The Ellora caves, dating back to the ancient and early medieval Indian era between 5th century CE to the 11th century CE, is located at a distance of 28 kilometers from Aurangabad, one of the leading cities in Maharashtra. These caves which are 30 in number and a combination of Jain, Buddhist and Hindu caves, symbolisms the love and respect of all the religions in India, which has been in the root of Indian tradition and culture right from the ancient period, or rather since the prehistoric era.

The Caves
All the 30 excavated rock cut caves have been categorized into three parts:

• Buddhist Caves: Cave numbers 1 to 12 at the Southern end - 5th century CE to 7th century CE.
• Hindu Caves: Cave numbers 13 to 29 in the middle - 8th century CE to 10th century CE.
• Jain Caves: Cave numbers 30 to 34 at the northern end - 9th century CE to 11th century CE.

The Buddhist Caves
The Buddhist caves, cave numbers 1 to 12, are the earliest structures of the Ellora caves, dating back to the 5th century CE to 7th century CE. These caves, which comprise mostly the monasteries or viharas, used by the Buddhist monks for their residential and meditation purposes, stretches up to the northern end of the Ellora. The Buddhist monasteries, dedicated to the Buddha, also includes the images of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas and other saints.

Architecture:The Buddhist caves, cave numbers 1 to 12, form an integral of the Ellora caves, the finest example of the cave and temple architecture in the Indian sub-continent. The Buddhist monasteries in the Ellora caves are large and multi-storeyed structures. The most important of these entire cave shrines is the cave number 10, a Chaitya hall, which further consists of a large 15 feet Buddha's statue in 'preaching pose'. Also known as the 'Carpenter's cave', the cave is more of a cathedral like large hall, whose ceilings give an impression of wooden beams. The sculpture of all these Buddhist caves have been dedicated to the Buddha in His different forms.

The Hindu Caves
The Hindu caves, cave numbers 13 to 29, belongs to the early Indian medieval period which is from the 8th century CE to the 10th century CE. Lying in the middle of the Ellora caves, the temples of the Hindu caves have mainly been dedicated to the Hindu Gods Shiva and Vishnu, who have been depicted in various forms.
Architecture: The main aspect to boast of in the Hindu temples of the Ellora caves is the unique architecture and creative sculpture of these caves. A perfect symbol of Indian planning and architecture, these cave temples, carved from top to down in the form of a ladder, are the masterpieces of the Ellora caves.

The best example of all these caves is the cave number 16, known as the Kailasha or Kailasanatha temple, the largest monolithic structure in the world, dedicated to the God Shiva. The multi storey structure of the Kailasha temple though covers a vast area but interestingly was carved of a single rock. The gateway of the temple is also double storeyed and opens in a U-shaped courtyard, which is again surrounded by three storeyed large galleries containing sculptures of different deities. The temple complex also comprises image of the sacred Bull, Nandi, just in front of the central temple. The Nandi Mandap and the main Shiva temple, both about 7 meters high, have been constructed in two stories. The lower part of the Nandi Mandap, a solid structure, has been decorated with numerous carvings. The cave, besides including rooms, halls, windows, pillars and images of the deities, have further been carved with niches, plasters, mithunas and other Shaivite(related to God Shiva) and Vaishnavite(related to Lord Vishnu) figures. The unique and magnificent architecture of the Cave 16 itself makes it clear why it took about 100 years to erect this cave.

Other Hindu caves include Rameshwara caves and the Das Avatara cave (depicting 10 incarnations of Vishnu) among many others.

Jain Caves
The Jain caves, which dates back from the 9th century CE to 11th century CE, reflects a vast dimension of the Jain philosophy and values. The Jain tradition, which strictly follows asceticism, are evident in all the Jain caves - Caves 32 to 34.
Architecture: The Jain caves reflect a detailed art work along with its ascetic principle thereby widening its prospect of uniqueness. Cave number 32, a Jain shrine with lotus carvings on the ceilings, is a fine example of the Indian architecture. Another rich painting in the Jain caves is related to a Yakshini sitting in a lion under a mango tree.

The city of Ellora - Aurangabad
Aurangabad, one of the major cities of Maharashtra, is more of an entrance to the Indian heritage, Ellora caves along with the other one - the Ajanta caves. Situated on the right banks of the river Kham, the city of Aurangabad is also a home to numerous tourist destinations with Bibi Ka Maqbara(Replica of the Taj Mahal, Agra) and Begum Garden being the major ones.

Nearby Cave Attractions

• Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta caves, 30 in numbers, form major heritage centres of Maharashtra along with that of Ellora and Elephanta. Situated on the Sahyadri hills at a distance of 70 kilometers from Ellora caves near Aurangabad, the Ajanta rock cut caves comprises Chaitya halls, shrines, Viharas and monasteries used by the Buddhist monks.
• Aurangabad Buddhist Caves: The Aurangabad Buddhist caves, dating back to the 4th-8th century CE, is a major centre of attraction in Aurangabad among the tourists. Built by the Chalukya and the Vakataka rulers, the caves are related to the Mahayana sect with two exceptional cases - one being dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesha, while another one relates to the Theravadins.
• Karla Caves : The group of Karla caves in Maharashtra, which dates back to the 2nd century BCE, is an excellent example of the spread of Buddhism in the ancient period and the magnificent Buddhist architectural style. The Karla caves, located 11 kilometers of Lonavla, are basically known for their old(2500 years) woodwork style with a significant architectural features of the interiors.
• Junnar Caves: Junnar, also known as the birthplace of Shivaji, the great Indian warrior famous for his bravery and diplomacy, is a home to the Buddhist caves dating back to the period of 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE. The entire Junnar Buddhist caves, falling on the Mumbai-Aurangabad route and 177 kilometers from Mumbai, have been divided into three major groups:
  
  a. Tulija Lena group
  b. Manmodi Hill group
  c. Ganesh Lena group

• Bhaja: The Bhaja caves are a group of 18 caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE. An excellent illustration from the ancient Indian architecture, these caves are located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Lonavla in Maharashtra. The largest one of these caves is Cave number 12.
• Pithalkora Caves: Dedicated to the Theravada sect of Buddhism, the Pithalkhora caves, located on the Satmala hills, 78 kilometers from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, consitute the largest Theravadin caves of the Indian sub-continent. These caves, which dates back to the 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE, comprises temples, monasteries and viharas, mainly used by the Buddhist monks.
• Elephanta Caves: A unique rock cut cave temple, known as the Elephanta caves, lies 9 miles across the Arabian sea from the Gateway of India in Mumbai, the state capital of Maharashtra. Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, the caves reflect three forms of the God - Constructor, Protector and the Destroyer.

Accessibility
By Air - The Ellora caves, situated at a distance of 28 kilometers from Aurangabad, can be reached by air. The nearest airport is at Aurangabad, which is directly linked to other major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

By Road - The Ellora caves can be reached by road from other cities of Maharashtra such as Mumbai, Nasik, Jalgaon, including Aurangabad.

By Rail - The nearest railhead to Ellora is at Aurangabad, 28 kilometers away.

Best Months to Visit
The Ajanta caves are open for the tourists throughout the year, although the best months to visit the caves would be from October to March, due to the pleasant whether there.