Ajanta Caves – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

A trip to the Ajanta Caves is a once in a lifetime experience. These caves are located in Maharashtra, just 99 kilometers from Aurangabad, but they are the pride of the entire nation. An UNESCO world heritage site, Ajanta Caves are located in a steep and wide gorge that is shaped like a horseshoe. There is a wild mountain stream that runs through it. The entire area looks lush and green after the rains. But of course, the main attractions are within the caves. That’s what so many people from across the world come to see.

What do you see at Ajanta? You will see probably the best collection of cave paintings we have in India. These paintings date back to more than two millennia. You will see some fantastic sculptures, and there is a pillar too that emits musical sounds when you tap it. The ancient builders were so brilliant in their work that even today, artists and structural engineers wonder how simple monks could carve out such artistic beauties with simple materials and tools, all locally available. The sheer brilliance will make you awestruck for sure.

What to See At Ajanta Caves

There are 29 caves that were carved. 15 of them have been left unfinished, because the Buddhist monks had to move on before they could finish their job. One wonders what more jewels we would have had, if only they could complete the work on all these caves. Some of the caves are monasteries (viharas), and some others are Buddhist cathedrals (chaityas). You will find murals and sculptures in almost all of them. They depict the incarnations of Buddha.

There is so much to see here that it might not be possible to view everything in one single trip. So it’s better that you pick a few caves and see them first. If you have time, you could always see the others later. So go to cave 1 for the paintings, cave 2 for murals and ceiling decorations, cave 6 for the pillar with musical sounds, cave 10 for the huge stupa there, cave 19 for the Buddha idols, cave 16 to see the Dying Princess and the other paintings, cave 17 for more stunning paintings, and cave 26 for the sculpture of reclining Buddha. All of them are must sees.

Remember, these paintings and sculptures have survived the ravages of time. They stand testimony to the artistic skills of ancient India. You cannot miss them.

There are hardly any good private hotels and resorts close to the caves. Most people stay at Aurangabad.