Ankur Warikoo calls this UNESCO World Heritage site 'even better than the Taj Mahal'

Every once in a while, a place leaves even seasoned travellers speechless, and Ankur Warikoo seems to have found one such wonder. During a recent trip, he shared how a centuries-old masterpiece in Maharashtra managed to surpass every monument he has seen in India, including the iconic Taj Mahal. His excitement wasn’t casual praise but a deep sense of awe for the craftsmanship, history, and scale of what he witnessed. And his post has sparked fresh curiosity about these ancient marvels.

Ankur Warikoo took to Instagram and said that the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the most astonishing monuments he has ever seen in India, describing them as even better than the Taj Mahal. For him, the real showstopper was the Kailasa Temple at Ellora, a massive monolithic structure carved entirely out of a single rock using only basic tools like chisels and hammers. He pointed out that the temple is about 1,500 years old and took nearly 200 years to complete, spanning ten generations of artisans who worked with an almost unimaginable level of precision.

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He urged that every Indian should visit this site at least once in their lifetime, calling it a masterpiece that has to be experienced to be truly understood. He also shared an image of Bibi ka Maqbara, built by Aurangzeb’s son in memory of his mother. Because of its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal, it is often referred to as the Deccan Taj.

Internet reacts

Netizens shared a mix of admiration and reflections on the historic and cultural significance of these monuments. Many agreed with Ankur Warikoo’s view, expressing awe at the grandeur and craftsmanship of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Some highlighted Aurangabad as a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. Others reflected on the importance of preserving such heritage sites for future generations, noting that the intricate artwork and paintings, once vividly preserved, are gradually deteriorating and emphasising the urgency of experiencing these cultural treasures while they remain intact.