Many travellers leave Mumbai to pay a visit to the Ellora and Ajanta Caves. They are often named together, but they are two groups of caves, the Ajanta caves being even older than the ones at Ellora. However, both groups display old rock carvings and frescoes. Both the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are declared World Heritage Sites.

Ajanta is 100 kms from Aurangabad and the caves were discovered in 1819 by a group of British Officers. They were built between the 2nd century and the 7th Century. Until the 19th century, these caves were hidden from the public. The carvings and frescoes represent Buddhists thoughts and features several Chaityas and Viharas. ITDC, MTDC and MSRTC operates conducted tours on this route.

Ellora Caves are just 30 Kms from the main city Aurangabad. The complex consists of a total of 34 caves. Twelve of these caves are Mahayana Buddhist caves, there are 17 Hindu caves, 5 Jain caves and over 22 caves dedicated to Lord Shiva and that were not discovered until recently. The Buddhists believes that the Buddha returns after every 5000 Years, so cave No. 12 has got seven images of Buddha showing seven incarnations.