Ajanta Caves, a testament to the rich tapestry of ancient Indian art, architecture, culture and religion, is one of the popular tourist destinations of India, located in Maharashtra.
Located approximately 450 km from Mumbai and 104 km from Aurangabad, Ajanta is home to a remarkable collection of 30 Buddhist monasteries and sanctuaries, which represent the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, making the site one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage places in India. The Ajanta Caves site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Significance
The stunning Ajanta Caves date back to the period between the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. The site remained deserted and concealed for several centuries until 1819, when a group of British soldiers discovered the location. The caves are carved into the sheer vertical face of the horseshoe-shaped rock located near the Waghora River, which beautifully cascades down in a series of seven steps, falling into a tranquil pool known as Saptakund.
As per the formation and geological characteristics of the caves, it is believed that the site was shaped by an ancient volcanic eruption in the Deccan Plateau.
Out of 30 Ajanta Caves, five (caves 9,10,19,26 and 29) are chaityagrihas (sanctuaries) and the rest are sangharamas or viharas (monasteries). These caves display a rich history of art and architecture and insights into ancient Buddhist culture and beliefs, making it a popular tourist attraction in the country.
Timings and Entry Fees
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. The site remains closed on Mondays.
- Entry Fee: Free for children below 15 years, INR 40 for Indians, SAARC and BIMSTEC countries and INR 600 for foreigners.
How To Reach Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction located in Maharashtra. This historic site is located 104 km from Aurangabad and 431 km from Mumbai. You can reach the Ajanta Caves by air, rail, and road.
By Air
Aurangabad Airport, at 104 km, is the nearest airport to Ajanta Caves. For international travellers, the nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport. If you are travelling to Mumbai first, then it is recommended to explore the key attractions of the city, including the Elephanta Caves, which are also one of the significant caves in Maharashtra.
For an affordable stay in the city, you can book Treebo hotels in Mumbai.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to reach the Ajanta Caves is the Aurangabad Railway Station. From the station, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach the site.
Additionally, to book your stay near Ajanta Caves, hotels in Aurangabad are best suited for you.
By Road
The Ajanta Caves have excellent road connectivity to the nearby cities. There are several state and privately-owned buses operating from Aurangabad and the Ajanta Caves. You can also enjoy a scenic drive to the site as the route offers a glimpse of the rural landscape of Maharashtra.
Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves
The best time to visit Ajanta Caves is during the winter months (October to February) as the weather becomes pleasant with comfortable temperatures ranging between 12 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for exploring the caves. Additionally, these months coincide with the vibrant festivals, offering a wholesome travelling experience.
The summer months (March to June) are extremely hot, making it difficult to explore the caves during the day. If you are travelling during these months, then it is recommended to visit the caves in the early hours.
Monsoon months (July-September) are usually not the best time to visit the caves, as the frequent rainfall makes the pathway slippery and difficult to walk.
Places to Visit Near Ajanta Caves
1. Ellora Caves
The largest rockcut cave complexes in the world, the Ellora Caves, are one of the World Heritage Sites in India. Located just 30 km away from the Ajanta Caves, it is a must-visit place for every traveller. The site includes over 100 Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Caves with intricate artwork dating from 600 AD to 1000 AD.
One of the Elora Caves features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailash temple, a chariot-shaped monument dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Timings: 6:00 AM- 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians and SAARC citizens; INR 600 for foreigners.
- Location: Verul, Maharashtra 431102.
2. Grishneshwar Temple
Located in the peaceful town of Verul in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar Temple is the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga shrine of Lord Shiva. The temple is built with black stone on an area spanning 44,000 sq. ft. You can witness various sculptures and fine designs on its interior and exterior walls.
The temple is not only known for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas but also holds historical and architectural significance, making it one of the best places to visit in Aurangabad.
- Timings: 5:00 AM- 9:00 PM.
- Location: Ghrushneshwar Mandir Rd, Verul, Maharashtra 431102.
3. Panchakki
One of the best historic places to visit near Ajanta Caves, Panchakki, is located in Aurangabad. It is an ancient water-powered flour mill complex housing a mosque, garden and reservoir. It is popularly known as the “water mill of saints” because the mill was dedicated to the memory of the great Sufi saint, Baba Shah Musafir.
The architecture of the well-preserved complex offers a glimpse into medieval engineering.
- Timings: 7:00 AM- 8:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for Foreigners.
- Location: Panchakki Rd, Panchakki, Nagsenvan, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, 431001.
4. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Popularly known as the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan”, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a stunning historical monument in India situated in the heart of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The monument was built in 1679 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in honour of his beloved wife.
The monument offers an insight into the mesmerising Mughal architecture, making it a perfect place to visit during your trip to Ajanta Caves.
- Timings: 8:00 AM- 8:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
- Location: Aurangabad Caves Rd, Vidyut Colony, Begumpura, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra 431001.
5. Daulatabad Fort
Also known as Devagiri Fort, Daulatabad Fort, is one of the stunning forts in Maharashtra, located in Daulatabad village near Aurangabad. The site was earlier known as Devagiri, meaning the “Hill of Gods”. The fort holds a great historic significance as it was the capital of Yadavas (9th – 14th century CE) and the capital of Delhi Sultanate (1327-1334) and the secondary capital of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate (1499-1636).
Built on a 200 m high conical granite formation, the fort is considered one of the most powerful forts in India. The fort complex houses several historic structures, including the Chand Minar, Saraswati Bawdi, Chini Mahaland Rang Mahal, making it a must-visit site near Ajanta Caves.
- Timings: 6:00 AM- 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
- Location: Daulatabad, Maharashtra 431002.
Thus, the Ajanta Caves offer an insight into the rich heritage of the country, making it an ideal place to visit in Maharashtra for travellers looking for historic caves in India.
While visiting Ajanta Caves, you can book your stay at hotels in Aurangabad from Treebo Club’s website or app for a comfortable and affordable accommodation.
