Ajanta Caves

About Ajanta Caves

Carved into a horseshoe shaped cliff above the Waghora River, the thirty or so Ajanta Caves were Buddhist prayer halls and monasteries. Work began in the second century BCE and reached a brilliant peak in the fifth century CE. Abandoned and overgrown, the caves were rediscovered by a British hunting party in 1819.

Ajanta is celebrated for its murals, which illustrate the Jataka tales of the Buddha's previous lives with graceful figures, rich colors and lively court scenes. The painted bodhisattva Padmapani in Cave 1 is among the most famous images in Indian art. Chaitya halls with stupas, such as Caves 19 and 26, show the finesse of the sculptors as well.

What to see

• Padmapani and Vajrapani murals in Cave 1
• Reclining Buddha in Cave 26
• Chaitya hall of Cave 19
• Jataka tale paintings in Cave 17
• Viewpoint across the gorge

Visiting Ajanta Caves: practical guide

Best time

October to March

Hours

9 am to 5:30 pm; closed Mondays

Entry

About INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners

Dress code

Comfortable shoes that slip off easily

Nearest airport

Aurangabad Airport (IXU), 100 km

Tips from experienced pilgrims

• Flash photography is banned to protect the paintings
• Take the shuttle bus from the visitor center
• Pair with Ellora, but visit on separate days

Festivals and special days

• Ellora Ajanta Festival

Etiquette for visitors

Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.

• Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
• Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
• Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
• Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
• Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
• Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.

Location map

Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions

Frequently asked questions