Ajanta & Ellora

If you are debating which AIFS excursions to choose, Ajanta and Ellora is definitely one to consider.

The Ellora caves were built between the 5th and 7th centuries. The caves consist mostly of  large monasteries carved into the mountain where monks lived, slept and meditated. Some of these caves have carvings of Gautama Buddha and other saints.  Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religions are present in the carvings and temples, demonstrating the religious harmony during this period of Indian history.

The Ajanta caves date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE. The Ajanta caves also consist of Buddhist monasteries and divided living quarters, but the caves’ structures are much more elaborate, decorated with paintings and beautiful carvings.

The whole experience was beyond amazing and to say it was beautiful would be an understatement. Between the caves, the quietness of the monasteries and the lush green landscape, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity. It was humbling to venture through such a sacred environment where a profound amount of worship, concentration and discipline take place. It is also remarkable what human beings were able to do with their imagination, creativity, and skill without heavy machinery.

We also were able to see two different waterfalls and shared the excitement with a family of monkeys!