Ajanta and Ellora caves might soon to become a hotspot for Buddhist Tourism

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in association with Tourism Ministry recently organised the International Buddhist Conclave in Aurangabad to make people aware of various destinations that are associated with the Buddhist culture in the state. The aim of the event was also to promote Ajanta and Ellora as a major tourist spot in the international Buddhist Tourism map.

MTDC is now dedicatedly working towards strengthening its ties with Buddhist nations all around the world, and create new avenues for Buddhist Tourism in the state. Maharashtra also boasts of some prominent Buddhist sites, such as Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai, Stupa in Nalasopara, Elephanta caves and Kanheri caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivali, Pandavleni Caves in Nasik, Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, and the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad.
The MTDC is also planning to offer its land bank to Buddhist countries for the purpose of developing Buddhist monasteries and theme parks near Ajanta, which is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aurangabad. Not just this, the government body has also plans to tie up with KJ Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies for the purpose of introducing new tour packages and also boosting Buddhist tourism in the state.
Further, the tourism ministry has selected Ajanta and Ellora caves, under the Iconic Destination Project, to develop the site and enhancing it to offer world-class amenities to the visitors. The Tourism Ministry is also collaborating with the Ministry of Highways to develop roads in Aurangabad and facilitate visitors to reach the caves without any hassle.