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The Ajanta caves are world renowned for their exquisitely sculpted rock-cut architecture and marvelous paintings that reflect the brilliance of the ancient artisans. The pictures of men, women and children, with the minuteness in their attire, the things they used, the palaces and houses they dwelled, the animals they tamed, all these are as realistic as they seem to be.
The caves are lined for 3 ½ km along a horse-shoe shaped ravine. One can never defeat the style of the carving that is so much captivating. The other striking feature of the Ajanta caves is the paintings. These beautiful colorful strokes leave us rapt and stunned. It is believed that the paints were made of natural herbs, and the beauty remains as such all through the ages, except a few damaged by some calamity or during some war.
These 29 caves are nestled in the Sahyadri Hills, in Maharashtra. Though your journey to this not-yet-completely-explored world comes to an end, and you leave the place, but the memories of the place never leave your soul.
History of Ajanta Caves
These caves, lying under the Sahyadri hills and lined along the Waghora River, were discovered only in the 19th century. These excavations depict the story of life of Buddha and the journey of Buddhism through 200 BC to 650 AD. The caves served as resting place for Buddhist monks who came here for shelter. The monks often tried their hands at sculpting and painting which turned out to be the most fascinating in the present day.
History of the caves reveals details about the Hinayana and Mahayana phases and the life of the people during these phases.
Special attractions in and around Ajanta Caves
- Cave one- This cave presents an elaborate range of carvings depicting the life of Buddha and the motifs used by the people then. Each wall of the hall inside is nearly 40 feet long and 20 feet high. There are stories on the walls called the Jataka Tales, based on the life of the Bodhisattvas.
- Cave two- Similar to the cave one this cave is in a better condition and famous for the paintings on the walls.
- The Façade- The cave one has an excellently sculpted façade, unlike the cave two, which also has one at the entrance. One can spot many difference in the two masterpieces.
Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves
The best time to visit Ajanta Caves is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant here.
Location
State: Maharashtra
District: Aurangabad
Distance of Ajanta Caves from nearest cities: Jalgaon at a distance of sixty kilometers and Aurangabad, 106 kilometers away from Ajanta caves are the nearest cities.
How to reach Ajanta Caves
Nearest airport: The nearest airport Aurangabad, which is 106 kilometers from Ajanta Caves.
Nearest railway stations: Jalgaon, at a distance of 60 kilometers is the nearest railhead.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Ajanta Caves are well connected by road to Jalgaon and Aurangabad.
Tourism Department
Govt. of India Tourist office
Churchgate
Mumbai
Ph: 91-22-22093229
Climatic Conditions
The climate here is hot and humid throughout the year and the weather is fine and pleasant in winters.
Clothing
Light cotton clothes in summers and light woolens in winters are recommended.
Tourist attractions near Ajanta Caves
- Daulatabad: This place is situated at about 13 km from Aurangabad and houses a strong fortress with a bricked wall which runs up to five kilometers. The place is most known for its charming beauty and offers and fun filled and excited atmosphere.
- Ghrishneshwar temple: This place is most recognized for the beautiful carvings and sculpted shrines. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts many pilgrims to this place.
- Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is at a distance of 70 km located northwest of Aurangabad. It has a rich variety of flora and fauna and the air is pure and has a healing effect on the minds of people visiting the place.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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