Ajanta displays the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art from the Kushana period; the Sarnath school of art from the Gupta period; and the Amaravati school of art from the late Satavahana and Ikshavaku periods. The rock-hewn caves at Ajanta are either chaityas (shrines), chapels or prayer halls, viharas (monasteries) or residential cells.

Dating back to the 2nd century BC, Cave 9 is a chaityagriha that is associated with the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. It has an elaborate entrance door, a beautiful facade engraved with the sculptures of Lord Buddha, a central hall and two side windows. This cave reflects a style of architecture that features inward tapering octagonal pillars.

The monasteries at Ajanta were in operation till 8th Century CE, but were lost and forgotten till 1819.

Cave 10 is a chaitya like Cave 9. These two caves at the Ajanta Complex contain the earliest known remnants of paintings in India.

Cave 19 (shown here), and Caves 26 and 29 are chaityas of the Mahayana period. All the other caves are viharas (monasteries).

Ajanta’s art recounts the life of Lord Buddha, including his previous earthly experiences, and the Jataka tales.
Cave 26, seen here, is a chaitya, and features a sculpture of Lord Buddha in his 80th year. Above, celestial beings are depicted rejoicing Lord Buddha’s impending arrival, and below, his disciples are shown mourning the departure.

The narrative murals in Cave 15 about Lord Buddha, Avadana stories of Bodhisattva, Jataka stories and panels based on Mahayana themes from Vipulya Sutras have compelling tales to tell.

Cave 17 is one of the most remarkable structures in the Ajanta Complex. It is adorned with beautiful paintings that depict a princess attended by her maids as she applies make-up, Lord Buddha coming back home after attaining Enlightenment to plead with his wife, while his son looks on astonished. Other highlights include a royal procession, and apsaras worshipping Lord Buddha.

This panorama, from the middle-view point, offers an awe-inspiring glimpse of the Ajanta Complex’s rock-hewn Caves.

Fringed by wild foliage, Ajanta Caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap. They are sprawled in a crescent formation in a ravine of the Sahyadris. The caves lie on the ancient trade route of Dakshinapatha, and are considered to be among the finest examples of Buddhist religious art.

A serene and scenic spot amidst hard rocks and lush landscape, the Waghora Waterfall emerges from the Waghur river. The river takes seven leaps and then plunges towards Cave 28, adding to the charm of the surroundings.

The only double-storey vihara among the Ajanta Caves, Cave 6 houses an image of Lord Buddha in a sitting posture. The entrance to the shrine is through an intricately carved door.

Its upper storey is surrounded by cells and the doorways are embellished with exquisite paintings and sculptures.

The shrine in Cave 7 is unique, as it houses an image of Lord Buddha in a sitting posture, with a halo carved over his head.

A splendid chaitya with an intricately detailed facade, Cave 19 is noted for its horse-shoe shaped windows and elaborate exterior. Strong and heavy-bodied yaksha guardians flank the main arch on either side, along with other jaw-dropping carvings that adorn the entrance.

Cave 24 is an unfinished vihara and had it been completed, it would have been the largest vihara in Ajanta. It was probably planned to have a hall with a pillar-lined verandah and a sanctum sanctorum. This cave is probably among the last to be excavated in Ajanta. Ajanta’s art recounts the life of Lord Buddha, including his previous earthly experiences, and the Jataka tales.

Cave 26, seen here, is a chaitya, and features a sculpture of Lord Buddha in his 80th year. Above, celestial beings are depicted rejoicing Lord Buddha’s impending arrival, and below, his disciples are shown mourning the departureCave 17 is one of the most remarkable structures in the Ajanta Complex. It is adorned with beautiful paintings that depict a princess attended by her maids as she applies make-up, Lord Buddha coming back home after attaining Enlightenment to plead with his wife, while his son looks on astonished. Other highlights include a royal procession, and apsaras worshipping Lord Buddha.

This panorama, from the middle-view point, offers an awe-inspiring glimpse of the Ajanta Complex’s rock-hewn Caves.

Fringed by wild foliage, Ajanta Caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap. They are sprawled in a crescent formation in a ravine of the Sahyadris. The caves lie on the ancient trade route of Dakshinapatha, and are considered to be among the finest examples of Buddhist religious art.

A serene and scenic spot amidst hard rocks and lush landscape, the Waghora Waterfall emerges from the Waghur river. The river takes seven leaps and then plunges towards Cave 28, adding to the charm of the surroundings.

The only double-storey vihara among the Ajanta Caves, Cave 6 houses an image of Lord Buddha in a sitting posture. The entrance to the shrine is through an intricately carved door.

Its upper storey is surrounded by cells and the doorways are embellished with exquisite paintings and sculptures.

The shrine in Cave 7 is unique, as it houses an image of Lord Buddha in a sitting posture, with a halo carved over his head.

A splendid chaitya with an intricately detailed facade, Cave 19 is noted for its horse-shoe shaped windows and elaborate exterior. Strong and heavy-bodied yaksha guardians flank the main arch on either side, along with other jaw-dropping carvings that adorn the entrance.

Cave 24 is an unfinished vihara and had it been completed, it would have been the largest vihara in Ajanta. It was probably planned to have a hall with a pillar-lined verandah and a sanctum sanctorum. This cave is probably among the last to be excavated in Ajanta.

How to reach Ajanta Caves

By Air

There are no direct flight services to Ajanta Caves .

The closest airport is Aurangabad, which is a domestic airport and situated at about 15 kms from the Ajanta caves. You can fly to Aurangabad directly from the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai etc. International travellers can travel to Mumbai or Delhi and change flights to reach Aurangabad..

By Bus / Road

Since Aurangabad is one of the prime cities in Maharashtra, Ajanta caves are well connected by road as well. Ajanta caves are just at the distance of around 107 kms from Aurangabad; hence you have an option of hiring a taxi or travelling by the state-run buses. The Mumbai- Aurangabad highway is well connected to the other major cities like Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Nashik, Pune etc as well.

How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad: Aurangabad is situated at only 100 km from Ajanta Caves. To travel from Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves head towards Tuljapur – Naigaon – Phulambri – Sillod – Palod – Panas – Ajanta Caves.

How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Pune: To travel from Pune to Ajanta Caves head towards Shikrapur – Ranjangaon – Shirur and reach Ahmednagar. From Ahmednagar head towards Ghodegaon – Newasa – Navin Kaigaon – Limbe Jangaon – Aurangabad. From Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves use above route.

How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Mumbai: To travel from Mumbai to Ajanta Caves head towards Thane – Bhiwandi – Kasara – Igatpuri and reach Nashik. From Nashik to Ajanta Caves head towards Chandwad – Saundana – Mandurne and reach Chalisgaon. From Chalisgaon head towards Bhadgaon – Pachora – Warkhadi – Shendurni – Soygaon – Ajanta Caves. Its a journey of around 9-10 hours from Mumbai to Ajanta caves so take some rest while traveling. Its recommended to take 2-3 haults

By Train

Aurangabad is the nearest railway station on south central railway line and since it is well connected to the major cities, you can get the frequent trains for Aurangabad from major cities of India including Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata etc. From the Aurangabad railway station, you can get the local transport to reach to the Ajanta caves.