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How To Go To Ajanta Caves

By Air
The nearest airport of Aurangabad is approximately 108 km away.

By Rail
Apart from Aurangabad, one can also go to the Jalgaon railway station, approximately 58 km away.

By Road
Ajanta Caves are well linked to Mumbai by road. Bus services are easily available.

About The Place

Location : Aurangabad District, Maharashtra

Highlights : UNESCO World Heritage Site

Represent : Hinayana and the Mahayana sects of Buddhism

Best Season : The Tourist seasons of Ajanta and Ellora extends almost through out the year.

Timings : From 09 hours to 17:30 Hrs or at sunset whichever is earlier ( closed on Mondays and national holidays. )

Entry Fee : Indians Rs.10, Adults Foreigners US$ 10 free on Friday, A light pass of Rs.5 is necessary if you want the guide to turn on the lights. Video Camera Rs 25. Flash photography is strictly forbidden in this caves.

Information Of Ajanta Caves

Ajanta caves are located 99-km away from Aurangabad district in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta caves were carved out from the 2nd century BC to 6th century AD, and are ranked high as a world heritage site.

They were hidden in the midst of a lonely glen with a streamlet flowing down below. They were scooped out into the heart of the rock so that the pious Buddhist monk could dwell and pray. During this time, images of Buddha interpreting his different life stories and several types of human and animal figures were carved out of rock in-situ.

All sections of people of the contemporary society from kings to slaves, women, men and children are seen in the Ajanta murals interwoven with flowers, plants, fruits, birds and beasts. There are also the figures of ‘Yakshas’, ‘Kinneras’ (half human and half bird) ‘Gandharvas’ (divine musicians), ‘Apsaras’ (heavenly dancers), which were of concern to the people of that time. The Ajanta caves are dedicated solely to Buddhism.

The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings, which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha. The artist has lent his creativity in each work with an overwhelming sense of vitality. These paintings have survived time and till date the numerous paintings glowing on the walls make the atmosphere very vibrant and alive.

In Cave 1, Prince Buddha is depicted delicately holding the fragile blue lotus, his head bent sideways as if the weight of his ornate jewelled crown is too heavy for his head. His half-closed eyes give an air of meditation, almost of shyness.

Cave number 2, which is one of the better-preserved monasteries with a shrine, shows how sculpture, paintings and architectural elements were used together to enhance the atmosphere of piety and sanctity. The ceiling and wall paintings illustrate events associated with Buddha’s birth.

Location : Elephanta Island, near Mumbai

Acclaimed as : World Heritage Site

Attractions : Rock-cut Temples, exquisite architectural designs

How to Reach : One can easily reach Elephanta Caves by taking Motorboats from Apollo Bunder near the Gateway of India in Mumbai.

Elephanta caves are in the magnificent Elephanta Island, which is 11 km from Mumbai. It has beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries having traces of early Buddhist culture.

The Elephanta caves date back to 9th – 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. According to legends and historians, great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja built these caves in 6th century AD.

It seems that the same craftsmen and sculptors who had worked on the Kailasa Temple and other adjoining Buddhist caves at Ellora were employed at Elephanta. It is believed that the caves were used as target practice after they constructed a fort and put a flag to ward off pirates.

It represents the three-headed Lord Shiva, and renders Him as the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of the universe. The incredible sense of creativity of the architects and sculptors is noticeable in the serried of sculpted panels, set like tableaux on the walls. Each panel depicts Lord Shiva’s unpredictable nature, and miraculous interplay of light and shade, adds to the overall effect. Another colossal idol stands for Panchamukha Shiva and here the Lord is represented as the savior and bestower of blessings. This image is estimated to have been stood at the same place for possibly a thousand years and is regarded as the masterwork of Indian art.

Location : 265 kms from Mumbai, Near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra

Altitude : 1334 meters

Attractions : Table land, Parsi point, Sydney point

Best Time to Visit : October to May

How to Reach : One can take tourist buses; hire private taxis or board a train to reach Panchgani from Mumbai.

Best Time To Visit This Place

Panchgani is a pleasant hill resort that does not experience major temperature variations. Though the monsoons are rather heavy. The temperature ranges between sixteen and thirty-five degrees throughout the year. The months from September to May are the best time to visit Panchgani. Panchgani Tourism is at its peak during the winter months.

Major Attraction Of Panchgani

At a height of 60 meters, Table Land is a major tourist attraction with its few caves, including the popular Devil’s Kitchen and Pandvgadh Caves. Panchgani is renowned for its green environs that make it a perfect place for sanatoriums and boarding schools. Most of the educational institutes here are settled in the old British buildings and Parsi houses, which attract tourists with their gothic architecture. Thanks to the oxygen-rich air of Panchgani that cures breathing problems of people at sanatoriums.

On a small mound facing the Krishna Valley is Sydney Point, a vantage point that offers stunning vista of Pandavgad, Mandhardeo and the sparkling waters of Dhom Dam. From Parsi Point, one can get the impressive panoramic view of the profound Krishna Valley. The Kamalgad Fort nearby is another nice ancient structure to visit. You can also hire a bicycle to move around the place and brood over the splendor that the Almighty has bestowed. Often called the Mecca of Maharashtra, Panchgani would definitely enthrall you with its hamlets, farms, greens and ravines.

There is ample justification for regarding Mount Kailash – the highest mountain exclusively within Tibet – as the holiest of all holy places. For Hindus, this awe-inspiring lone peak is the representation on earth of Mt Meru, the spiritual centre of their universe and a ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves. Hindus believe that Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, who sits at the summit with his consort Parvati, otherwise known as the daughter of the Himalayas.

The ‘Parikrama’, circumambulation, or journey round the base, of Mount Kailash, is said to wipe out a whole lifetime of accrued sins and many people report that they feel renewed or changed for the better after undertaking this spiritual journey. It is not just Hindus for whom Kailash is imbued with such great meaning. The Jains regard the mountain as the place where their first prophet achieved enlightenment and it is also of great spiritual significance for Buddhists and for those who still follow the ancient Bon religion. Buddhists call Kailash the “Precious Jewel Peak” and they, too, make many circumambulations in order to achieve enlightenment.

Day 01 : ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU

Upon arrival in Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you at the airport & transfer to hotel. Evening, tour briefing.

Day 02 : FLIGHT, KATHMANDU TO NEPALGUNJ

Morning, Pashupati Darshan & Pooja, afternoon visit Budhanilkanth (sleeping Bishnu), monkey temple then transfer to domestic airport for your flight to Nepalgunj. The flight takes an hour to reach Nepalgunj (the administration head quarter of Western Nepal). In Nepalgunj airport, our representative receives you & transfer to Hotel.

Day 03 : FLY, NEPALGUNJ – SIMIKOT – HILSA, THEN DRIVE TO PURANG (Taklakot – 3400 m.).

Early morning transfer to airport (10 minutes from Hotel) for flying to Hilsa (the boarder between Nepal and China). But before reaching Hilsa, your Helicopter must land at SIMIKOT (the administrative head quarter of Northern frontier of Nepal) because the boarder immigration office is situated here only and according to the regulation of Nepal government, you must go through the immigration check before you get entered into the China side. The entire formalities take about 30 to 45 minutes. After completing the formalities in Simikot, you will continue the journey to Hilsa. Once you land at Hilsa, you will cross the River Karnali through a suspension bridge and get entered to the China side then continue TREKKING up to the “Sher village”. The Chinese immigration Office and Boarder Check Post is situated in Sher village. Our vehicles (Land Cruisers & truck) are waiting there as well. The actual trek takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach Sher from the suspension bridge. Due to the different pace of walking, it may take at least two hours to gather all group members & luggage in immigration office up in Sher. However, the formalities don’t take long time but it depends on the mood of Chinese Police. From Sher, it takes another an hour to reach Taklakot (Purang -3700 m.).
- Nepalgunj to Simikot flight: 1 hour.
- Simikot to Hilsa flight: 20 minutes.
- Hilsa to Sher trek: 1 hour.
- Sher to Taklakot drive: 1 hour.

Day 04 : REST DAY IN TAKLAKOT (PURANG) FOR ACCLIMATIZATION

Today, you will have rest in Taklakot for acclimatization purpose. In fact, you have gained an enormous height within a day while coming in Taklakot, so before making any further journey to the higher elevation, your body should be acclimatized properly with the atmosphere in high altitude. So, it is significantly important to spend a day here for your health. However, we can also arrange a short visit to the Khojarnath temple (the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman) which is an optional program and you have to pay for transport (going and coming back) as well as the entrance fee of the temple. OR, you may stroll around the city on your own and visit the ruins of ancient Taklakot.
Khojarnath temple: Khojarnath temple is the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman. The temple (Monastery) is 1100 years old. – Takalakot to Khojarnath temple: 45 minutes (one way) by Jeep.

Day 05 : DRIVE, PURANG TO LAKE MANSAROVAR (Chiu Gompa – 4550 m.)

Early morning (after breakfast) you will depart for Lake Manasarovar (4560 m- Chui Gompa). The drive takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. On the way, you will have a short break in Rakshas Taal (Lake Ravana) to take some pictures & observe the sceneries. After taking a short break in Rakshas Taal, you will continue your journey to Lake Manasarover. After having holy dip and lunch at Lake Mansarovar, you will start for circumambulation around the lake by jeep. The journey around the lake requires approximately 3 hours.
- The distance of Mansarovar circumambulation: 72 km
- Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.
- Jeep tour around Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.

Day 06 : DRIVE, LAKE MANSAROVAR TO DARCHEN (4664 m.).

In the morning, perform Pooja (worship) & Snan (holy dip) after that we head out to Darchen (Mount Kailash base camp, 4662m).
- Lake Mansarovar to Darchen – 40 km
- Lake Mansarovar to Darchen drive – 1 hour & 30 minutes.

Day 07 : DRIVE, DARCHEN TO YAM DWAR THEN TREK TO DERAPHUK (4920 m)

Early morning, drive to Yam Dwar (OR Serson, 10 kms / 4750m), the auspicious gateway to the Parikrama (circuit) around Mt. Kailash. As well as, this is the sky burial sites of local Tibetan people. From here, you can see the closest view of Mt. Kailash. This is the particular place from where the group normally splits in two parts. Those, who are willing to perform the holy circumambulation around the Mt. Kailash will start trekking from this place and the rest of the people who are not willing to go for trekking will return Darchen on Jeep and wait for others to come. The trail to Deraphuk is easy & flat but because of the high elevation of the area, you will find this trek a tough one. The total journey to Deraphuk Gompa (4890m/18 km). requires 5 to 6 hours respectively. However, it depends on your pace.
- Darchen to Yam Dwar drive: 45 minutes.
- Yam Dwar to Deraphuk trek: 5 to 6 hours

Day 08 : TREK TO ZUTULPHUK (4780 m). VIA DOLMA PASS (5600 m.)

Early morning start up hill trekking to Dolma-La (5600 m). This is the toughest day of this journey. The entire trail up to Dolma-La is gradually up and from here the trail rapidly drops down to the next valley (Zutulphuk). The holiest water pool (glacial lake – Gauri kunda) is just situated beyond this pass. This is the lake, people believe, where Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva used to take bath. After making down hill trek to the valley (the next side of the high pass), the trek up to Zutulphuk Gomba requires another two hours. From here, the train is easy and flat.

Day 09 : FINISH TREK NEAR DARCHEN THEN DRIVE BACK TO TAKLAKOT

Today, you will complete the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash. The trek will be finished near Darchen where our vehicles will be waiting to fetch you and transfer to Taklakot. Evening in Taklakot.
- Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 3 hours
- Darchen to Purang drive: 3 hours

Day 10 : DRIVE TO HILSA – FLY KATHMANDU VIA NEPALGUNJ

Early morning (after breakfast), you will drive to Sher village then trek down to Hilsa (45 minutes) and take Helicopter flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
- Purang to Sher: 1 hour.
- Sher to Hilsa trek: 30 minutes.
- Hilsa to Simikot: 20 minutes flight.
- Simikot to Nepalgunj: 1 hour.
- Nepalgunj to Kathmandu: 1 hours

Day 11 : BACK HOME

Transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for your flight back home. Reporting time at the airport counter: two hours prior to the departure time.

Udaipur Airport : 26 KM
Udaipur Railway Station : 4 KM
Roadways Bus Stand : 3 KM

Location:
Shiv Niwas Palace is located in the heart of the city.

Accommodation:
The hotel offers luxurious accommodation in its 6 Royal Suites, 3 Imperial Suites, 8 Terrace Suites, and 19 Palace Rooms. Each of its room is a masterpiece of art and royal taste. All the accommodations feature modern amenities.

The feeling of royalty and comfort of home, Shiv Niwas Palace is one of the prominent heritage hotels of Udaipur. The palace built in the 20th century serves high profile guests business executives, and honeymooners. While the look is that of century old architecture, amenities here would give you a complete different feeling. With Udaipur city views and a splendorous garden, this palace hotel of Udaipur has made a mark among the heritage hotels of India. Shiv Niwas Udaipur has 17 well-decorated and furnished suites for the royal visitors. This hotel is also popular for hosting wedding ceremonies and other banquets. Guests here also enjoy car parking, pick and drop, and laundry services.

Story Behind The Yatra

There is a mythological story famous about the Jagannath Puri Rath yarta. Once in Dwarka, queens of lord Krishna asked Mata Rohini to tell them something about Krishna’s Brij lila, Gopi and their affairs.

Mother tried avoiding at first, but on excessive request of queens, she told them. Then, Subhadra was asked to stand at the gates to house and not to let anyone come inside. Coincidentally, lord Krishna and Balram came there. Subhadra followed the orders of Rohini and did not let them go in.

Standing on the doors, all the three of them heard the narration of Brij love affairs. Dev Rish Narad also heard this and requested lord to reside here in the same love form. Lord agreed to the wish of Narad. The temple here has the idols of lord Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra.

These idols don’t have legs, they have shoulders but no hands. And, the idols are made of wood. They are replaced in every 12 years. This Rath Yatra is carried on from the 12th century. This yatra is carried up to the Gundicha temple. On the way, lord is offered Khichdi in the Mausima temple.

How the Festival is Celebrated

The festival begins with the Ratha Prathistha or invoking ceremony in the morning, but the Ratha Tana or chariot pulling is the most exciting part of the festival, which begins in the late afternoon when the chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhdra start rolling. Each of these carriages have different specifications: The chariot of Lord Jagannath is called Nandighosa, has 18 wheels and is 23 cubits high; the chariot of Balabhadra, called Taladhvaja has 16 wheels and is 22 cubits high; Devadalana, the chariot of Subhadra has 14 wheels and is 21 cubits high.

Each year these wooden chariots are constructed anew in accordance with religious specifications. The idols of these three deities are also made of wood and they are religiously replaced by new ones every after 12 years. After a nine-day sojourn of the deities at the country temple amidst festivities, the divine summer vacation gets over and the three return to the city temple of Lord Jagannath.

Location : At a distance of 16 km from Palampur in the Beas valley
Built by : Ahuka and Manyuka
Built in : 1204 A.D
Dedicated to : Lord Shiva
Significance : Water of this temple has medicinal properties
How to reach : One can easily reach Baijnath Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Himachal Pradesh

Baijnath is located at a distance of 16 km from the town of Kausani, in the Katyuri Valley. Lying in the ancient town of Baijnath, the town is historically and religiously significant. Once known as Kartikyapura, Baijnath was the capital of the Katyuri dynasty of kings who ruled Uttaranchal during 12th and 13th centuries. Constructed in the 12th century, the Baijnath Temple holds significance. This is because, according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga.

Located at an elevation of 1,125 m above sea level, the town is famous for its temples of Shiva, Ganesh and Parvati, along with those of Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahma. Temple of Maheshsur Mardini portrays the slaying of the bull-headed deon by the Goddess Kali. On the banks of the Gomti River, in the Garur Valley, Baijnath Temple is located. At a distance of 3 km from the town, Kote-ke-mai temple is located. This temple is famous for the sculpted statue of Vishnu, who is the presiding deity of the temple.

History Of Baijnath Temple

Lord Shiva is commemorated here as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and is placed in the form of ‘Lingam’ (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The main sanctum comprises five projections on every side and a tall curved shikhar (spire). The history of Baijnath temple is inscribed on the stone slabs inside the complex. As per the beliefs, Ravana (King of Lanka) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

The water of this temple is believed to contain medicinal properties, which can cure diseases of people. Due to this reason too, Baijnath Temple receives thousands of people every year. Shivratri is the major festival that is observed at this temple with full gusto and fervor. Devotees visit the temple during this time to seek the blessings from the God.

Besides the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are many other small shrines dedicated to Gods and Goddesses. In the early 20th century, the temple was suffered from an earthquake. Raja Sansar Chand made an effort to renovate the temple after the calamity. The temple complex acquires lush green gardens, which makes a perfect foreground to the ancient and unique structure of this temple. Baijnath temple is considered as a part of Indian Heritage, so security arrangements are made here to avoid any unwanted element.

If your are short on time, the ‘Best of India Tour’ is the best tour package to explore India. The ‘Best of India Tour’ combines the Golden Triangle tourist circuit and Udaipur to bring you the best of India.

Tour Information

Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights

Destinations: ( Delhi- Agra- Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur- Udaipur )

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

You will be received by our representative at the airport, who will take you to the hotel. You will be accorded a traditional welcome. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast, head on a guided tour of New Delhi. Some of the monuments you visit on your sightseeing tour include Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, Connaught Place and India Gate. In the afternoon proceed on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visit Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Raj Ghat and other memorials. You also take a ride on a cycle rickshaw.

Dinner with an Indian family is the main highlight of your evening activity. You visit an Indian family for dinner to get an insight into the Indian way of life. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi- Agra

After breakfast proceed to Agra. In the afternoon tour the massive Agra Fort, which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort houses various beautiful palaces and mansions that you can visit on your tour of Agra Fort. In the evening visit Taj Mahal and watch the wonder monument change color as the sun sets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur

After breakfast proceed to the Pink City—Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. The city has some palatial buildings, a mosque and the shrine of saint Salim Chisti. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur

This is the day to take in the architectural beauty of the Pink City. You visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal and other important places on your sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Jaipur is rich with ancient monuments, which were built centuries ago. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Jaipur-Udaipur

After breakfast transfer to airport to catch a flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh about four centuries ago. On your tour you visit many important tourist places in Udaipur, which include the Jagdish Temple, the City Palace and Lake Pichola.

Day 07: Udaipur-Delhi

The day is at leisure. Take independent walks in the bustling bazaars of Udaipur. You can also visit Shilpgram, the crafts village to shop for some exquisite handicraft items. Afterwards transfer to airport to catch a flight to Delhi.

Day 08: Delhi

Upon arrival check in at hotel. Refresh and relax. Later transfer to airport to catch a flight back home. Tour ends.