namastefromUSA

Hello,
I am interested in visiting the caves, and I'm wondering if it's possible to do both caves in one day? I have limited time, two nights at most, to travel to Aurangabad from Mumbai. I've heard wonderful things about the caves but don't know if it's worth the time and hassle to get there. Are the Elephanta Caves, nearer to Mumbai, at all comparable? Or are they nothing compared to Ajanta/Ellora?

Also, does anyone know of any evening flights from Mumbai to Kerala (any airport)?
I would like to fly Mumbai to Aurangad in the afternoon or evening - spend the next day at caves and spend night in Aurangabad. Then spend the next day at caves, and fly to Kerala (I assume through Mumbai) that afternoon.

Is this doable? Worth doing?
Thank you!

newyorkergal

Flew from Mumbai to Aurangabad round trip in a day. Jet airways 7:15 am. Saw both caves and was on a 8:00 pm flight back. Don't go on Mon or Tues as one of the caves is closed. Definately dooable not worth it to stay overnight. I spent 3.5 hours at Ajanta and 2 hours at Allora. 2 hr ride from the airport. Stop 1 hour for lunch.
Don't waste your time with Elephanta.

impacked

Of Course it would be better to give each set of caves a complete day but we all realize you can only do so much. Cram it in and I'm sure you will be glad you did. They are terrific!

NGail

For those who've been there recently- Another thread said the paintings in the Ajanta Caves are very deteriorated and the lighting dimmed so as to help preserve them.
What was your impression?
Thanks.

Travel_Holic2006

Both caves in one day although doable is just too much. You won't have time to appreciate the beauty.

I've recently uploaded pics of my trip to India including Ajanta and Ellora. Haven't had time to edit them, but hope it helps in your decision making.


http://colinspics.phanfare.com/2006

Cheers.

NGail

Thanks for sharing your photos!
Were the Ajanta Caves very dim?
How was the hiking around?( we're seniors)

Travel_Holic2006

NGail,
Yes the caves are kept dark so as to not affect the quality of the paintings. No flash photography is allowed either. There is a lot of hiking involved. Taking shoes off, putting them back on, the crowd and the heat can be quite taxing. So I suggest seeing Ajanta and Ellora on seperate days and take your time. I personally preferred Ellora to Ajanta.

thursdaysd

I also preferred Ellora to Ajanta, and was especially impressed by the Kailasanatha temple there. Since the caves are in opposite directions from Aurangabad, and both really need at least half a day (I think I spent rather more at Ellora), trying to see both in one day is less than ideal, but if that's all the time you have... The Elephanta caves were a big disappointment after seeing Ellora and Ajanta.

NGail

We would be going to the Caves at the end of a 24 day tour so haven't yet decided if we'll be up to it! We may wait to add it on till midtrip - if the air penalties aren't too steep.
Thanks for all your input.