Ajanta caves, the outstanding world renowned caves are located at a distance of 100 km from the city of Aurangabad. The caves form a part of the UNESCO world's heritage list and are one of the most remarkable creations of the past era. The origin of Ajanta Caves can be traced back between 2nd century BC and 7th century AD. Paintings and sculptures in the Ajanta caves depicts the story of Lord Buddha, Bodhisattva (followers of Buddhism), the tales of Jatakas and Buddhism religion that prevailed here during this era. The caves showcase the architectural brilliance and superb craftsmanship. There are a total of 30 caves snuggled together, deep inside the Sahyadri range, far away from human habitation in the middle of a huge rock. Cave number 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are Chaitya-Grihas (a prayer hall that houses a stupa) while the rest of the caves comprise of monasteries. Ajanta caves were constructed to provide abode and praying place to the Buddhist monks (as they did not have a permanent dwelling), religiously spreading Buddhism in the world. The caves also showcase paintings based on Greek and Roman compositions and proportions. However, Indian style continued to be the predominant one that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Ajanta caves were discovered quite later in 1819 AD by a troop of British Officers who were on a Tiger hunt in that area. The enchanting Ajanta Caves are divided in to 2 groups based on their time of construction. The older caves were constructed few centuries before the birth of Christ while the other set of caves were made between 5th and 7th century AD. Ajanta Caves are completely spellbinding and draw a large number of tourists to Aurangabad every year.          About 110 kms. from the city of Aurangabad, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta nestle in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe. Among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings and sculptures, these caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. 

The Aurangabad caves (Marathi :औरंगाबाद लेणी) are 12 artificial rock-cut Buddhist shrines located on a hill running roughly east to west, nearly 2 km north from Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The first reference of Aurangabad Caves is cited in the big Chaitya of Kanheri. The Aurangabad Caves were dug out of comparatively soft basalt rock during the 6th and 7th century. Caves are divided into three separate groups depending on their location. Sculptural carvings of Aurangabad Caves reached belong to highest achievements of Indian classical art and can be compared to the best paintings of Ajanta.
         Carved in the Sihaychal ranges, overlooking the sprawling campus of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, the Aurangabd caves somewhat have been overshadowed by the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Ellora and Ajanta cave temples. Though its sculptures are comparable with the best in Ajanta and Ellora, scholars continued to disregard this cave group. Though in the 20th century, a few scholars started looking at these cave temples as a missing link between Ajanta and Ellora and also after an exhaustive study, were compelled to describe it as a “ Sensitive remaking of life situated in time and space span”.

Caves I and III

             Caves I and III of Aurangabad and last caves of Ajanta co-existed as is apparent from striking parallels which we come across while examining both the sites. Again at Aurangabad after a careful study of both caves I and III, the conclusion the Historians have come to is that cave III was earlier to cave I. In Cave III the artist seems to have decorated with surprisingly neat and organized designs of fretwork, scrolls, panel of couples, tassels, flowers, geometrical designs, and highest point of perfection and consummation.

The Ellora caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are one of the World Heritage Sites in India. The Elora caves are one of the wonders of the time and speak volumes about the excellent craftsmanship of the Ellora artists, sculptors and painters. The structures at Ellora caves are not creation of a particular period but were built over a long period of time from the 6th century AD to 10th century. The structures at Ellora comprise of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples and monasteries. There are 34 caves at Ellora (12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves) and they demonstrate the religious tolerance prevalent during this period of Indian history.

All the caves at Ellora face west and can be seen best in the afternoon. Though the Ellora caves are not much different from the Ajanta in terms of space and time but the Chaityas and Viharas of Ellora are architecturally and sculpturally quite different. It is interesting to note that the Ellora representations are earthier, taking elements from the Vajrayana school of Buddhism. It is the main reason why the dwarapalas, the gigantic Boddhisattavas and their consorts have lot of earthiness about them. The Ellora Caves are known more for their architectural skills rather than the sculptural aesthetics that Ellora is noted for.

The Buddhist caves are the earliest structures of Ellora. The Buddhist Caves at Ellora were created between the fifth and seventh centuries. Most of the Buddhist caves at Ellora consist of Viharas or monasteries. The Viharas are multi-storeyed buildings carved into the mountain face, including living quarters, sleeping quarters, kitchens, etc. The most famous Buddhist cave is cave number 10. It is known as the "Carpenter's Cave".

The Hindu caves of Ellora were constructed in the beginning of the 7th century and represent a different style of creative vision and execution skills. The Hindu temples were carved from top to down. Some of these temples are of such intricacy that they must have required several generations of planning and coordination. The centerpiece of Ellora is the Kailasa or Kailashanatha Temple. The Kailashanatha temple is an excellent example of Dravidian art. This temple was started by Krishna I (757- 773) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. This gigantic structure looks like a freestanding and multi-storeyed temple complex. The most fascinating thing about the Kailasanatha temple is that it was carved out of one single rock.

Other notable Hindu caves at Ellora include the Dasha Avatara cave, which depicts the 10 incarnations of Vishnu, and the Rameshvara cave, which has figurines of river goddesses at the entrance.

The Jain caves at Ellora speak about Jain philosophy and tradition. The Jain Caves reflect a strict sense of asceticism and are not as large as the Buddhist or Hindu caves. An interesting example of this is the 32nd cave, a shrine with a very fine carving of the lotus flower on the ceiling. An important thing about the Jain caves is that almost all the Jain caves are characterized by intricate detailing. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the ceilings.

 The fort of Daulatabad is a magnificent fort located 13 km away from Aurangabad. The 12th century fort was built by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty in the city called Devgiri. However in the subsequent years the city was conquered by Mohammad - Bin - Tughlaq, who changed the name of the city from Devgiri to Daulatabad means 'City of Fortune'. The city was also the capital of India under the reign of Tughlaq. The fort is an enchanting site for travelers and an architectural marvel of the bygone centuries.

The impregnable fort is built on a pyramid shaped hill at a height of approximately 60 ft. The massive fort was designed so cleverly that it bravely withstood many enemy attacks. The fort is engulfed by 5km long thick wall, steep slide ways and a deep trench that makes it almost indisputable. There is also a maze of secret, subsurface passages inside the premises of the fort to elope in contingency situations. The 800 year old fort of Daulatabad still stands proudly and is considered as one of the most sought after tourist excursion of Aurangabad. Many tourists from across the country come to visit this splendid fort around the year. So, while in Aurangabad do visit this fort and take back its enchanting memories to cherish forever.