Travelers visit religious sites expecting to find one specific representation.  Certain sites may have historical importance for two religions.  However, it’s unlikely that artifacts from three separate religions.

For such an occurrence to be possible, there would have to be incredible tolerance.  Such coexistence is rare.  Yet here it is at India’s Ellora Caves.

The Ellora Caves

Located only 19 miles (30km) out of Aurangabad, the Ellora site consists of a series of 34 caves representing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.  Having been built from the 7th to the 11th century, the caves were created to include temples and monasteries.

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Typically you have to travel far away from a metropolis to view ancient artifacts lying in their original state.  As the city develops, it’s likely that any historical ruins were either destroyed or uprooted and put into a museum.

From Mumbai however, it’s only a short trip over to Elephanta Island, the setting for the historic Elephanta Caves.

From the Gateway to Mumbai, simply hop on the ferry and you’ll reach the island in about an hour.  From the ferry terminal, you need only walk under a mile (-1km) to reach the entrance of the caves.

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