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Marvel at the man-made cave temples of Marahashtra

Named by Frommer's as two of the best 500 places to visit with children, the awe-inspiring cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora are favorite destinations for travelers of all ages who are on India tours.

Located in Marahashtra Province, the two sites are about 240 miles east of Mumbai and close to the city of Aurangabad. The older Ajanta temples were created during a span of 700 years, starting in the second century, B.C. Though they are referred to as "caves," the 29 Ajanta temples were created by Buddhist monks who actually chiseled them out of sheer rock walls.

According to Frommer's, Cave 17 is a highlight of Ajanta, as it is decorated with vivid artwork showing maidens, musicians and lotus petals. Taken together, the art of the Ajanta temples tells the story of Buddhism, providing a pictorial history lesson.

Like the Ajanta temples, the Ellora "caves" were carved by monks. Created between the fourth and 11th centuries, these 34 man-made caves are a mix of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples, making it a wonderful site to appreciate the major religious traditions of India.

While in and around Aurangabad, travelers might also take in the Deo Kund temple to Shiva and the ruins of ancient forts, which used to protect a migration route from Rajasthan.

Posted: November 3, 2011

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