Verul Caves

Verul caves are actually Ellora caves. It is just that Verul was the original name of the world famous Ellora. Locally known as Verul Leni or Verul Caves, they are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The caves here have been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fascinating caves that have been hewn out of solid rock are believed to have been created between 600 and 1000 A.D. They not only provide a glimpse of civilization that belonged to ancient India, but also bear testimony to the spirit of tolerance that was so characteristic of India in those bygone days. Ellora, incidentally, symbolizes the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. Altogether there are 34 caves here, each having its own specialty.

These caves are home to not one, but three great religious orders, namely, Buddhism, Bramhinism and Jainism, even though they differ in theory and practice in many ways. Irrespective of what view spiritual pundits may proclaim about the peculiar phenomenon, one thing is evident that they edify the value of tolerance.

Proceeding from South to North along the way, you will come head to head with a group of 12 caves belonging to the Buddhist group comprising of monasteries as also a large single cave (cave 10). You will then find caves that belong to the Brahmin group, which are considered to be the best of Ellora. Don’t miss the “Cavern of the Ten Avatars” (cave 15), and the largest cave, which is the Kailasha Temple. And finally, there is the Jain group of caves (30 – 34) that were created by the Digambara Sect around AD 800 – 1000.

Visitors come here from all over the world. You should certainly see the Verul caves or the Ellora caves on a weekend trip.

How to reach: The best option is to first reach Aurangabad. There is an airport at Aurangabad. And of course you can take a train too. Hire a taxi from the airport or the railway station to reach the Verul caves. Driving from Mumbai is not practical because it may take a long time. It will certainly take longer if you get stuck in Mumbai traffic.

There are not many hotels near Verul caves, resorts near Verul caves. Visitors from different parts of India and abroad stays at Aurangabad.