What to SHOP?
While Ajanta and Ellora are primarily renowned for their historical and cultural
significance rather than shopping, you can find some local crafts and souvenirs in the
nearby areas to commemorate your trip. Here are some items you might consider:
- Miniature Replicas: Look for miniature replicas of sculptures and carvings
found in Ajanta and Ellora. These make for meaningful and artistic souvenirs
to take home.
- Local Handicrafts: Explore nearby markets for traditional Maharashtrian
handicrafts, such as wooden artifacts, pottery, or items reflecting the local
craftsmanship.
- Artisanal Products: Support local artisans by purchasing handcrafted items
like jewelry, textiles, or artifacts inspired by the rich cultural heritage of
Maharashtra.
- Paintings and Artwork: Look for paintings or artwork inspired by the
intricate murals and carvings of Ajanta and Ellora. Local artists often create
pieces that capture the essence of these historic sites.
- Traditional Fabrics: Explore local markets for traditional Maharashtrian
fabrics or textiles. You may find sarees, dupattas, or other clothing items
featuring regional designs.
- Books and Literature: Purchase books or literature about the history, art, and
architecture of Ajanta and Ellora. This can enhance your understanding of the
cultural significance of these sites
- Souvenir Shops: Check out souvenir shops near the caves or in nearby towns
for a variety of curated items, including keychains, magnets, and other
memorabilia.
While shopping options may be limited directly at the cave sites, nearby towns or
cities could offer a more extensive shopping experience. Keep in mind that the
primary focus of the Ajanta and Ellora trip is the exploration of the caves and their
cultural heritage.
What to EAT?
During your combo trip to Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, you can savor the
authentic Maharashtrian cuisine available in the nearby towns. Here are some
traditional dishes you should consider trying:
- Poha: A popular breakfast dish made from flattened rice, typically cooked
with mustard seeds, turmeric, and topped with peanuts and coriander.
- Bhakri with Pitla: Bhakri is a traditional flatbread made from millet or
sorghum flour, often served with Pitla, a spicy gram flour-based curry
- Vada Pav: A quintessential Mumbai street food, vada pav consists of a spicy
potato fritter sandwiched between a pav (bread) and served with chutneys.
- Misal Pav: A spicy curry made with sprouted moth beans, topped with farsan
(fried gram flour noodles), onions, and served with pav.
- Sabudana Khichdi: A dish made with soaked tapioca pearls, peanuts, and
potatoes, often consumed during fasting periods.
- Modak: Sweet dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery, often associated
with festivals, especially Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Puran Poli: A sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of lentils, jaggery, and
spices, commonly enjoyed during festivals.
- Maharashtrian Thali: Explore local eateries for a traditional Maharashtrian
thali, which typically includes a variety of dishes like bhakri, puran poli, bhaji,
dal, rice, and more.
- Kokum Sharbat: Refresh yourself with Kokum Sharbat, a cooling drink made
from the Kokum fruit, known for its unique flavor and health benefits.
- Sol Kadhi: A refreshing drink made from kokum and coconut milk, often
served as an accompaniment with meals.
- Puran Modak: Another variation of modak, Puran Modak is a sweet treat
filled with a mixture of jaggery and grated coconut.
While exploring the nearby towns of Ajanta and Ellora, you'll likely find local eateries
and dhabas offering these Maharashtrian specialties. Don't miss the opportunity to
indulge in the regional flavors and enhance your cultural experience during the trip.
