Ajanta Caves

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Ajanta caves, the outstanding world renowned caves are located at a distance of 100 km from the city of Aurangabad. The caves form a part of the UNESCO world's heritage list and are one of the most remarkable creations of the past era. The origin of Ajanta Caves can be traced back between 2nd century BC and 7th century AD. Paintings and sculptures in the Ajanta caves depicts the story of Lord Buddha, Bodhisattva (followers of Buddhism), the tales of Jatakas and Buddhism religion that prevailed here during this era. The caves showcase the architectural brilliance and superb craftsmanship. There are a total of 30 caves snuggled together, deep inside the Sahayadri range, far away from human habitation in the middle of a huge rock.

Cave number 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are Chaitya-Grihas (a prayer hall that houses a stupa) while the rest of the caves comprise of monasteries. Ajanta caves were constructed to provide abode and praying place to the Buddhist monks (as they did not have a permanent dwelling), religiously spreading Buddhism in the world. The caves also showcase paintings based on Greek and Roman compositions and proportions. However, Indian style continued to be the predominant one that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

Ajanta caves were discovered quite later in 1819 AD by a troop of British Officers who were on a Tiger hunt in that area. The enchanting Ajanta Caves are divided in to 2 groups based on their time of construction. The older caves were constructed few centuries before the birth of Christ while the other set of caves were made between 5th and 7th century AD. Ajanta Caves are completely spellbinding and draw a large number of tourists to Aurangabad every year.