India’s favorite Heritage Destination – Caves of Maharashtra

Caves of Maharashtra Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves and Elephanta Caves have got remarkable international tourist arrivals. These Historical Caves of Maharashtra, now became popular amongst foreign tourists as Heritage Tourist Destination for last three years. Another less known heritage places like Bibi ka Maqbara - replica of the Taj Mahal, the Agakhan Palace near Pune and a live memorial of sorts for Mahatma Gandhi, have also marked the increase in arrivals of foreign Tourists.There is increase of almost 35% international tourists arrivals in this state of India for last three years. According to the census, total number of foreign visitors have increased from 99,600 in 2008-09 to more than one and half lakh in 2010-11 (these figures issued by Ministry of Culture Showed in TOI).Important Travel information and how to reach at Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves and Elephanta CavesAjanta Caves have been recognized as Heritage Monument by UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization since 1983. Ajanta Caves are 29 rock cut monuments and is believed to be 2nd Century BC dated back. Ajanta Caves includes paintings, sculptures of Buddhist religion. These caves have built in 2 phases – first in 200 BC and second in 600 BC. Ajanta Caves Picture Gallery:

How to reach: Ajanta Caves are located at 107 Kms in North of Aurangabad. By Rail – Nearest Railway station to Ajanta Caves is Jalgaon which is at 60 kms approx. on Delhi – Mumbai Route.By flight- Nearest airport to Ajanta Caves is Aurangabad which is at 107 kms approx. Timings: 9.00AM to 17.30PM Indian Standard Time (IST). Kindly note that Ajanta Caves are closed on Every Monday. Location: 107 kms in North of Aurangabad City in Maharashtra State of India.Ellora Caves recognized by UNESCO and is archaeological as well as Heritage Site. These Caves Were Built by Rashtrakuta Dynasty. Ellora Caves depicts the epitome of Indian Rock Cut Architecture. The statues and architecture inside Ellora Caves shows Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions. Ellora Caves were built between 5th and 10th Century. There are 12 Buddhist (1-12), 17 Hindu (13-29) and 5 Jain (30-34) caves built in proximity displaying the religious harmony prevailed during 5th Century of Indian History.Ellora Caves Picture Gallery:

How to reach: Ellora Caves are located at 30 Kms from Aurangabad. By Rail – Nearest Railway station to Ellora Caves is Aurangabad which is at 30 kms approx. oBy flight- Nearest airport to Ellora Caves is Aurangabad Timings: 9.00 hours to 17.30 hours as per Indian Standard Time (IST). Kindly note that Ellora Caves are closed on Every Tuesday. Location: 30 kms from Aurangabad City in Maharashtra State of India.Elephanta Caves are sculpted caves and are located on Elephanta Island nearby Mumbai Harbour. Elephanta Caves are 10 in the east of Mumbai city. Elephanta Caves consist of Two Groups of Caves first is Hindu caves and second is Buddhist Caves. Hindu Caves Rock cut art and dedicated to Lord Shiva and is dated between 5th – 8th century. The real name of Elephanta Island is Gharapuri. Elephanta name has been given by Portuguese on seeing its huge gigantic statue of an Elephant at the entrance. The statue has been relocated in the garden outside the Bhau Daji Lad (erstwhile Victoria & Albert) Museum at the Jijamata Udyan (erstwhile Victoria Gardens) at Byculla in Mumbai. Elephanta Caves were designated to UNECSO in 1987 and currently is maintained by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)Elephanta Caves Picture Gallery:How to reach: Elephanta Caves are located at 10 Kms from Mumbai Harbour and can be reached by a ferry/boat from Gateway of India. By Rail – Nearest Railway station to Elephanta Caves is CST Railway Station (Chatarpati ShivaJi Terminus) By flight- Nearest airport to Elephanta Caves is Mumbai airport.Timings: 9.00 hours to 17.30 hours as per Indian Standard Time (IST). Kindly note that Elephanta Caves are closed on Every Monday. Location: 10 kms from Mumbai City in Maharashtra State of India.