Explore Ajanta - Places to Visit, Activities & Travel Tips

About the Ajanta

The Ajanta Caves are a series of 30 rock-cut cave monuments that date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. These caves, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, are renowned for their Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures, which are some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. The caves depict the Jataka tales, stories of the Buddha's previous lives, as well as scenes from daily life and mythological narratives. They offer a unique insight into ancient Indian society, culture, and religious beliefs.

Best Time to Visit

October to March (Winter season). The weather is pleasant and conducive to exploring the caves. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall and humidity and avoid peak summer (April to May) due to high temperature.

Trip Duration

2 days

One day is sufficient to see the main caves. An extra day allows for a more relaxed pace and possible side trips.

Popular For

Ancient Buddhist Cave Paintings Rock-Cut Architecture Jataka Tales Depictions UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Ajanta

Activities / Things To Do in Ajanta

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Explore the Caves Spend time exploring each of the 30 caves, observing the intricate paintings and sculptures. It's recommended to start with the well-preserved caves like Cave 1, Cave 2, Cave 16, and Cave 17.
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Photography (Restrictions Apply) Capture the beauty of the caves through photography, but be aware that flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the caves to protect the delicate paintings.
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Visit the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Museum Learn more about the history and significance of the Ajanta Caves at the ASI Museum located near the site. The museum displays artifacts and provides context to the caves.
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Enjoy the Scenic Views Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, especially from the viewpoint overlooking the horseshoe-shaped gorge where the caves are located.
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Day Trip to Ellora Caves (If time permits) Consider a day trip to the Ellora Caves (approximately 100 km away), another UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a diverse range of rock-cut temples representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Ajanta Travel Shorts

Ajanta Best Restaurant | Your Ultimate Dining Guide

Hotel Kailas

Must Taste : Thalipeeth, Pithla Bhakri →

Trupti Milk And Snacks Bar Pvt. Ltd.

4.2

Must Taste : Veg Manchurian, Chicken Biryani →

MTDC FootHill Restaurant

3.8

Must Taste : Maharashtrian Thali →

Shree Hotel Saiprasad Pure veg Restaurant

4.3

Must Taste : Dal Fry, Jeera Rice →

Ajanta Caves Restaurant

4.3

Must Taste : Vegetable Curry →

Ajanta Caves

4.6

Must Taste : Traditional Maharashtrian Thali →

Ajanta Caves

4.6

Must Taste : Puri Sabji →

Kaveri Family Restro

4.3

Must Taste : Palak Panner →

Grand Thali Restaurant

4.2

Must Taste : Maharashtrian Thali →

Hotel Nisarg Restaurant and lodging

4.4

Must Taste : Mutter Panner →

Accommodation

MTDC Ajanta Fardapur

3.8

Approx Nightly Rate : 2500 INR →

Hotel ajanta green restaurant & resort

4.5

Approx Nightly Rate : 1200 INR →

MTDC Guest House

Approx Nightly Rate : 1500 INR →

Ajanta Hill Resort Fardapur

4.8

Approx Nightly Rate : 1300 INR →

President Cottage

3.9

Approx Nightly Rate : 1400 INR →

Hotel Kailas

Approx Nightly Rate : 1250 INR →

Ajanta Caves

4.6

Approx Nightly Rate : 700 INR →

Hotel Krishna Inn

4.2

Approx Nightly Rate : 1200 INR →

Ajanta Caves

4.6

Approx Nightly Rate : 1100 INR →

Ajanta Hill Resort Fardapur

4.8

Approx Nightly Rate : 1200 INR →

How to Reach Ajanta

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Air

The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (IXU), which is approximately 100 km from Ajanta. From Aurangabad, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ajanta.;

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Bus

Ajanta is well-connected by road. State transport buses and private buses operate between Ajanta and major cities like Aurangabad, Jalgaon, and Mumbai. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own car.

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Train

The nearest railway station is Jalgaon Junction (JL), which is approximately 60 km from Ajanta. From Jalgaon, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ajanta. Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) is another option, though slightly further away.

Important Notes

Photography is allowed, but flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the caves.

Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.

Carry a water bottle and snacks, as options within the cave complex are limited.

Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the caves. Guides are available at the entrance.

Respect the site and follow the rules and regulations.

Entrance tickets are required to enter the caves. You can purchase them online or at the ticket counter.

Be aware of monkeys around the site and keep your belongings secure.

Baggage Counter facility is available at the entrance.

Wheelchair access is limited at the site.

Ajanta Nearby Destinations

Ellora Caves

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rock-cut Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples.

Rating : 4.7

Popularity Score : 4.6

Must Visit : Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), Cave 10 (Buddhist Chaitya), and Cave 32 (Jain Indra Sabha).

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)

A historical city with Mughal architecture, including Bibi Ka Maqbara (a replica of the Taj Mahal).

Popularity Score : 4.2

Must Visit : Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, and Aurangabad Caves.

Daulatabad

An imposing 12th-century fortress located near Aurangabad.

Popularity Score : 4.5

Must Visit : Visit the Chand Minar and explore the intricate defensive structures.

Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Rating : 4.7

Popularity Score : 4.4

Must Visit : Attend the morning or evening aarti and witness the religious fervor.

Bhadra Maruti Temple

A unique temple where Lord Hanuman is in sleeping position.

Popularity Score : 4.3

Must Visit : Offer prayers and witness the distinct idol of Hanuman.

Khuldabad

Known as the 'Valley of Saints', containing tombs of several Sufi saints.

Popularity Score : 3.8

Must Visit : Visit the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the dargahs of Sufi saints.

Pitalkhora Caves

Early Buddhist rock-cut cave temples.

Popularity Score : 3.9

Must Visit : Visit the sculptures and carvings inside the caves.

Lonar Crater

A unique hypervelocity impact crater.

Rating : 4.6

Popularity Score : 4

Must Visit : Visit the Lonar Lake and explore the surrounding jungle.

Paithan

Known for Paithani sarees.

Popularity Score : 3.6

Must Visit : Visit the Sant Eknath Maharaj Temple and the Paithani saree weaving centers.

Shirdi

One of the most famous pilgrim sites.

Popularity Score : 4.7

Must Visit : Visit the Sai Baba Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Ajanta Caves is from October to March (winter season) when the weather is pleasant.

Yes, flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the caves to protect the delicate paintings.

Yes, there are accommodation options near the caves, including the MTDC Resort, guesthouses, and homestays. Alternatively, you can stay in Aurangabad, which offers a wider range of hotels.

Ideally, you should spend 1-2 days at Ajanta Caves to explore all the caves and appreciate their art and architecture.

While it's possible to visit both caves in one day, it would be a very rushed trip. It's recommended to dedicate at least one full day to each site.

Yes, there is an entry fee for the Ajanta Caves. You can purchase tickets online or at the ticket counter.