From Ajanta to Ellora (Travel Guide)

Ajanta and Ellora caves, in the state of Maharashtra in western India, are amongst the greatest triumphs of man's creativity and architectural innovation. These excavations into the solid rock began over 2,000 years ago in Ajanta and continued till the 12th century AD when the last caves in Ellora were sculpted.

This visually attractive guidebook is a detailed introduction to the many attractions and mysteries of these rock-cut temples that are the product of divine inspiration, ingenuity and hard, often dangerous, labour.

In the exhaustive section on Ajanta caves a genuine attempt has been made to retell the legends of Buddha's life and the Jataka stories in order to give tourists a deeper insight into the sublime paintings and sculpture that fills these caves.

The book guides the tourist through Ellora's spectacular temples and monasteries. The great Kailasha, in particular, stands out as the acme of rock-cut architecture for which Ellora is undeniably famous.

A further section describes other places of interest in the area, including Aurangabad and Daulatabad Fort. A comprehensive and up-to-date Practical Information section provides a step-by-step guide to travelling to Ajanta and Ellora, including procuring visas, detailed air and train connections, hotels and restaurants, and tourist information offices.

This is a perfect companion, not just for the intrepid tourist but also for armchair travellers curious to know more about these two magnificent World Heritage Sites.