Exploring the Caves of Ajanta and Ellora

I have seen a lot of ancient sites around the world, but the rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora are on another level. Located in Maharashtra, these two sites are about a hundred kilometers apart, so you need a couple of days to see both. I started with Ellora. The site is famous for the Kailasa Temple, a massive temple carved from a single piece of rock. It is hard to comprehend until you see it. You walk through a gateway carved into the rock face, and suddenly you are in a courtyard surrounded by pillars, all of it chiseled out of the hillside. It was built in the 8th century, and it still looks incredible. Ajanta is different. The caves there are Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls, and they are famous for their ancient paintings. The caves are set in a horseshoe shaped gorge, and the paintings on the walls, depicting the life of Buddha, are over a thousand years old. Some of them still have vibrant colors. I hired a guide at Ajanta, and I am glad I did. He pointed out details I would have missed and explained the stories behind the paintings. If you are into history or architecture, do not miss these sites. They are a testament to what humans can create.