About Ajanta Ellora
These are two mesmerising locations displaying the artistry of the past, cut out of rock, by hand, and are amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. It is highly inspiring to note that the fact that they were carved between the 2nd century BC and the 8th century AD. At Ajanta, artists actually carved monasteries and temples out of solid rock. Here the sculptures and fabulously preserved frescoes monumentalize a 2,000-year-old civilisation by portraying its daily life as well as the epic stories of its religion. Ajanta, was surprisingly left by its creators for some unknown reason who then moved to Ellora (30 km from Aurangabad). Ellora cave temples over the next six centuries portrayed Buddhist as well as Hindu and Jain mythology.


 Reaching There
» By Air : Aurangabad located 99 kilometres from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora is the nearest airport from Ajanta and ellora and is directly linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

» By Rail : Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 kilometres from Ajanta. Aurangabad is directly linked to Mumbai and Pune.

» By Road : The excellent road network in Maharashtra links the caves of Ajanta and Ellora with Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Bijapur, and Aurangabad.


Sightseeing in Ajanta Ellora
» Ajanta Caves : Located deep within the Sahyadri hills, above the Waghora river, are these outstanding group of caves, attracting tourists from all over. In the 19th century, a group of British officers on a tiger hunt accidently came across this exquisite piece of art. The caves at Ajanta depict the story of Buddhism covering the period from 200 BC to 650 AD.
Secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centres of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures.

 » Ellora Caves :The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill and are located 30 kms from Aurangabad. They proudly own detailed facades and exquisitely adorned interiors and represent structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period.
The 12 Buddhist caves are to the south, the , the 17 in the centre are dedicated to Hinduism, 5 caves to the north are Jain. Of them Ala Kailasa Temple, the world's largest monolithic structure, sculptured as intricately as if it were an ivory miniature.


Accommodation in Ajanta Ellora
The right kind of accommodation will add to the comfort of the journey for you and your family or friends. Aurangabad is a convenient base for a trip to the caves of Ajanta-Ellora. The various hotels available in Aurangabad offer one the best of facilities and services. There is a good variety of luxury and budget hotels in Aurangabad to make your stay here one of its kind.
 

Aurangabad, located in the northern part of Maharashtra lies at a distance of 375 kms from Mumbai and is considered a city that preserves a rich cultural heritage. Aurangabad is generally referred as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who ruled the country from the place till his death, is credited of building many architectural gems that still adorn the landscape of this historical city of Maharashtra. Moreover, Aurangabad gets its name from Aurangzeb itself and is famous all over the country for the hand woven brocades of gold and silver known as Himroo.


 Reaching There
» By Air : The nearest airport is in Aurangabad and is 10 Kms from the city center. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate daily flights to Mumbai which is a major destination for national and international flights.

» By Rail : Aurangabad railway station is easily accessible by rail from Hyderabad (554 km ), Mumbai ( 403 km )and New Delhi ( 1209 km). Regular trains are available on South Central Railway to reach Aurangabad.

» By Road : Aurangabad is well connected with a metal road, which is comfortable and suited to all weathers. The distances for some of the major cities from Aurangabad are Pune (214 km), Nasik (218 km), Indore (402 km) and Mumbai (403 km).


Sightseeing in Aurangabad
» Ajanta and Ellora Caves : The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are located at a comfortable distance from Aurangabad. Aurangabad is the nearest airport and the nearest railhead from Ajanta and Ellora caves thus making former an anchor for the visitors to these caves. These splendid caves are a specimen of the ancient Indian art forms and have been declared as World Heritage sites. Images from Hindu epics and Jataka tales have been exquisitely carved out in these rocks. All the three religions namely Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism have laid claim to the caves. The caves of Ajanta are located at a distance of 110 km from the city of Aurangabad and the Ellora caves are located at a distance of 30 km from Aurangabad.

» Aurangabad Caves : Excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD, these caves are situated on the fringes of the city of Aurangabad. Tantric influences are depicted in these caves and there are twelve caves in total. Some of the caves portray scenes from Jataka tales where one of the caves houses an imposing sculpture of a Bodhisattva, praying for deliverance.

» Pan Chakki : This is the name given to the indigenuous watermill built by Malik Ambar in the year 1695. It was designed to generate energy from water brought down from a spring on a mountain. A mesmerising garden along with a fish tank around the place serve as a memorial to Malik Ambar, a Sufi saint much respected by Aurangzeb.

 » Grishneshwar Temple : This temple is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is located in a village named Verul near Ellora caves. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, where Lord Shiva is worshiped.

» Bani Begum Gardens : Situated at distance of few kilometres from Aurangabad, lie the Bani Begum Gardens, which encircle the tomb of one of Aurangzeb's queens. Tourists who come to the ancient city of Aurangabad should never miss a chance to visit these well laid gardens known for their lush greenery and soothing ambience.


Shopping in Aurangabad
Aurangabad, an ancient city is well known for its woven Himroo shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves. The Paithani sarees are adorned with a wide variety of semi precious stones displayed in rough, polished and jewelry form which lure women from all parts of the world for their unique charm. One who visits the city of Aurangabad should never miss the chance of buying these sarees and shawls.


Accommodation in Aurangabad
There are various kinds of accommodation facilities available in the city of Aurangabad ranging from budget to luxury category. Some of the hotels mentioned below provide a comfortable stay to the visitors with all the amenities and facilities available.
These are :
» Taj Residency ( 5 Star)
» Ajanta Ambassador ( 5 Star)
» Ambassador Ajanta ( 5 Star)
» Hotel Aurangabad Ashok ( 5 Star)
» Hotel Classic ( 3 Star)
 

Introduction
Ratnagiri, a town that moves at its own pace, is situated about 330 km from Mumbai along the western coast in the Konkan region of the state of Maharashtra. Konkan is a narrow coastal belt which covers about 720km from north to south and is approximately 50km wide. The strip is sandwiched between the Arabian Sea in the west and the Sayhadri or the Western Ghats range to the east. Ratnagiri, lying in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, has great importance and is famous for Alphanso mangoes, cashew nuts, fisheries, rice and mineral bauxite. People from all over the country visit the place to capture the appealing charm of the place.


 Reaching There
» By Air : Ratnagiri airport connects the city to various important cities of the country.

» By Rail : Ratnagiri railway station connects the city to various cities of the country.

» By Road : A well developed roads connect the city to other parts of the country. The distance between Ratnagiri and the nearby cities is as follows Mumbai ( 375 kms), Pune ( 331 kms).


Sightseeing in Ratnagiri
» The Beaches : The beaches in and around Ratnagiri are both beautiful and preserved in their pristine form. The Ratnagiri beach is unique, as a mountain penetrates the sea, and the colour of sand on two sides is totally different where one beach is made of White sand whereas the other beach has complete Black sand. All along the coastline of Konkan there are innumerous virgin beaches, of Chiplun, Dapoli and Guhagar.

» Ganapatipule : Ganapatipule is an ancient pilgrim centre located in Ratnagiri district about 25-km from Ratnagiri. Ganapatipule is still in its nascent stage whose immense beauty is enhanced enormously by six km of virgin beach on the alluring Konkan coastline. Ganapatipule is one of the Ashta Ganapatis (eight Ganapatis) of India and called the Paschim Dwar-Dewata which means the Western Sentinel God. The temple is nearly 400 years old and the idol is believed to be Swayambhu; a naturally or self formed idol.

» Murud Janjira : The Murud-Janjira beach near Alibaug, another sea town is located close to Mumbai. There are semi-ruined fort of Janjira, which is a perfect backdrop for photographs. Murud houses a three-century-old fort, a great piece of architecture and is a quiet palm fringed beach.


 Other attractions
Savantwadi, one of the most popular towns of Sindhudurg district, is graciously decorated with lush green forests and hills from the three sides. It has got various waterfalls and is also adorned with beautiful sea to its west and is famous its wooden articles and mangoes.

Sindhudurg Fort, an island fort was constructed by Shivaji in 1664 AD on a low rocky 48-acre island off the Malvan coast. Speaking about the glory of the Maratha Empire, it is perched in the southern part of Konkan, nearly 150 km from Ratnagiri. The fort is said to have the hand and foot prints of the legendary Shivaji. There is a 300 year old small temple dedicated to him and was built by his son.


Shopping in Ratnagiri
The Konkan region to which Ratnagiri belongs to is blessed with some of the finest horticultural fruits where one can buy a variety of local preparations- like `ambapoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed mangoes), `phanaspoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit), cashewnuts, coconuts etc. During Summers, the most famous variety of mangoes in the world - the Devgad `hapus' mango is available here and moreover they are exported the world over.


Accommodation in Ratnagiri
Tourists must be rest assured as far as accommodation facilities are concerned as there is a large variety of of hotels available from budget to luxury category.
Some of the hotels in Ratnagiri are listed below:
» Hotel Gateway Riverview Lodge
» Ratnagiri