South Africa reopens famous caves holding secrets of human origin
For two and a half years, the "Cradle of Humankind" has been closed. Now, the caves deemed by scientists to hold the key to understanding where humans came from, are open again to anyone visiting South Africa.
The Sterkfontein Caves yielded numerous fossil discoveries significant to understanding human evolution, but were closed to tourists in December 2022 due to flood damage.
Visitors will now gain an even closer insight into the scientific work that has shaped this UNESCO world heritage site for nearly 100 years, according to Wits University, which is responsible for managing the caves.
More than 700 fossils of hominins, apes and human ancestors have been found in the cave system, of which around 2.5 kilometres have been mapped, according to the university.
Among the most famous discoveries was the nearly complete skeleton of an early human ancestor. The fossil, nicknamed Little Foot, was excavated between 1994 and 1998 and is believed to be 3.67 million years old.
The so-called Cradle of Humankind is located about 50 kilometres north-west of Johannesburg. In addition to the Sterkfontein Caves, it includes other fossil sites and features a large interactive museum.
A tour lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes, and tickets can be purchased online in advance. Adults pay 150 rand (around $8 or €7), while children aged six to 18 pay 125 rand (around $7 or €6). Further information is available at sterkfonteincaves.wits.ac.za, where you can also book tickets.
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By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the closest major railway station. It is connected to several cities across India. 3. By Road: Aurangabad is well-connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. You can either drive or take a bus from cities like Mumbai, Pune, or Nashik. There are regular state-run and private buses that operate on these routes. Ajanta Caves : The Ajanta Caves are a treasure trove of ancient art and architecture. Here are some highlights you should definitely see: 1. Cave 1: This cave is famous for its stunning murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The intricate paintings and sculptures here are a testament to the artistic prowess of the ancient craftsmen. 2. Cave 2: Known for its beautiful ceiling paintings, Cave 2 features intricate designs and motifs that are both mesmerizing and historically significant. 3. Cave 16: This cave is one of the largest and most impressive in the Ajanta complex. It contains detailed carvings and sculptures that narrate various Jataka tales, which are stories of the Buddha's previous lives. 4. Cave 17: Cave 17 is adorned with numerous murals that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and other historical events. 5. Cave 19: This cave is a chaitya (prayer hall) and is notable for its grand entrance and intricate carvings. The stupa inside the cave is beautifully decorated and is a must-see. 6. Cave 26: Another chaitya, Cave 26 is famous for its impressive reclining Buddha sculpture, which represents the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana after death). The Ellora Caves are a magnificent complex of rock-cut temples and monasteries that showcase the rich cultural and religious diversity of ancient India. Here are some of the must-see highlights: 1. Kailasa Temple (Cave 16): This is the most famous and impressive structure in the Ellora complex. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kailasa Temple is a monolithic marvel carved out of a single rock. 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Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a testament to India's rich cultural and artistic heritage. When visiting, make sure to take your time to explore the intricate details and soak in the historical significance of these incredible monuments. Shopping : Aurangabad is famous for Painthani Sarees & fabrics. Paithan is a region near Aurangabad . The designs in the Paithani fabrics are inspired by the art in the Ajanta & Ellora Caves .( ) . They were once worn by Royalty &they are manufactured here. About Shopkhoj Shopkhoj is the #1 guide to shopping in India. There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to what is available to shop for in India – from materials, to fabrics, to handicrafts, jewellery, and much much more. It can be overwhelming to navigate all that India has to offer. Shopkhoj provides users with easy to use tools enhancing their shopping search experience. 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Come begin your search(khoj in Hindi is search) for shopping in India at Kausalya Madhavan Shopkhoj Content Pvt Ltd +91 98104 00236 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
