The Ellora caves, dating back to the ancient and early medieval Indian era between 5th century CE to the 11th century CE, is located at a distance of 28 kilometers from Aurangabad, one of the leading cities in Maharashtra. These caves which are 30 in number and a combination of Jain, Buddhist and Hindu caves, symbolises the love and respect of all the religions in India, which has been in the root of Indian tradition and culture right from the ancient period, or rather since the prehistoric era.

The Caves
All the 30 excavated rock cut caves have been categorised into three parts:

Buddhist Caves : Cave numbers 1 to 12 at the Southern end - 5th century CE to 7th century CE.

Hindu Caves : Cave numbers 13 to 29 in the middle - 8th century CE to 10th century CE.

Jain Caves : Cave numbers 30 to 34 at the northern end - 9th century CE to 11th century CE.

The Buddhist Caves : The Buddhist caves, cave numbers 1 to 12, are the earliest structures of the Ellora caves, dating back to the 5th century CE to 7th century CE. These caves, which comprise mostly the monasteries or viharas, used by the Buddhist monks for their residential and meditation purposes, stretches up to the northern end of the Ellora. The Buddhist monasteries, dedicated to the Buddha, also includes the images of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas and other saints.

Architecture
The Buddhist caves, cave numbers 1 to 12, form an integral of the Ellora caves, the finest example of the cave and temple architecture in the Indian sub-continent. The Buddhist monasteries in the Ellora caves are large and multi-storeyed structures. The most important of all these cave shrines is the cave number 10, a Chaitya hall, which further consists of a large 15 feet Buddha's statue in 'preaching pose'. Also known as the 'Carpenter's cave', the cave is more of a cathedral like large hall, whose ceilings give an impression of wooden beams. The sculpture of all these Buddhist caves have been dedicated to the Buddha in His different forms.

Accessibility
By Air : The Ellora caves, situated at a distance of 28 kilometers from Aurangabad, can be reached by air. The nearest airport is at Aurangabad, which is directly linked to other major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
By Rail : The Ellora caves can be reached by road from other cities of Maharashtra such as Mumbai, Nasik, Jalgaon, including Aurangabad.
By Road : The nearest railhead to Ellora is at Aurangabad, 28 kilometers away.

Buddhist Caves in India

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra | Ellora Caves, Maharashtra | Kanheri Caves, Maharashtra Karla Caves, Maharashtra | Junnar Caves, Maharashtra | Bhaja Caves, Maharashtra Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh | Barabar Caves, Bihar | Udaigiri Caves, Orissa Khandgiri Caves, Orissa | Ratnagiri Caves, Orissa | Lalitagiri Caves, Orissa Dhauli Caves, Orissa