"Peacock Kingdom" India Buddhist Grottoes Guide

North India: 4. Taj Mahal 5. Agra Fort 6. Sarnath 7. Sarnath Museum 8. Varanasi 9. Ganges Aarti 10. Khajuraho Temples 11. Orchha Fort 12. Rajasthan Forts 13. Jaipur 14. Jantar Mantar 15. Delhi 16. Qutub Minar 17. Thousand Pillar Temple 18. Rani ki Vav 19. Fatehpur Sikri South India: 20. Konark Sun Temple 21. Ajanta Caves 22. Ellora Caves 23. Hampi 24. Belur Temple 25. Halebidu Temple 26. Somnath Temple 27. Elephanta Caves Ellora Caves are located about 25–30 km northwest of Aurangabad, Maharashtra. There are 34 caves, including 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves, and 5 Jain caves, stretching for about 2 km. They were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1983. The Ellora Caves are religious buildings from the 7th to 11th centuries, during the early Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties. The caves are famous for their carvings, which show the characteristics of late Mahayana Buddhism. Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, is a perfect example of the unity of heaven and humanity, and is a masterpiece of architectural art. Info: Located about 25–30 km northwest of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, there are 34 caves, including 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves, and 5 Jain caves, stretching for about 2 km.