Astounding! This is the only expression I have to describe the caves at Ajanta and Ellora around Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These could only have been the works of those with special skills, an extraordinary sense of art and possibly supernatural powers. The Taj Mahal should gracefully admit it is not the greatest monument built in India.
Get set to be overwhelmed when you tour the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. As well as other works of architecture in the area. Go to Aurangabad even before you visit Agra.
Aurangabad: Travel Tips
* Accommodation: Aurangabad has many hotels of all quality levels. It is best to make your base here to explore the attractions around.
* Best time to go: October to February. It can very hot in the summers and wet during the monsoons. Not the best of time to walk on superheated or slippery rocky surfaces. Try to reach the caves early morning to beat the crowds, and the see the structures come alive with the rising sun.
* Getting there: Aurangabad is well connected by air, road and train. Ellora is about 29 kms (18 miles) and Ajanta is about 105 kms (66 miles) from Aurangabad.
* Give yourself a full day each for Ajanta and Ellora, and another day for other caves and buildings.
Click on the following to explore the various attractions of Aurangabad:
* Ajanta
* Ellora
* Bibi ka Makbara: The Taj of Deccan
* The Caves of Aurangabad
* Daulatabad Fort