- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
Ellora Travel Guide
Widely considered to be the epitome of Deccan rock-cut architecture, the Ellora caves is a complex of 34 cave temples carved out from the face of the Charanandri Hills. Found in the city of Aurangbad in the Indian state Maharashtra, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is invariably dedicated to an astonishing three different religious beliefs: Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain. Thus, it is said to represent a golden period in Indian history when religious tolerance was practiced in earnest.
Probably the highlight of a visit to the Ellora caves is seeing the impressive Kailasa Temple that dwarfs just everything else inside. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, it was carved out from a single massive rock by a staggering 7,000 workers - taking them around 150 years to complete. The result, however, is the world's largest monolithic sculpture - conceptualized to be a replica of the legendary Mt. Kailash, believed to be the god's abode.
It is also unique in having been made in a distinct "vertical excavation" style, meaning that the carvers started from the very top and worked their way down. The temple is adorned by various statues and shrines, one of the most famous being that depicting the Ramayana figure Ravana attempting to lift Mt. Kailash.
Other Hindu temples consist of the Dashavatara cave which embellishes images of the 10 avataras of the god Vishnu, as well as the Ramesvara cave which contains sculptures of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. The Buddhist caves, on the other hand, are considered to be the oldest among all the structures present, characterized by numerous monasteries and a certain wood-like effect to the carving style. The most popular of these is probably the so-called "Carpenter's Cave", which takes pride in its 15-foot image of the great Buddha depicting him in a preaching position.
The Jain temples collectively number the least among the three beliefs and are generally smaller, although they are in fact more detailed and exquisitely-carved. The most arresting among them is the Indra Sabha Temple which contains a masterful sculpture of a lotus flower. There is also a statue of the deity Ambika riding her lion beneath a mango tree.
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
In our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
