Ajanta & Ellora caves are two most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra state of India. Maharashtra state is in west of India. Both the cave sites are easily accessible by reaching Aurangabad city by train or flight options. These sites are popular for elegant sculpture work and mural paintings. It is of special importance for Buddhist visitors as most of the caves were developed and used by Buddhist monks. These caves are counted among must see tourist destinations of India and through out the year, tourists remain visiting these caves.
In latest development, long awaited tourist center at Ajanta & Ellora caves was inaugurated by tourism minister K.Chrinjeevi. In this function, state Chief Minister and Minister of Public Works & Tourism were also present. This Ajanta Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project (AEDP) is funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Here at Ajanta caves, replica of 4 artistically painted caves were made where as at Ellora, replica of 750AD Kailash temple was made that recreates the facinating history of these two world heritage sites.
These tourist centers are developed with an idea to ensure safety & security to tourists, especially women tourists, cleanliness, hygeine and convenience. Both the centers are designed and developed on the idea of international interpretation centers to ensure better information about history, art, tradition, sculpture work etc. associated with these sites. In addition this, these tourist service centers will have exhibition hall, amphi-theatres, retail shops, restaurants and other vital amenities.
Ajanta’s tourist center is spread over an area of 323695 sq.mtr. area where as floor area is approx. 20000 sq.mtr. It is having 5 museum halls, 3 restaurants, auditorium, actual size replicas of 4 caves (Caves 1-2-16-17) and huge parking space as most of the tourists come on two-wheelers, taxi, car, buses etc. MTDC officials says that reason behind replica caves is to reduce adverse effects on paintings due to congestion of tourists in caves.
Ellora center is spread over an area of 210000 sq.mtr.. Here we can find 1/10th replica of Kailash Temple (Cave-16) and large parking space.
In addition to all this, both centers offer audio-visual presentations on Buddhism, introductory information of Ajanta & Ellora caves, their significance, mural painting art, Jatak tales and e-learning.
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