Exploring the Ajanta & Ellora Caves: A Family Trip and Bird Watching Adventure

Our family trip to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves began from the city of Pune, where we stayed at a friend’s home in the previous day. We had been planning this trip for several years, and we were eager to explore one of India’s most iconic cultural landmarks while also enjoying the beauty of its natural surroundings and the diversity of its avian fauna.

We started our journey at night after dinner from Pune, boarding a comfortable Volvo AC bus that would take us to our destination. We had reserved three sleeper class tickets, and we settled into our cozy berths, ready for the long journey ahead.

The bus ride was smooth and uneventful, and we dozed off to the gentle hum of the engine. When we woke up, we were already at our first stop, the small town of Aurangabad.It was early in the morning, around 5 am, and the town was still asleep.

We got off the bus and stretched our legs, taking in the cool morning air. Before exploring the Ellora Caves, we realized that we needed to freshen up and get some rest before continuing to Ellora. We searched for a local hotel near the bus stand and found a comfortable place to stay, where we could rest and recharge.

After freshening up, we hired a local cab for the full day to take us to the nearby Ellora Caves and Daulatabad fort. The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their exquisite rock-cut sculptures and temples that date back to the 6th century CE. The Ellora Caves are an ancient archaeological site located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, about 30 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. The site contains a collection of rock-cut temples and monasteries that were constructed over a period of more than 600 years, from the 6th to the 12th centuries CE.

We started our tour at Cave 16, known as the Kailasa Temple. The most famous cave at Ellora is arguably this. This enormous temple was constructed in the 8th century CE and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the most impressive examples of rock-cut architecture in the world, and features a multi-level complex of courtyards, halls, and shrines, all carved out of a single piece of rock. The Kailasa Temple took over 200 years to build. The temple is a marvel of engineering, with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

As we moved from cave to cave, we were amazed by the level of detail and artistry that went into their creation. Each cave had its own unique features and style, showcasing the skill and creativity of the ancient Indian craftsmen who built them.

There are a total of 34 caves at Ellora, which are divided into three groups based on their religious affiliation: 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves, and 5 Jain caves. The caves were carved out of the basalt cliffs of the Charanandri Hills, and many of them feature intricately carved sculptures, frescoes, and decorative motifs.

The Buddhist caves at Ellora are the oldest, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries CE. They are characterized by large, open halls and elaborate chaitya halls (prayer halls) with stupas (reliquaries) at their centers. The Hindu caves, which were constructed between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, feature intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon. The Jain caves, which were built between the 9th and 12th centuries CE, contain some of the most ornate and elaborate carvings at the site.

Overall, the Ellora Caves are an important historical and cultural site in India, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the religious and artistic traditions of ancient India, and continue to be a popular destination for tourists and scholars alike.

But our attention soon turned to the birds. We had brought our binoculars and birding guidebooks, and we were eager to spot as many species as possible. As we walked along the trails that wind through the forests around the caves, we were greeted by a Brown Rock Chat and Indian Robin and so on, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers.

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After spending an hour of bird-watching, we headed back to the caves to explore their intricate architecture and rich history.

After exploring the Ellora Caves, we headed to the nearby Daulatabad Fort, which is located about 16 kilometers from Ellora. The Daulatabad Fort is a 14th-century hilltop fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

We climbed to the top of the fort, which was quite a steep climb, but the views from the top were well worth the effort. We could see for miles around, and we were amazed by the beauty of the landscape.

The fort has a fascinating history, having been ruled by several different dynasties over the centuries. It was originally built in the 12th century and served as the capital of the Yadava dynasty. Later, it was conquered by the Delhi Sultanate, the Bahmani Sultanate, and the Mughals.

The fort is well-preserved, and we were able to explore its many features, including a mosque, a palace, and several underground passages. One of the most impressive features of the fort is its moat, which was filled with crocodiles long ago!

After spending a few hours at the fort, we headed back to our hotel in Ellora. Our trip to Daulatabad Fort was a perfect blend of history and adventure. We were able to explore one of India’s most iconic cultural landmarks while also enjoying the beauty of its natural surroundings.

After visiting the Ellora Cave and Daulatabad Fort, it can be concluded that both places are rich in history and offer a unique glimpse into the past. The Ellora Cave is a fascinating natural wonder that showcases stunning rock formations and ancient carvings.

Daulatabad Fort, on the other hand, is a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient India. The fort is a well-preserved example of medieval military architecture, with its impressive walls, moats, and bastions. Visitors can explore the various structures within the fort, including the royal palace, the mosque, and the cannon foundry.

Overall, the Ellora Cave and Daulatabad Fort provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the rich cultural heritage of India. From the natural wonder of the cave to the impressive fortifications of the fort, these destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience. And with the added bonus of birdwatching opportunities in the Ellora Cave, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.