India had a rich cultural heritage and attracts a huge number of visitors across the globe. Top ancient monuments and temples depict the rich history of India. Architectures and rock-cut temples are the best examples of prehistoric India. There is more than 1,500 excavated structure in India, which stands still strong.
Viharas, Chaityas are some of the prominent rock-cut structures in India. Most of the cave temples are to be maintained by the Archeological Society of India. It is more beautiful to explore these caves in India.
Table of Contents
Here are the 5 most famous rock-cut temples in India:
Ellora Caves:
Ellora Caves is located in Aurangabad district is one of the rock-cut temples in India.Elapura and Verul are the other names of Elora caves. Rashtrakuta dynasty had constructed this archaeological site which comprised of 34 caves.
The most exclusive things about these cave temples are it signifies the ideal combination of Jain, Hindu, Buddhist rock-cut temples. The inscriptions on the caves represent the detailed account of conquests and victories of Rakstrakuta Dantidurga.
Ajanta Caves:
Ajanta caves are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. All the caves are to be featured with the finest sculptures and amazing paintings. They are the best examples of Indian art. A huge number of visitors used to visit this place every year.
The caves are abundant in number and presumed to be a part of Buddhist teachings. It is believed to be built during the period of Satavahana dynasty. These are the finest examples of Indian art and culture.
Barabar Caves:
Barabar caves are located in the Jehanabad district, Bihar. These are the oldest rock-cut caves to be found in the Indian subcontinent. There are 3 nearby Nagarjuna hill and 4 primary caves in Barabar hill. A single rock of granite is used for carving Sudama, Visva Zopri, Karan Chaupar, Lomas Rishi. The caves are dark and resound in a deep, heart-rending echo through the walls of the cave.
The Pancha Rathas:
The Pancha Rathas is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is home to several rathas, temples and many historical monuments. The most amazing rock-cut temple named as Pancha Rathas is located in this complex. A single stone is used for the carving of Pancha Rathas. The Rathas are named after the Draupadi and Pandavas like Dharmaraja Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha and Draupadi Ratha.
Elephant Caves:
Elephant Caves are also known as Gharapurichi Leni near Mumbai. The Island contains 2 groups of caves in which the first one contains 2 Buddhist caves and the second one contains 5 Hindu caves. The sculptures had a history of 5th and 8th Centuries. In the Hindu caves, you can observe the beautiful rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva. It is identified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains Mahesamurti statue which is to be carved in 3-headed form as the destroyer, protector and creator.
Plan your trip and explore these places by travelling through the India’s Palace on Wheels train that offers World class amenities onboard the train.
