Ajanta Caves

Ajanta caves, the magnificent Buddhist rock-cut caves in India are located 101 kilometers away from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It is a renowned name in the world of architecture and is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1983. These caves were created in the 2nd century B.C. and is comprised of thirty caves along with paintings and sculptures of respective era. The caves are shaped from the volcanic lava of the Sahyadri hill.

John Smith, a British captain, discovered these caves in the year 1819 accidentally while hunting in the forest. The caves provide a different and unique combination of art and architecture. Paintings discovered inside the cave were made between the fifth and seventh century. Most of the paintings revolve around Buddhism. The reason behind establishing these caves was to provide a religious prayer place for Buddhist monks. The Chaitya hall and the Vihara hall are the best preserved Buddhist architecture which were located in different caves.

The caves are open from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening; please note that on Mondays the caves are closed. The entrance fee varies for different tourists coming form different countries. The best way to reach the caves is through flight or train. As it is located at 100 kilometers away from Aurangabad, a person can return to Aurangabad by catching either a flight or a train which are present in plenty.

Ajanta caves, a well defined example of ancient age is full of life with the collection of murals, paintings and sculptures. I suggest the readers to visit these wonderful caves if planned a vocation in India.

Ajanta Caves