Its time now for exploring another great historical
site as the Deccan Odyssey stops at the Jalgaon station. After breakfast
at Fardapur, you will be driven to the Waghora Valley, where the World
heritage Site of Ajanta is located. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings as
you head for the Ajanta Caves! The Ajanta Caves consist of 30 Caves,
dating back from 200 BC to 250 AD. The Ajanta Caves are cut from the
volcanic lava of the Deccan. The Ajanta Caves were rediscovered by
accident in 1819, by a party of British officers. These Caves have a
unique combination of architecture, sculpture and paintings. Two basic
types of monastic Buddhist architecture are found at Ajanta, the Chaitya
or prayer hall and the Vihara or monastery.
The paintings at Ajanta are truly world heritage and speak volumes
about the advancement and skills of the Ajanta artists. Some of the
finest sculptures and paintings of Ajanta Caves are 'Bodhisattva
Padmapani', 'Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara', '17 Jatakas', 'the Birth of
the Buddha' and 'the Thousand Buddhas' and are amongst the best murals
and sculptures ever found. The paintings on the ceiling, particularly
the elephant scattering the lotus, charging bull, the black princess and
the row of dancers with musicians captivate visitors from all over the
world.
After exploring the beautiful Ajanta Caves, you can take a quick
shopping break for artifacts and souvenirs and later catch the Deccan
odyssey train for your onward journey to Nashik. Upon reaching the
Nashik Road station, you are given a traditional welcome. From Railway
station, you will be driven to the Sula Winery at Govardhan Park. On
your way to the winery, you can have a glimpse of the grape farms of the
Winery. The air, heavy with the heady aroma of wine, welcomes you to the
Winery. Wine and dine in royal comfort and its time for you to head back
to the Railway Station and head for Mumbai, the last destination.


