Located amidst the Chamdari Hills, famous Ellora Caves are listed in the World Heritage Sites. These 300 years old caves are situated at a distance of 18 miles northwest of district of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. When seen casually, Ellora caves look like a vertical asymmetrical ridge of rock. Ellora caves are an amazing piece of cave temple architecture. These caves are dedicated to three faiths, Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Carved during 350 AD to 700 AD, these famous caves in Maharashtra have elaborate fronts and intricately carved interiors. 

It was during the rules of the The Chalukya - Rashtrakuta rulers (7th - 10th century), cave art flourished.  Many rich merchants and kings donated huge amounts for the construction of these caves.  It was believed that, by constructing these religious cave temples, Kings would get religious excellence and salvation. Whatever be the reasons behind building of these cave shrines, they enriched the Indian heritage. Mumbai travel guide offers interesting information about the Ellora caves.

 
There are 34 cave temples which are carved out of stones.  These caves are classified according to the groups they belong to; Buddhist, Jains and Hindu. Designs of these caves reflected a decline in the Buddhism as there are only 12 caves showing Buddhist designs and those too include Jain and Hindu themes. These caves were carved by monks belonging to all these three religions. There are temples, monasteries and chapels in Ellora caves which reflect the height of creativity and imagination.  When golden rays fall in the late afternoon in these caves running from North to South, there is reflection of an amazing hue.

Paintings and carvings adorning the walls of the caves depict the Hindu, Jain and Buddhism expressions.  There are stunning structures like mystical figures of Gods and Goddesses, graceful angles, wooden beams, steps and more.  There are two sets of paintings in 5 caves; first set was done at the time of carving of caves and other was done many centuries later. Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are depicted in first set.  In the second set Shaiva holy men are shown.

Ellora caves are known among the famous sightseeing attractions in Mumbai and a famous festival, Ellora festival is organized here by MTDC annually in the third week of March.