ABOUT THE
Attraction
Situated 107 km (approximately) from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the 32 caves of Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are some of the most important monuments of Buddhist history. Set on the precipice of a gorge shaped like a horseshoe, the caves date back to the 2nd century BC, making them much older than the nearby Ellora caves, another site of Buddhist importance. Rock-cut sculptures and bright, colourful paintings depicting various stages of the life of Lord Buddha adorn the interiors of the caves. Most of these paintings still retain their vibrance. Ajanta is considered to be one of the first monastic institutions in India, having functioned almost till the 8th century AD. The site is also protected by the Archeological Survey of India, which describes the caves as “the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting”.
According to historical accounts, for almost 1,000 years, the caves were hidden by the surrounding forests before British officer John Smith came across them in 1819.
HOW TO
REACH
By Bus
Ajanta caves are well connected. Ajanta caves are located 107 kms from Aurangabad; taxi or state-run buses can be hired to reach there.
By Train
The nearest railway station is at Jalgaon in Maharashtra, approximately 60 km away
By Air
The nearest airport is Aurangabad in Maharashtra, about 107 km away
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Ellora Caves
Built in the 3rd century BC during the reign of King Ashoka. It is the site of an ancient Buddhist settlement, known as Chintapalli.
Pitalkhora Caves
14 caves at Pitalkhora date back to the 3rd century BC, making them the earliest forms of rock architecture in the country.
Kanheri
Carved out of comparatively soft basalt rock in the Sihaychal range of mountains on the outskirts of Mumbai, these 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines with 109 special entrances are one of the oldest caves in the country.