“Thirty rock-cut Buddhist prayer halls and monasteries dating from the 2nd century BCE carved into a sheer basalt horseshoe cliff; the tempera murals are the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art; displaying intricate anatomical detail and lapis lazuli pigments; enter Cave 1 at 10 am; the low sun illuminates the Bodhisattva Padmapani; revealing the textured brushstrokes and the cool; damp scent of the ancient stone.”
About Ajanta Caves
Thirty rock-cut Buddhist prayer halls and monasteries dating from the 2nd century BCE carved into a sheer basalt horseshoe cliff; the tempera murals are the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art; displaying intricate anatomical detail and lapis lazuli pigments; enter Cave 1 at 10 am; the low sun illuminates the Bodhisattva Padmapani; revealing the textured brushstrokes and the cool; damp scent of the ancient stone.
Why Visit
Ajanta Caves is one of India's defining sites — a place that rewards every visitor differently.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Book tickets for Ajanta Caves in advance to skip long queues.
- 2
Hire a local guide to unlock the stories behind every corner.
- 3
Spend extra time in the least-visited sections — they're often the most rewarding.
