The Ellora Caves are a group of rock-cut caves located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, near the city of Aurangabad. These caves are renowned for their stunning architecture and religious significance, representing a remarkable combination of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religious art.

Key features of the Ellora Caves:

1. Rock-Cut Structures: The Ellora Caves consist of a total of 34 caves, carved out of the Charanandri hills. These structures were created between the 6th and 10th centuries CE.
2. Buddhist Caves (Caves 1-12): The earliest caves at Ellora are dedicated to Buddhism and are characterized by intricately carved sculptures and frescoes. Cave 10, also known as the Visvakarma Cave, is particularly noteworthy for its elaborate design.
3. Hindu Caves (Caves 13-29): The majority of the caves at Ellora are dedicated to Hinduism and showcase a range of deities and mythological scenes. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the most famous among the Hindu caves, featuring a massive monolithic structure depicting Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
4. Jain Caves (Caves 30-34): The last group of caves at Ellora are dedicated to Jainism. These caves exhibit detailed carvings of Jain Tirthankaras and other Jain deities. Cave 32, known as the Indra Sabha, is a Jain cave with a beautifully adorned hall.
5. Kailasa Temple: Cave 16, also known as the Kailasa Temple, is the highlight of Ellora. It is considered one of the most remarkable achievements in rock-cut architecture. The entire temple, including its courtyard and sculptures, is carved from a single piece of basalt rock.

The Ellora Caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, recognizing their cultural and historical significance. The site attracts visitors, historians, and art enthusiasts from around the world who come to marvel at the intricate carvings and diverse religious influences displayed in these ancient rock-cut caves.