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Ajanta Caves
Situated 110 KMs from Aurangabad, it's a two-hour drive. Take the route of Jalgaon Road.If you have only a flying visit to offer, you can visit Ajanta Caves and Ellora caves in one day. However, it is recommended that you spare a day each for these remarkable monuments.
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History

Ajanta Caves, a historical treasure hosting an illustrious collection of ancient paintings, are situated in a horse-shoe shaped valley near village Ajintha. This evergreen place of scenic beauty is adorned by river Waghur that flows from the feet of the ravine emerging out of a pool filled in by a seven-leap waterfall. These Buddhist caves built under the patronage of Hindu kings are a fine example of the harmony that existed between the two religions. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the caves, dating as back as 2nd century BC, have been attracting tourists from all over the world for the last two centuries.

Ajanta Caves comprise of Chaitya-grihas, the halls with a stupa, the monument consisting Buddhist relics, used by the Buddhist monks for worshiping and Viharas, the monasteries. Most of these caves have mesmerizing paintings on the walls and attractive floral, vegetative, geometric patterns, auspicious symbols, celestial and heavenly beings on the ceilings.

These mural paintings depict a unique style of art that is not to be found anywhere else in the world. Based on Buddhism or Buddhist philosophy, the paintings tell stories from Jatakas and Avadanas as well as tales based on the life-events of the historical Buddha. They also illustrate Buddhist deities such as Bodhisattvas in graceful poses. The portrayals are as vivid as though narrated. Tourists take long halts before each painting admiring the artistry, dexterity and skillfulness as well as the interesting tales portrayed through the paintings. One cannot help but walk out of these caves impressed by the exceptional aesthetic quality of the paintings.

In one of the bizarre folds of history, the caves were abandoned during the 7th century when the work was in final phases. As per the leading Ajantologists, the researchers who have dedicated their lives studying Ajanta Caves, this happened after King Harisena, supposedly the benefactor of several of these caves, lost power. As the place fell out of the way, forest grew around the caves and hid them under the veil of time.

Over the next 1200 years, the caves passed out of all knowledge, until in April of 1819 when they were accidentally re-discovered by the British soldier, Captain John Smith, following the trail of a tiger. The caves, now the home to large animals and bats, were well preserved by nature. The hiding from time also saved the caves a possible mutilation from the Moghal rulers during the 16th century that other historical monuments in the vicinity had to endure.

After the re-discovery, the caves were subject to a great research from the historians. Tracking back down the pages of history, many pieces have been put together so far to understand this marvelous wonder. One of the evidences discovered tells of Hsuan Tsang or Xuan Zang, as he is known today by historians, mentioning that Dinnaga, the great Buddhist philosopher once lived at Ajanta.

One of the major subjects to curiosity was how these paintings survived so long? Careful inspections revealed that the secret lies in the surface over which these paintings were drawn. Intense preparation would go on in making this surface. The rock walls of the caves would first be roughened up with the help of chisels so they would hold the plaster made out of lime, clay, dung and hay. The paintings were drawn on while the plaster was still wet. This way the colors absorbed by the plaster would dry up with it and become one, preventing the later decay or peel-off. The bright and glowing colors used in these paintings that have lasted so long are referred to as earth colors. They were made from different types of stones, skillfully selected parts of plants such as leaves and flowers and various minerals.

Miraculously re-opened for the admiration of art and culture, Ajanta Caves are the true cultural legacy of India and the world.

The best season to visit the caves is Monsoon, mid June to August, when the Waghur river is at its fullest and the sound of the waterfall can be heard in the caves. However, winter, from November to February, offers a pleasant weather to stroll across pleasurably. 

Note

Ajanta caves are closed on Monday. Photography with flash light on or a tripod is not allowed. You will need to remove your shoes before entering some of these caves as they bear a religious importance for the Buddhists. The fare of the pollution free buses has been increased from yesterday. The bus fares for Ajantha are Rs-10 for non-air-conditioned bus and Rs-20 for air-conditioned.