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Pilgrimage Guide › Sacred Sites 10–18 › Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves carved between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th–6th century CE. They are famous for their wall paintings of the Buddha’s life and the Jataka tales, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983)
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays
About 100 km from Sambhajinagar; 60 km from Jalgaon
October to March
3–4 hours
The Ajanta Caves are carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff above the Waghora River. Buddhist monks created them in two phases: the early caves of the 2nd–1st century BCE, and the later Mahayana caves of the 5th–6th century CE, many made under the Vakataka king Harishena. They include chaityas (prayer halls) with stupas and viharas (monasteries) where monks lived and studied.
Ajanta is world-famous for its paintings, showing scenes from the Buddha’s life and the Jataka tales with great grace and colour. After Buddhism declined in the region, the caves were forgotten and covered by forest, until a British officer saw them in 1819. They became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Ajanta shows the Buddha’s teaching through art. The paintings of the Jataka tales and the Buddha’s life were made by monks and devotees as acts of faith, and they still inspire devotion today. Seeing the reclining Buddha of Cave 26 is a moving reminder of Kushinagar and the Buddha’s final passing.
Many halls are still quiet places for short chanting and reflection.
Ajanta is about 100 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), which has an airport with flights from Mumbai and Delhi. Jalgaon railway station is about 60 km away. From the visitor centre, buses take visitors to the cave entrance. Ajanta and Ellora are usually visited on two separate days from Sambhajinagar.
October to March is the best time. Remember that Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so plan your days carefully. Flash photography is not allowed, to protect the paintings. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps between the caves, and carry water.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
No. The Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays. They are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on other days.
There are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves at Ajanta, including prayer halls (chaityas) and monasteries (viharas).
Ajanta is famous for its ancient wall paintings of the Buddha’s life and the Jataka tales, among the finest surviving paintings of ancient India.
Fly to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), about 100 km away, or take a train to Jalgaon, about 60 km away.
It is possible but very tiring, as the sites are about 100 km apart. We recommend one day for each.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
