Carved into a horseshoe-shaped basalt cliff above the Waghora River, the Ajanta Caves are one of the world's finest surviving collections of ancient Buddhist art. Comprising about 30 rock-cut caves excavated in two phases - roughly the 2nd century BCE and again from the 5th century CE - they served as monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas) for generations of monks. Abandoned and forgotten for centuries, they were rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer on a tiger hunt, who stumbled upon the cliff's hidden entrances. What sets Ajanta apart from India's other cave complexes is its extraordinary mural paintings: serene Bodhisattvas, scenes from the Jataka tales recounting the Buddha's past lives, and vivid glimpses of courtly life rendered in natural pigments that have endured over 1,500 years. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the caves combine architecture, sculpture and painting into a single immersive experience. Set in the rugged Sahyadri hills near Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Ajanta rewards visitors who arrive early, move slowly, and let their eyes adjust to the dim, atmospheric interiors where some of Asia's earliest narrative art still glows on the rock.
Top Attractions
Cave 1 - Painted Vihara of the Bodhisattvas
One of the most celebrated caves, this 5th-century monastery is famous for two exquisite Bodhisattva murals flanking the shrine doorway: Padmapani, holding a lotus, and Vajrapani. The ceilings and walls retain rich painted panels of Jataka tales and royal processions. A seated Buddha in the dharmachakra (teaching) pose occupies the inner sanctum. The detailed expressions and flowing lines make this a highlight for art lovers.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in site ticket
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best Time: Early morning for softer light and fewer crowds
- Tip: Photography is allowed but flash is prohibited to protect the fragile pigments - let your eyes adjust before looking up at the ceilings.
Cave 2 - Murals and Painted Ceilings
Adjacent to Cave 1, this vihara is renowned for its decorated ceiling, ornate pillars and well-preserved paintings, including the birth of the Buddha and scenes of female figures. The medallion patterns and floral motifs on the ceiling are unusually intact. Two side shrines house yaksha and hariti figures associated with fertility and protection, making it one of the most photogenic interiors.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in site ticket
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best Time: Morning
- Tip: Look up - the painted ceiling is often more rewarding than the walls and is easy to miss.
Cave 16 - The Great Vihara
A large, elegant monastery donated by a minister of the Vakataka dynasty, Cave 16 contains the famous 'Dying Princess' mural, depicting Sundari fainting at news of her husband becoming a monk - a strikingly emotional piece. Spacious and well proportioned, it gives a clear sense of monastic life. An inscription near the entrance records its patronage, offering rare historical detail.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in site ticket
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best Time: Mid-morning
- Tip: The carved elephants flanking the entrance steps make a good photo before you enter.
Cave 17 - The Gallery of Paintings
Often considered the best-preserved painted cave at Ajanta, Cave 17 is a treasure house of Jataka narratives covering nearly every wall and pillar. Highlights include a flying celestial couple (apsara and gandharva), the Buddha returning to his family, and a painted wheel of life. The density and condition of the murals here make it the single best place to understand Ajanta's storytelling tradition.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in site ticket
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best Time: Morning, when natural light reaches deeper inside
- Tip: Spend extra time here - a guide or audio guide greatly helps decode the layered Jataka scenes.
Cave 26 - The Reclining Buddha and Chaitya Hall
This grand prayer hall (chaitya) is dominated by a stupa with a carved Buddha and an enormous reclining Buddha depicting the Mahaparinirvana - the Buddha's passing into final nirvana. Sculpted along the side wall, the figure is serene while mourners grieve below. Soaring ribbed ceilings imitating wooden beams and an intricately carved facade make this one of Ajanta's most architecturally impressive caves.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in site ticket
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best Time: Late morning
- Tip: Walk to the viewpoint near Cave 26 for the classic panorama of the whole horseshoe cliff.
Viewpoint and Waghora River Bend
From a marked lookout across the ravine (reached via a short, steep climb on the opposite side), you get the iconic sweeping view of all the cave entrances arranged along the curving basalt cliff above the Waghora River. This is the spot where the caves were rediscovered in 1819. A seasonal waterfall tumbles nearby during and just after the monsoon, framing the cliff dramatically.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hours: Daylight hours
- Best Time: Just after the monsoon (Sept-Oct) when the waterfall flows
- Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and carry water - the viewpoint trail is exposed and can be hot.
Food & Local Flavours
Ajanta sits in rural Maharashtra, so expect hearty local Maharashtrian and Khandeshi fare, with fuller dining options in nearby Aurangabad.
Maharashtrian Thali
A complete vegetarian platter typically featuring bhakri or chapati, dal, a spicy seasonal vegetable, varan-bhaat (rice with lentils), pickle, papad and a sweet. It is the most reliable, filling meal near the caves and at MTDC restaurants, giving you a true taste of regional home-style cooking in one sitting.
Price: INR 150-300
Try: MTDC restaurant near the entrance, dhabas on the Aurangabad road
Misal Pav
A fiery Maharashtrian breakfast of sprouted-bean curry (usal) topped with crunchy farsan, chopped onion and coriander, served with soft pav bread and a squeeze of lemon. Spicy, tangy and energising, it is the ideal fuel before a long day of climbing cave steps. Ask for it less spicy if you are sensitive to chilli.
Price: INR 50-120
Try: Small eateries in Fardapur and Aurangabad
Hyderabadi-style Biryani
Aurangabad's Mughal-influenced food scene means fragrant, spiced biryani is widely available, layered with basmati rice, marinated meat or vegetables, fried onions and whole spices. Served with raita and salan, it reflects the city's Nizam-era heritage and makes a satisfying dinner after returning from the caves.
Price: INR 180-400
Try: Restaurants in Aurangabad city
Shrikhand
A traditional Maharashtrian dessert of thick strained yoghurt sweetened and flavoured with cardamom and saffron, sometimes garnished with nuts. Cool and refreshing, it is the perfect way to end a thali or offset spicy local food, especially welcome in the warm Deccan climate.
Price: INR 60-150
Try: Thali restaurants and sweet shops in Aurangabad
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Private taxi/cab from Aurangabad: INR 2,000-3,500 round trip - most convenient for the ~100 km journey each way
- MSRTC state bus: INR 100-200 one way - budget option from Aurangabad to Fardapur/Ajanta T-junction
- Shuttle bus at site: INR 20-30 - mandatory eco-friendly bus from the ticket plaza to the cave entrance
- On foot: Free - all caves are connected by paved walkways and steps, requiring a fair amount of climbing
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: INR 1,500-2,500 (~$18-30): State bus travel, dorm or basic guesthouse in Fardapur/Aurangabad, thali and street-food meals, plus site entry.
- Mid-range: INR 4,000-7,000 (~$48-85): Shared taxi or private cab day trip, mid-range Aurangabad hotel, sit-down restaurant meals and a local guide.
- Luxury: INR 12,000+ (~$145+): Private chauffeured car, 4-5 star Aurangabad hotel, expert private guide and a relaxed multi-day itinerary covering Ellora too.
Best Time to Visit
- November to February: Cool, dry weather makes the long walks and cave climbing comfortable - the peak season for sightseeing
- September to October: Post-monsoon greenery and a flowing seasonal waterfall near the viewpoint, with the cliff at its most photogenic
- Avoid April to June: Deccan summers are extremely hot, and the caves and walkways offer little relief from the heat
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Open Trip PlannerImage Credits
Ajanta Caves — Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons