Wednesday 9th January 2013.

Hello again,

A cool, crisp and sunny morning.  We had a 9.00a.m. start for our 2 hr.
drive to Ajanta Caves.
The countryside is fertile with crops of cotton, vegetables and sugar cane.
They are not flourishing, however, because this is the second year that the
monsoonal rains have not been sufficient.
Driving along dodging overladen scooters. goats, cows and very large
trucks makes for a thrill a minute.  The number of bodies from babes in
arms to the very elderly jammed on to a scooter, no helmets is quite
alarming.
The Ajanta Caves are astounding.  Ajanta is recognised by UNESCO as
the world's greatest historical monument.
There are 30 rock carved caves which were discovered in 1819 and
possess perfect examples of Indian mural paintings.  The caves have
been excavated in a semi-circular scarp overlooking a narrow gorge.
They were excavated between the second century BC and seventh
centuryAD.  They were used a shelters for Buddhist monks during
the monsoons.
My pictures do not do the justice at all and as they was no flash
photography allowed inside my photos. were a fail.  These caves
with their exquisite paintings and carvings are really worth the
time and trouble to google.
There were many steep steps to climb and we were luck that the
weather was so kind.

             I think that this is the first hotel in the world in all my years of
             travel that has ever provided talcum powder.

                   As you can see things were pretty basic en route.

The Ajanta caves are sensational.  The hand hewing and sculpting and paint work
is in incredible condition.

Cheers!!!


Vivienne.