Weather: 19 - 32°C
Label: Top Attraction
Tags: Cave, Heritage, Buddhist, UNESCO World Heritage
Category: Historical Landmark
Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday), Closed on Mondays
Time Required: 2-3 hours to explore. Another 2-3 hours to reach from Aurangabad or Jalgaon (one-way).
Entry Fee:

  • Indians: INR 10
  • Foreigners: INR 250
  • Camera: INR 25

Explore the Marvel of Ajanta Caves

Located approximately 99 km from Aurangabad, the Ajanta Caves are an exceptional example of ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves offer a captivating glimpse into India's cultural and spiritual history. Carved into the cliffs of the Waghora River gorge, the Ajanta Caves date back to between the 2nd century BCE and 650 CE, with each cave revealing intricate paintings and sculptures that portray the life of Lord Buddha and the famous Jataka tales.

The Ajanta Caves were originally used as Buddhist monasteries and retreat spaces by monks. The paintings and sculptures inside the caves reflect Buddhist teachings, depicting scenes of compassion, morality, and spiritual enlightenment. These caves, which were rediscovered by a British officer in 1819, continue to be a source of fascination for art lovers, historians, and pilgrims alike.

History and Significance

The Ajanta Caves are a remarkable piece of history, believed to have been constructed in two distinct phases: one during the Satvahana dynasty (around 100 BCE) and the second during the Vakataka period (around 400-650 CE). These caves served as sanctuaries for Buddhist monks, who lived, meditated, and studied in the caves. The first phase of construction featured Chaityagrihas, or prayer halls, while the second phase introduced larger, more elaborate monasteries with shrines and sanctums.

In the 19th century, the caves were rediscovered by a British officer named John Smith, who was on a hunting expedition. Since then, the Ajanta Caves have been extensively studied and excavated, offering a wealth of knowledge about ancient Buddhist culture and Indian art. In 1983, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.

Architectural Wonders of Ajanta

The Ajanta Caves are famous for their stunning architecture, elaborate carvings, and vibrant frescoes. The caves are divided into 30 individual structures, including Buddhist Viharas (monastic dwellings) and Chaityagrihas (prayer halls). Many of the caves are adorned with frescoes that tell the story of the Buddha’s life and teachings, as well as the Jataka tales, which are stories about the past lives of the Buddha.

Among the 30 caves, Caves 1, 2, 4, 16, and 17 are considered the most exquisite. Cave 26 is especially famous for its large reclining Buddha statue, a true masterpiece of ancient sculpture. The paintings and sculptures inside the caves are incredibly detailed, created using rare and expensive pigments, and offer a vivid depiction of the past.

Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves

The ideal time to visit Ajanta Caves is between June and March. While the winter months (November to February) are the most comfortable, the monsoon season (June to September) can also be a good time to visit, as the rains bring cooler temperatures. Avoid visiting during the scorching summer months (April to June) when the temperature can rise above 40°C, making it uncomfortable for exploration.

How to Reach Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves are located about 99 km north of Aurangabad and approximately 50 km from Jalgaon. The nearest major airport is in Aurangabad, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Alternatively, Jalgaon also has an airport with connections to Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The most convenient way to reach the caves is by private car or taxi, which takes around 2-2.5 hours from Aurangabad. If you're using public transport, buses are available from the Aurangabad Central Bus Station. The bus ride takes about 3 hours, and from the bus drop-off point near the cave entrance, it's a short 10-minute ride to the cave complex.

Aurangabad is also well-connected by train to cities like Mumbai and Pune, with the Tapovan Express and Devgiri Express being the main trains serving the region.