Inspiration and devotion can do wonders for creativity, and both the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are magnificent examples of what man can achieve and make, when inspired. I recently drove to both these manmade wonders in the highly fuel efficient, hybrid powered Maruti Suzuki Victoris and took the the new Mumbai to Nagpur Expressway also known as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, which has made it very convenient to drive to both these delightful destinations from Mumbai, or even Nagpur.

The 6 lane expressway is largely straight and as the speed limit is 120 kmph, one constantly motors at 3 digit speeds, which doesn’t give much time to admire the scenery. Nevertheless it’s a pretty drive, through a scenic part of Maharashtra blessed with both magnificent monuments and delights of nature. It’s an especially appealing drive in the monsoons, when you can see some wild flowers and several gushing waterfalls flowing down the lush green hills, forming new lakes and filling old ones. The lakes also attract birds, which makes it even more beautiful.

When you drive from Mumbai towards Aurangabad on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, you also go through some long tunnels and just after passing Igatpuri, if it’s a clear day, Kalsubai the highest peak in Maharashtra is also visible to the south. On some sections of the expressway, local artists have been encouraged to create some murals and frescoes, which help break the monotony of cement and concrete.

Getting from Mumbai to Ellora (approx. 350 kms) took us about 5.5 hours including a halt for refreshments. Carved by highly skilled artists between 350AD and 700 AD, Ellora has amongst the finest volcanic rock temples and monasteries in the world. There are 34 caves of which 12 are of Buddhist origin, 17 of Hindu origin and 5 of Jain origin. The caves at Ellora, lying near an important ancient trade route, are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who moved along the route.

The Kailasa Temple, in cave number 16 is a masterpiece. Built in honour of Lord Shiva, the entire structure was etched and sculpted from one huge rock by 7 generations of stonemasons, and the labourers are believed to have carried away, 200,000 tons of rock! Unlike the caves at Ajanta, Ellora’s caves were never lost, but were abandoned and forgotten with the passage of time.

After marveling at the skill, imagination, commitment and hard work of the amazing monks and priests, who literally carved through rock and chiseled and displayed their “Love for the Lord” at Ellora, we hit the road for Ajanta, which is roughly 100 kms ( 2 hours driving time) away. Here we settled for the night in the clean and efficiently run Hotel Ajanta Green, which is located just 1 km away from the entry point to the Ajanta Caves.

The Ajanta Caves are older than those at Ellora, and date back from 200 BC to 650 AD. These 29 caves were lost to the world for several centuries, and were rediscovered in 1819, by a group of British officers from the Madras Cavalry, while on a tiger shooting expedition.

Unlike the Ellora caves, which are the work of 3 faiths, the Ajanta caves were carved from the volcanic lavas of the Deccan Trap, to offer seclusion and shelter to Buddhist monks.  These monks did not just meditate or pray, but also artistically chronicled the life and teachings of Buddha.  And it is these delicate and detailed paintings and frescoes, created by the monks, which have made Ajanta world famous.

With the march of time, the Ajanta Caves and its residents gradually lost prominence and the caves were eventually abandoned, and lost. Now, both the Ajanta and Ellora caves have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and hopefully, they shall be preserved as part of our unmatched artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of many generations to come.

So, what are you waiting for? Like I got into the comfortable and feature packed Maruti Suzuki Victoris, you should also start your vehicles and go on an Exploration Drive to these Manmade Marvels. Stay safe and have a – Great Drive.