnagar - Shani Shingnapur - Aurangabad - Daultabad - Ellora. 

Ellora Caves Timings:

6:00 am to 6:00 pm; Note: Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesday.

Jain Caves

Our Group near Cave 29 - Ellora Waterfall

Some points about Ellora Caves:

1. Ellora Caves, spanning during the period 5th and 11th A.D. comprise Buddhist monasteries, and temples of the Hindu and Jain faiths.
2. Ellora, is famous for its architectural design and outstanding sculptures. 
3. The 34 "caves" – The 12 Buddhist (caves 1–12), 17 Hindu (caves 13–29) and 5 Jain (caves 30–34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.
4. Among these, the most notable ones are cave 5, 10, 15, 16, 21, 29, 32. 
5. Most famous of the Buddhist caves is cave 10, a chaitya hall (chandrashala) or 'Vishvakarma cave', popularly known as the "Carpenter's Cave".
6. Kailasha (Cave 16) is designed to recall Mount Kailash, is a splendid artwork, not to miss. 
7. In the brahmanical excavations, the imagination and poetry of the various concepts was reflected in artwork which attained a new visual grace, power and fame.
8. All Jain caves [30-34] belongs to Digambara sect. Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition.
9. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the ceilings – fragments of which are still visible.
10. One aspect a typical visitor overlooks is the geological background of Ellora. In fact the most defining factor why Ellora was ever made and that too at this location is the geological peculiarity of the place. 

12 Buddhist Excavations: [1-12]

Caves 1-9 are monasteries.

Cave 10: Most famous one, A Chaitya hall(chandrashala) or Vishvakarma cave, also known as "Carpenter's Cave"

Cave 11 - Do Tal

Cave 12 - Tin Tal (Three stories)

17 Brahmanical Excavations: [13-29]

Cave 14 - Ravan ki Khai

Cave 15 - Dashavatara [Ten avatars of lord Vishnu]

Cave 16 - Kailasanatha Temple, the center masterpiece of Ellora. Multi storeyed temple complex.

Cave 21 - Rameshvara

Cave 22 - Nilkantha

Cave 29 - Dhumar Lena [Impressive]

Inside Cave No - 29

Caves Pillar at no 24

Ellora Waterfall: The waterfall can be enjoyed during monsoon season in full flow. It can be seen easily in between caves 28 and 29. There is a bridge that connects between caves 28 and 29. You can reach just below the waterfall through the bridge. During high monsoon season, It remains closed due to rock sliding.

Inside Cave No - 21

Ellora Caves View

5 Jain Excavations: [30-34]

Cave 30 - Chota Kailash

Cave 32 - Indra Sabha

Cave 33 - Jagannath Sabha

In front of Kailashnath Temple - Cave 16

Near Cave 1-2

Some Tips to Enjoy/Note about Ellora Caves trip as per our experience:

• 1. To start early in the morning, stay nearby Ellora caves area, or Aurangabad.
• 2. The best time to visit Ellora caves is, in the winter months October to February. But During monsoon season, It can be enjoyed more, caves covered with lush greens. Ellora waterfall and some more small waterfalls can be enjoyed. 
• 3. Try to start early in the day, so that It wouldn't be exaustive.
• 4. The taxi parking ground faces Cave 16, and visitors are used to make this their starting point. But, It is advisable to walk down, and begin with Cave 1, if you are by foot. If you own the vehicle, Start with to take the vehicle 1.5 Km up the road to another part of the hillside to visit the last 5 Jain caves [30 - 34]. It will save the time, then the middle series Hindu caves [13-29], and at the last finish the buddhist caves [1-12].
• 5. Bus and vehicle can go to caves no. 21, 29, 34 only. Save your time reaching these points by your vehicle.
• 6. Bring ample snacks and water before starting for the Ellora caves, as you wouldn't get anything up the hills.
• 7. It will take 4-6 hrs to cover all the caves, depending on how you are traversing the caves. 
• 8. There are many meditation halls to sit calm and relax for some time. 
• 9. Just opposite cave 16, A big garden can be enjoyed from top of Kailasha. 
• 10. If you have very short time, Cover the most notable one caves - 5, 10, 15, 16, 21, 29, 32.

Thanks to all my amdocs friends - Tarachand, Anish Bapna, Dhiraj Masodgi, Jatin Wadhwa, Avnish Garg, Sagar Ambastha to make this trip more happening and enjoyable. 

Visit other World Heritage Site - "Ajanta Caves" [100 Km away from Ellora Caves] in Maharashtra.

Read More

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, India

 ***** Ajanta Caves (Ajintha leni) ***** 

Quote of the Post: "Sacred sounds in stone have gained international fame and re-designated as World Heritage Sites". - Quote about 'Ajanta and Ellora' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Since 1983, The Ajanta Caves have been world's greatest historical monument recognised by UNESCO located just 40kms from Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India. It is 100 Km from Ellora Caves, and 110 Km from Aurangabad. After covering Ellora caves, We follow the route from Pune as: 

Pune - Ahmadnagar - Shani Shingnapur - Aurangabad - Daultabad - Ellora - Sillod - Ajanta.

The same can be covered by the path directly from Pune as: Pune - Ahmadnagar - Aurangabad - Sillod - Ajanta 

Ajanta Caves Timings:

9:00 am to 5:30 pm; Note: Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday. 

Ajanta Caves Ticket Charges:

1. For Indians below 15 years : FREE of Charge

2. For Indians above 15 years : Rs. 10/- per head 

3. For Foreigners : US $5 or equivalent in Indian rupees per head 

4. For Photo Camera/ Video Camera: Rs. 5/- (Camera to be used without flash)

Some points about Ajanta Caves:

1. Why name Ajanta? As the place was unknown to the public (Janta) since long time, so as the name, A-Janta.

2. Ajanta Caves, excavated between the 2nd century B.C. and the 6th century A.D. are renowned for Buddhist paintings. 

3. Ajanta represents the most perfect example of Indian wall paintings. 

4. For a thousand years, Ajanta lay buried in the jungle-clad slopes of the western mountain range, until in 1819, It was discovered accidentally. 

5. Ajanta Caves made an ideal site of horse-shoe shaped rock rising over a ravine alongwith the "Waghora river". 

6. There are 30 caves, some of them are uncompleted and negligible. Best work can be found in caves 1, 2, 16, 17 and 19. The best sculptures are in caves 1, 4, 17, 19, 24 and 26. [Info consolidated through various sites, and after own interpretation] 

7. Cave No 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are chaitya halls and rest monesteries are vihars. 

8. Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 are fitted with spotlights, available for use on payment. 

9. The central theme on the walls comes under two heads - narrative scenes from the Buddha's life and illustrations of Jataka fobles pertaining to Buddha's previous incarnation.

10. The paintings inside the caves, include geometric designs, floral and ornamental motifs, flying figures of celestial beings, animals, birds, plants. 

  

Some Tips to Enjoy/Note about Ajanta Caves as per our experience:

• 1. To start early in the morning, stay nearby Ajanta caves area, and reach at night to Ajanta village. 
• 2. Try to start early in the day, so that It wouldn't be exaustive. 
• 3. During peak season, There is long queue for tickets, also for the bus drop from Ajanta Parking place to the base of Ajanta caves. 
• So try to be early in the morning, We got our bus sharp 9 A.M. 
• 4. Bring ample snacks and water before starting for the Ajanta caves, as you wouldn't get anything up the hills. 
• 5. There are some small waterfalls during monsoon season, that can be enjoyed. 
• 6. When you finish all the caves, explore another little big waterfall, follow the path that connects to the bridge.  
• 7. To have different views of the Ajanta caves, You have to follow bridge root, not the same root while coming back. 
• 8. You can have a guide for the whole Ajanta caves visit, or you can choose to have different guides at some specific caves, and pay some small tokens to them. 
• 9. It will take 4-5 hrs to cover all the caves, depending on how you are traversing the caves from the base area.  
• 10. Nearby Ajanta parking area, There is an ATM, and many shops that have been commercialized. Bargain as much as you can, while purchasing the souvenirs.

Thanks to all my amdocs friends - Tarachand, Anish Bapna, Dhiraj Masodgi, Jatin Wadhwa, Avnish Garg, Sagar Ambastha to make this trip more happening and enjoyable.


Visit other World Heritage Site - "Ellora Caves" [100 Km away from Ajanta Caves] in Maharashtra. 

Read More

Chasing the monsoon in Karla Caves near Lonavala

India hosts nearly immense wealth of ancient rock-cut architecture for diverse tastes. One of the best is located in Karla Caves. This is one of the must see places to visit near Lonavala, also known as Karle caves.

If you are coming by road from Pune, you have to follow below route:

Pune (A) - NH4 - Khamshet - Malavali (Just before Lonavala) - Karli village - Karla Caves

If you are coming by road from Mumbai, you have to follow below route:

Mumbai (E) - Navi Mumbai - Follow Pune Mumbai expressway - Khandala (D) - Lonavala (C) - Malavali - Karli - Karla Caves (B)

Karla Caves Map

Train transport is cheaper either coming from Pune or Mumbai. Pune to Lonavala local train time table can be checked here. Lonavala to Pune local train time table can be checked here. 

We opted for train travel from Pune railway station to Malavali railway station. From Malavali railway station we traveled up-to the tail of Karla caves by auto-rickshaw @ INR 100. Though one can drive up-to the midpoint of the Karla caves up-to the parking area; well maintained staircase is always a preferred option in light drizzle. There are number of small shops, restaurants, bhutta (corn) and tea stalls throughout the trek. 

With my new SLR, I could not resist from capturing colorful bangles, hanging bottles, lovely garlands, hens, panoramic views of mountains and lush green grounds and whichever beautiful thing fell on the way. And it did not end there, we could also capture a few human faced and animal shaped rocks. These caves are declared by the Archaeological Survey of India as a National Monument.

It resides on a high spur of the chain of hills on north flank of Indrayani valley and approx 8 km away from the sister Bhaja caves towards south. As you enter the cave, you will find yourself near the Karla falls. Not to mention, it is possible only during monsoons! Some people also bathe and enjoy in this waterfall, but one should be very cautious, as some of the rocks become very much slippery. During monsoon, there are numerous waterfalls in the entire belt, thus making enough spots for people to stop by. The group of Karla includes total 16 excavations (One is Chaityagriha and 15 are Viharas) depicting artistic embellishment of Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism. Detailed information about Karla Caves can be found near Notice Board where we pay entrance fees.

Karla Caves Timings and Fees: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  

Indian: 5 INR; Foreign Nationals: 100 INR

Lion sculptures in top of pillar in front of chaitya, just look amazing. The hall features beautifully en-carved sculptures of people from ancient times along with royal animals - lions and elephants. There is a stupa and one can notice some interesting carvings inside the caves. The inner frontage has the sun window, ornamental arcades and sculptures, marks the culmination of the Himalaya type of Chaitya Hall. The figures of Buddha carved in relief belong to the later mahayana phase. The hall is divided into a nave and tow aisles by two rows of pillars. Inside the cave are carved a number of inscription records in Brahmi characters giving the names of donors who contributed for the excavation of this cave.

Ekveera Mata Prashannav:

Some space outside is occupied by a temple dedicated to the goddess Ekveera, where villagers and many visitors worship daily. It seems like during festive season, it attracts quite a crowd, handled in a big queue.

One can visit Karla and Bhaja Caves in a single day. In splendor these caves can be compared to Ajanta and Ellora caves but are much less popular – thus visit here is pleasant due to less crowds specially during monsoon.

Chasing the monsoon...

Other caves to visit in Maharashtra:

Worldwide famous Ajanta and Ellora caves near Aurangabad - Daulatabad
Monsoon visit to Bhaja Caves near Bhaje Village 
Lenyadri Caves near Junnar - one of the Ashtavinayak Ganpati

Read More

Bhaja Caves and Falls - Lonavala, Pune

Pune Monsoon of 2012, has really been keeping us on wheels. After Alibaag, and Shirur, it was time for a trek to Bhaja caves, Lohagad fort and Lonavala; which was again an adhoc plan. This time Phani, Tara, Anmol, Anuradha, Komal, Meenal and the energetic kids Divit and Chetan were in our gang. If you are coming by road from Pune, you have to follow below route:

Pune - NH4 - Khamshet - Malavli (Just before Lonavala) - Bhaje village

If you are coming by road from Mumbai, you have to follow below route:

Mumbai - Navi Mumbai - Follow Pune Mumbai expressway - Khandala - Lonavala - Malavli

Train transport is cheaper either coming from Pune or Mumbai. Pune to Lonavala local train time table can be checked here. Lonavala to Pune local train time table can be checked here. 

Bhaja Caves Map

After four wheeler trip to Alibaug, 2 wheeler ride to Shirur, we preferred multi-wheeler train for this trip. :P We kick-started our trip with the early morning 6:30 am local, which took us to Malavli. To our luck, it started raining heavily! Tempted for hot tea and snacks, we took shelter in a small tapri outside the Malavali Railway Station. This is where we gathered some info on further route and relevant expenses. Our next vehicle was a 3 wheeler, which took us to Bhaje village, at the rate of INR 50 per auto. Unlike us, some of the groups had opted for a walk (2.5 km - 30 mins walk). 

Once you are here at the Bhaje Village, you feel like being at the entrance of heaven. The scenic beauty of place will leave you speechless for a few moments during monsoon. Shades of green, with white patches of clouds, topped with beauty of multiple waterfalls is really a treat for ones eyes. We had the chance to click some quick snaps at this place and climbing up and down the hill. What else do you wait for! Our lenses were all set to capture glimpse of this place. Further, you can see the stairs leading to Bhaja Caves. If you keep following the straight path (rather than going upstairs) you will reach Lohagad and Visapur forts. The inscritions and cave temple is declared as a protected monument, and listed in the archaeological survey of India. These caves will remind you of Karla and Bedsa Caves in Lonavala, if you've been there, and the smaller version of famous Ajanta and Ellora caves.

Bhaja Caves Timings and Fees:

9:30 am to 5:30 pm;  

Indian: 5 INR; Foreign Nationals: 100 INR

Bhaja caves consists of 22 rock-cut excavations and situated on a hilltop of Bhaja village, Maval Taluka in Pune district near Malavli. The excavations here consist of chaityagrahas, viharas and podhis. These are one of the important Buddhist centres of Hinayana faith in Maharashtra. The chaityagraha is a large hall having a stupa and 27 pillars in tow. The entrance of the hall is completely open and one can notice some interesting carvings inside the caves. 

We took some more group snaps at the smaller caves, besides the main hall. One irregular excavation is identified as a cemetery, which has fourteen rock-cut stupas, five inside and nine outside. If you keep going till the last cave, you will find yourelf near the Bhaja falls. Not to mention, it is possible only during monsoons! Some people also bathe and enjoy in this waterfall, but one should be very cautious, as some of the rocks become very much slippery. This water flow falls into a small pool at the roadside.  

Lush green meadows, mountains covered with clouds, sun playing hide n seek, cool breeze and serene climate, makes this place worth multiple visits during monsoons. There are two Maratha forts, Lohagad (Iron) fort and Visapur fort nearby hills. After enjoying quite a while at this historic place we continued our trek to Lohagad Fort. 

Visit the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra. 

Read More

Ganpati at Lenyadri Caves and Hills

Company of loved ones, dark clouds covering whole of the sky, long drive, what else can one ask for on a weekend! Inadvertently, if the cam goes off, that's certainly you wouldn't appreciate. :( Desperation gives way to creativity, and there we were clicking the pics with the strength of all our senses put together. 

From Ozar Ganpati temple, we headed to Ganpati Teample at Lenyadri Hills, which is a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves near Junnar Taluka, approx 90 km from Pune. This place is also known as "Sulaiman Pahar (mountain) or Ganesh Pahar". These caves have been created in 1st - 3rd century AD as a Buddhist monastery. Group of 30 caves contains two large shrines - chaitya griha (Cave 6-14) and one small chaitya. Other caves were created as dwellings for monks - viharas. Most viharas consist of verandah, central hall and cells arranged around the central hall. Although of smaller dimensions when compared to Ajanta, Ellora, Bhaja caves. 

Later on, one of the Buddhist dwellings was turned into a popular shrine of Hindu god Ganesh, which is one of the Ashtavinayak shrines at the Cave 7. Some also name as Shri Girijatmaj Lenyadri Ganapati. It is said that in this particular cave Devi Parvati performed tapascharya for twelve long years for the gain of a son. After her long tapascharya, Lord Ganesh himself came before her. It is said that Lord Ganesha’s childhood took place in the Lenyadri mountains. It was his playground. So the name of the idol ‘Girijatmaj’ comes as ‘Girija’ meaning Devi Parvati and ‘Aatmaj’ meaning Son. Lenyadri carries an ancient myth which says that when the great Pandavas were living in agyatvas during their 13th year of exile, they sculptured these caves in just one night. 

How to reach Lenyadri 

Lenyadri Hill and Temple Map

By road from Pune: On the Pune Nasik Road passing through Chakan, Rajgurunagar, Manchar, Narayangaon to Junnar one can reach Lenyadri Ganpati. Junnar is the town closest to Lenyadri. Maharashtra state Transport buses also ply from Mumbai and Pune to Junnar. The distance between in Junnar to Lenyadri is 5km and this can be covered either by autorickshaw, car or jeeps that are easily available.

One can go by any vehicle to the base of hills further to which you have approx 300 stone cut steps arranged in ten flights, to take you to the top of the hill. The Palkhi or Doli (human carriage) service also offered 200 INR per person to the needy people till the top, that is one of the source of employment to locals. It is recommended to have water bottle while going up, as there is no shop up or on the stairways. As soon as we started climbing, little shower welcomed us, and after moving more up, strong wind made it harder to walkup, though enjoyable.

The place looks really eye-catching during monsoon season and ask us to be there for long. This holy place is encircled by a series of hills on all sides, and Shivneri Fort can also be adored from this place. The temple and the neighbouring caves are in possession of The Archaeology Department of India. The entry fee (darshan) is charged as Rs. 5 for the pilgrims and tourists.

So be it the quick trek, visit to the holy place, discover the history of caves in India, or a family or friends group tour, it attracts all. Anmol, Meenal, Anshul including me enjoyed the day so far, and next moved toward Bheemashanker Jyotirling.

Read More

Shree Vighanahar Ganpati Temple, Ozar

Yippee, our Monsoon Express moved towards the north of Pune to pay regards to Ganpati at Ozar (Shree Vighnahar Ganapati Mandir), Lenyadri Caves and Bheemashankar. The Ganapati Temple at Ozar is one among the Ashtavinayak shrines of Maharashtra, called as Vigneshwar (The Lord of Vigna/obstacles). Lord Shree Vighanahar (can be searched at google) defeated the demon of obstacles, Vignasura; hence the name.

It is about 90 km from Pune and 140 from Nashik. The holy place is about 110 km from Ahmednagar in east, and 125 km away from Kalyan near Mumbai in west. Another Ashtavinayak shrine of Lenyadri, is just about 9 km, that we covered the very same day. Below map shows the routes from different directions, along with the one which we followed from Pune as: 

Pune - Rajguru Nagar Toll - Khed - Manchar - Pimpalgaon Tarfa Narayangaon - Ozar

View Shree Vighanahar Ganpati Temple, Ozar in a larger map

The day started with August showers. With eye-soothing and heart-loving views, the journey was easy and within no time we were at Ozar Ganpati. Just near the parking area we noticed an adorable view of Vighnahar Boating Center; which was closed due to heavy monsoon. This area comes within Yadegaon Dam. 

The temple's entrace is well decorated and eye-catchy, with two large stone gatekeepers, two elephants, two sages, and four musician sages on the wall. As you enter, you will find two giant lamp towers on either sides of the gate. Could only imagine the beauty of all the lamps glowing together! The colorful temple walls, possess en-carved sculptures and different images of Lord Ganesha. The main temple located at the center of premises, has three tiny entrances and inside that you can worship all eight Ashtavinayak Ganpati painted on the ceiling. One can view Shivneri Fort and Lenyadri Caves hill from the huge walls marking the premises. Not to worry on the climbing bit, they do have ladders! 

Just outside the temple, you can have quick visit to Gablibaba temple, and Hanuman temple. Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated in great splendor and thousands of devotees come over to pay regards. Once out of the temple, our creativity took its turn and we were all set again for clicking and posing for pics. Post a quick explore of the Dam, we paused for a cup of tea and homemade sandwiches. With the start of day with Ganapati Darshan, day was bound to be good. And there it went.  :) We started for Lenyadri Caves Ganpati Temple and the showers too.  

Visit another famous AshtavinayakRanjangaon Mahaganapati near Shirur.

P.S. Just to give an idea to the readers, you may want to plan a full day trip nearby as below:

Cover Ozar Ganpati, Lenyadri caves Ganpati and Shivneri Fort. or 

Cover Ozar Ganpati, Lenyadri caves Ganpati and Bheemashanker.

Read More

Daulatabad Devagiri Fort - An Architectural Wonder!

If you like to time travel, then go to Daulatabad fort (Devagiri fort). You will get a lifetime travel experience here. During our one day trip, after visiting Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple, we moved to visit 'Daulatabad Fort'. It is also considered to be one of the seven wonders of Maharashtra and a developing tourist spot. Entry point is on the road itself, it can be easily accessed via bus or through cab, and lots of parking available. It is about 16 km of Aurangabad, about 230 km from Pune and about 280 km from Mumbai. 

The way the fort is built and the architecture is certainly worth admiring. Just get your ticket from outside window, and enjoy the fort. The fort is a place of extraordinary strength. It is situated on a hill top and gives breath taking views for the city from top. We just loved it. The Moon Minar (Chandminar) is a tower which can be seen from all around. It was originally covered with beautiful Persian glazed tiles. The fort has 7 gates in zigzag path. The only means of access to the top is by a narrow bridge, with passage for not more than two people abreast, and a long gallery, excavated in the rock, which has for the most part a very gradual upward slope. At the top, and at intervals on the slope, are specimens of massive old cannon facing out over the surrounding countryside. The cannon on the top was so mesmerizing, that we spent 15 minutes at that place. There are cannons which have signatures of Aurangzeb engaved on them. Also at the mid way, there is a cave entrance meant to confuse the enemies. 

The recommended weather to visit Daulatabad fort would be monsoons to experience the beauty surrounding the fort and will also help to climb the fort at ease. But if you are planning some other timings, better to avoid summer's afternoon. The fort gives you a great sight in the evenings. Now a days, the walkway is surrounded by nice green gardens, so it was a pleasant walk. Carry loads of water and don't forget to visit old Bharatmata temple and a 1000 years old Ganpati temple which is located on the fort itself. I just loved the time spent together with Tanuj and Mom, and then moved to Bibi Ka Makbara. 

Recommendation: Certainly a must and worth visit for all tourists visiting Aurangabad, particularly for those who have not visited this fort earlier. In my opinion if anybody wants to enjoy its magnificent view, he should spend atleast 4 hours. Since Daulatabad Fort lies on the route to Ellora caves and Grishneshwar temple, one can plan to visit this fort in the morning, visit Aurangzeb’s tomb, spend afternoon time at Ellora caves and visit Grishneshwar temple at early evening time. 

Near by places of interest: 

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad 

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad 

Sai Baba temple, Shirdi 

Grishneshwar Jyotirling and Temple, Verul 

Bibika Makbara (Mini Tajmahal), Aurangabad 

Read More