I have been to Elura twice- and any time I am in India, I will never fail to make it a central stop of my trip. The Kailasha Temple is a wonder, carved from the living cliff. Photographs cannot capture it. Don't miss the small chapels carved into teh sidewalls of the dig-out, especially the shrine of the Saptamatrikas! The Kaila also includes one of the most beautiful scultpreus of Sri-Lakshmi I have ever seen.

The Buddhist caves are fascinating for early Buddhist iconography and understanding. Some of the acoustics are wonderful as well.

But be sure not to miss the Jain caves. Some of the finest of the sculpture and paintings are there, and there are a lot fewer people, so you can really enjoy them.

Local facilities are good- I enjoy the nearby hotel and its restaurant. Also, the local textiles are fabulous!