Ellora locally known as Verul Leni is an archaeological site 30 km from the city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra built by the Rashtrakuta rulers. Well known for its monumental caves Ellora is a World Heritage Site. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 caves actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills being Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock cut temples and monasteries were built between the 5th century and 10th century. The 12 Buddhist 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves built in proximity demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.

The name Ellora itself inspires everyone as it represents one of the largest rock-hewn monastic-temple complexes in the entire world. Ellora is also world famous for the largest single monolithic excavation in the world the great Kailasa The visit to these caves is enjoyed maximum during monsoon when every stream is filled with rainwater and the entire environ is lush green. The monsoon is not only a season of rains in this part the local visitors are attracted to visit these ideal locations to have a glimpse of the mother nature in full bloom.

The caves are hewn out of the volcanic basaltic formation of Maharasthra known as Deccan Trap the term trap being of Scandinavian origin representing the step like formation of the volcanic deposits. The rock formation on weathering has given rise to the appearance of terraces with flat summits. At Ellora one can also have a glimpse of the channels near Cave 32 through which the volcanic lava once flowed. These channels due to overheating have a characteristic brownish red colour.