The mesmerizing Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is a treasure trove of ancient rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments renowned for their intricate sculptures and wall paintings. The Caves are scheduled to open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.
With its rich history and religious significance, Ajanta Caves attracts travellers and history enthusiasts alike. The Ajanta Caves remain open all days of the week except Monday.
About the Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
Contents
- 1 About the Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.1 History of Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.2 Ajanta Caves Aurangabad Timings:
- 1.0.3 Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.4 Ajanta Caves Aurangabad Entry Fee:
- 1.0.5 Things to do at Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.6 Tips for Visiting Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.7 Tourist places nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.8 Hotels nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.9 Resorts nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.10 Restaurants nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.11 Ajanta Caves Contact Details:
- 1.0.12 How to Reach Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- 1.0.13 FAQs:
- 1.0.13.1 Who built Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad?
- 1.0.13.2 What is the unique feature of Ajanta caves?
- 1.0.13.3 What is the significance of Ajanta Caves in Buddhist history?
- 1.0.13.4 Why is it called Ajanta Caves?
- 1.0.13.5 Are there any accommodations available near Ajanta Caves?
- 1.0.13.6 How long does it take to explore Ajanta Caves?
- 1.0.13.7 Which season is best for Ajanta Caves?
Ajanta Caves near Ajanta village, north-central Maharashtra state, western India, are celebrated for wall paintings. The caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
The Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 Buddhist cave temples in Ajanta. Some of the caves even date back to the 2nd century B.C.
These caves display a fusion of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions and have some of the country’s best masterpieces of Buddhist art.
Ajanta Caves temple sites, sculptures, paintings, monasteries, and carvings showcase ancient India and the rise of Buddhism in India.
History of Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
According to archaeologists, the construction of the Ajanta caves was done in two separate phases – the first during the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century C.E. and the second in succeeding centuries.
These were constructed for three purposes: education, residence, and spirituality. Also, their history is divided into Satavahana and Vakataka.
The caves came into being during the Satavahana period. Caves 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A are believed to be the oldest ones, which were constructed between 100 BCE and 100 CE.
More caves were built during this period. The caves built during the Satavahana period needed more precision and mainly focused on Buddha while narrating the tales of his life.
The second stage was the Vakataka period, which started in the 5th century. The caves’ construction was believed to be mostly in function between 460 and 480 CE.
About 20 temples were constructed, more complex than the Satavahana ones. The caves built during the second state were 1-8, 11, and 14-29.
The focus was also on reconstructing or renovating older caves. After the downfall of the Vakataka dynasty, these caves were abandoned.
Cave number 10 was unexpectedly discovered by a British officer named John Smith on the 28th of April 1819 as he was out hunting.
Later, in 1948, the Bombay Cave Temple Commission was introduced to clean up the site, and in 1861, the Archeological Survey of India focused on the caves.
Later, the Nizam of Hyderabad commissioned the path so people could visit there. Since then, Ajanta Caves have gained popularity.
Ajanta Caves Aurangabad Timings:
The Caves are scheduled to open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. The Ajanta Caves remain open all days of the week except Monday.
| Days | Timings |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 09:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 09:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 09:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 09:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | 09:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Sunday | 09:00 am to 05:00 pm |
Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
The best time to visit Ajanta Caves is during the winter months, from October to February.
The weather is pleasant, perfect, and cool, making it ideal for exploring the ancient rock-cut caves without extreme heat or rainfall disruptions.
Ajanta Caves Aurangabad Entry Fee:
Here are the Ajanta Caves Entry Fee:
| Tickets | Costs |
| Indians | Rs. 10 |
| Foreign Tourists | Rs. 250 |
| Still / Video Camera | Rs. 25 |
| Children below 15 years | Free |
Things to do at Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
Here are the things to do at caves.
- Explore Buddhist culture at the 29 caves in Ajanta. Sculptures, paintings, and carvings survive as examples of ancient Indian art in these cave temples built around the 2nd century B.C.
- Visit the Kailasa Temple at Ellora, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva made from a single piece of rock. The structure was adorned with intricately carved panels and huge pillars at the entrance.
- Admire the Buddhist caves at Ellora, which are mostly monasteries that house shrines with paintings and sculptures of the Buddha.
- The Grishneshwar Temple in Ellora was dedicated to Lord Shiva and made of red rock. It is located about 500 meters from Ellora and is an ancient and popular pilgrimage site.
- Trek up to the Daulatabad Fort, across a hill 14 kilometres from Aurangabad.
- Plan your visit to coincide with the Ajanta and Ellora Festival, an annual dance and music festival held in November.
- Shop at the open-air markets near the caves that deal in handicrafts, ornaments, paintings, and sculptures.
Tips for Visiting Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
Tips for Visiting Ajanta Caves:
- Check the opening hours and days of Ajanta Caves before visiting, as they are closed on Mondays.
- Wear comfortable and modest clothing suitable for walking and climbing stairs within the cave complex.
- Opt for sturdy and comfortable footwear as you must walk on uneven surfaces.
- It can get hot and humid during the day, so carry adequate water to stay hydrated.
- Pay the necessary fee to take photographs, but avoid using flash or tripods.
- Be mindful of the religious significance of the caves and maintain decorum during your visit.
Tourist places nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- Ajanta Caves Waterfall
- Janjala Fort
- Rudreshwar Ganpati Caves
- Harihareshwar Beach
- Bibi Ka Makbara
- The Buddhist Caves
- Walkeshwar Temple
- Grishneshwar Temple
- Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple
- Apollo Voyages
- Sitakhori Waterfall
- Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary
Hotels nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- Hotel Holiday Pride
- Zostel Aurangabad
- Hotel J P International
- Hotel Atharva
- Enrise By Sayaji
- Hotel the Sky Court
- Lemon Tree Hotel
- Hotel Opulence
- Hotel Atithi
Resorts nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- Mtdc Aurangabad Resort
- Ellora Heritage Resort
- Hiranya Resorts
- Etranger Resorts
- The Meadows Resort
Restaurants nearby Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
- Tandoor Restaurant and Bar
- Kailash Restaurant
- Bhoj Restaurant
- Green Leaf Vegetarian Cuisine
- Madhuban Exclusive Garden restaurants
- That Baat
- Kream N Krunch
- Siddhi Restaurant
Ajanta Caves Contact Details:
- Address: Ajanta Caves, Ajanta Caves Road, Near Jalgaon, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001, India
- Contact Number: +91-22-22044040
How to Reach Ajanta Caves Aurangabad:
By Road:
The nearest bus stand to Caves is Aurangabad Central Bus Stand, located approximately 100 km away, offering regular bus services.
By Rail:
The closest railway station to Caves is Aurangabad Railway Station, situated about 110 km away, with good connectivity to major cities in India.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Caves is Chikkalthana Airport in Aurangabad, around 100 km away.
FAQs:
Who built Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad?
The caves developed between 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. The Buddhist monks inscribed the Ajanta caves under the patronage of the Vakataka kings – Harishena being a prominent one.
What is the unique feature of Ajanta caves?
They are an example of one of India’s unique artistic traditions known as rock-cut temples. Ajanta consists of thirty caves, each dedicated to the life of the Buddha. Each cave was filled with sculptures, murals, and ceiling paintings.
What is the significance of Ajanta Caves in Buddhist history?
During ancient times, Ajanta Caves was a hub for Buddhist monks to meditate, study, and practice their teachings.
Why is it called Ajanta Caves?
Ajanta, which many say is derived from a nearby village called Ajintha, served as a pilgrimage site and a learning centre for Buddhism.
Are there any accommodations available near Ajanta Caves?
Various accommodation options are available in Aurangabad, the closest city to Ajanta Caves.
How long does it take to explore Ajanta Caves?
The time required to explore the caves depends on individual interests, but most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the main caves.
Which season is best for Ajanta Caves?
June and March were considered the best time to visit Ajanta. Monsoon (June to September) and winter (November to February) are the best times to explore Ajanta Caves, as the weather is pleasant.