Mesmerizing Tour to Ellora Caves

Amazing Kailasha Temple

On the way to Ellora is the Daulatabad Fort. We didn’t have the time to visit this mighty fort, but heard the story of this fort and it is in our future travel list. This fort is an excellent example of the internal defense system, if intruders managed to enter the fort anyhow, then they got trapped in some tunnels and guards would welcome them with hot oil and burning coals, grilling them alive.

Entrance of Kailasha Cave at Ellora

Myself at Ellora Caves

First view of Ellora Cave 16 from main entrance

The most stunning cave is number 16 (Kailasha), it is a great monolithic rock cut temple isolated from the surrounding rock and excavated from top to bottom and scooped out all through from outside to inside. This is designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva – looks like a freestanding, multi-storied temple complex. This temple is situated just in front of main entrance. This feat of labor took generations of workers 200 years to complete. No wonder it's the shining gem of Ellora.

History of Kailasha Temple

Me and Mukhtar at Ellora Cave

The cave is the largest single monolithic excavation in the world. One of the interesting parts of Ellora is the caves were built out of the volcanic basaltic formation of Maharashtra, also known as Deccan Trap. As you move ahead to explore the caves, you’ll come across the glimpse of channels through which volcanic lava once flowed. The lava further gave rise to horizontal flows with vesicular traps beds.

Giant Elephants at Ellora Caves

Two stories Kailasha Caves

Kailasha Temple cave from top view

Beautiful Kailasha temple cave

Aerial view of Ellora Cave 16

Ellora Cave 14

Ellora Cave 12

Ellora Cave 11

Ellora Cave 10

Southern portion of the Ellora Caves

Welcoming the guest at Ellora Caves

Ellora is believed to be visited by enthused travelers and royal personages.