Ellora is an archaeological site located on the Charanandri Hills near Aurangabad, in the state of Maharashtra, India. Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Temples, mathas and viharas are rock cut in a beautiful display of art form. The Kailash Temple in the complex is a World Heritage site. The simultaneous existence of caves built by different cast communities tells us about social harmony which was prevalent during those times. The structures in Ellora mostly consist of monasteries built by cutting the face of the mountains. It consists of living accommodations, sleeping quarters, Kitchens and other rooms such granary and utility rooms etc. Some of these monasteries have shrines. These caves are world famous and attract tourists all the year round, Kailash Temple is a unique among these caves as it is a three storied structure carved out of one single rock, build and finished from top to bottom downwards. Ellora is about 30 Kms from Aurangabad, it can be reached by road as many busses and other public transport are available throughout the day. The caves can be visited from 8 AM in the morning till 6 PM in the evening, and is closed on Mondays for maintenances. Private taxis and cars can be easily hired as it can be used for visiting other nearby places like Daulatabad Fort, Mahismal sunset point, Aurangzeb?s tomb and Bhadra Maruti Temple at Khultabad.
