Ajanta Caves : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Ajanta Caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra in India is amongst the finest surviving examples of Buddhist architecture in the world. An architectural marvel, the caves were initially constructed from 200 BCE to 650 BCE, with a few being added up to the 11th century. An important part of history and rich culture of India, these caves are an epitome of the amazing craftsmanship and art of the then sculptors. They have survived over centuries, making them a priceless heritage of ours. By reading this blog, you will discover the interesting facts, information and travel guide about these magnificent caves.

Interesting Facts About Ajanta Caves

1. The Ajanta Caves are a complex of over 30 rock-cut cave monuments located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India.

2.The Ajanta Caves are the oldest of the cave temples of India, believed to have been built during the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE.

3.These caves were discovered in the 19th century and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.

4.It is believed that the caves are the earliest surviving examples of Indian rock-cut architecture and painting.

5.The Ajanta Caves are made up of two groups of caves. The first group consists of five caves, which are smaller and fresher looking, refer to as ‘older’ caves.

6.The second group consists of 19 more elaborate caves, refer to as ‘newer caves’. The older caves are believed to have been constructed during the 2nd century BC to the 1st century BC, while the newer ones were constructed between the 5th and 6th centuries AD.

7.Most of the caves feature Hindu, Buddhist and Jain art with sculptures, paintings, frescos and stone carvings.

8.Some of the famous sculptures of the Ajanta Caves feature characters from the Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana.

9.The Ajanta Caves is said to be the birthplace of the renowned Ajanta style of Buddhist art.

10.The Ajanta Caves have been the inspiration behind many other cultural works of art such as the Ajanta Pillars at Fatehpur Sikri.

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History & Information About Ajanta Caves

Ajanta caves is a group of 30 rock cut Buddhist cave monuments located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are cut into a 250 feet (76 m) wall of rock along the horseshoe-shaped cliff of the offshoot of the Sahyadri range in the River Waghora’s gorge.

The Ajanta caves are considered as the finest examples of Indian art and architecture. The caves feature paintings and sculptures that illustrate the life of Buddha and stories from Jataka tales. The intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings, found here are known for their beauty and complexity. Some of these are believed to have been done in as early as the 1st Century BCE, representing some of the earliest Buddhist artworks in India.

The Ajanta caves were rediscovered in 1819 by the British army officer John Smith, but Khandara caves, located nearby, were the first to be rediscovered by protopaleontologist Subbaraya Kalyan in the late 1700s.

The caves were proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 owing to their immense cultural and archaeological significance. The caves are divided into two groups of 5 and 25 called a western group and a larger eastern group respectively.

These UNESCO Heritage Site is a must-visit site for all tourists visiting Maharashtra.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra are an incredible archaeological site located in the Aurangabad district of the Indian state. An UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ajanta Caves are amazing examples of how Buddhism has evolved and are filled with impressive sculptures and exquisite paintings that date back to as early as 200 BC.

1. Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Ajanta Caves is during winter (November to February). The temperature during this time is pleasant and the humidity is low, perfect for exploring the stunning sights and attractions of the Caves.

2. Things to Do and See:

The Ajanta Caves are known for their stunning sculptures and paintings, so it’s essential that visitors take some time to explore them all. If you’re interested in archeology, the Ajanta Caves Archaeological Museum is a must-see for interesting artifacts from the site. You can also take a trip to the nearby Fardapur Waterfalls and have a picnic at the banks of the Waghur River.

3. Where to Stay:

Aurangabad is the nearest town to the Ajanta Caves and there are a number of accommodations available here. There are plenty of affordable hotels and guesthouses, as well as luxurious resorts where you can stay.

4. How to get there:
Aurangabad is the nearest city to the Ajanta Caves and can be reached from most major Indian cities. You can take a flight, train or bus to get to Aurangabad and then take a taxi or hire a car to get to the Ajanta Caves.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ajanta Caves

Q1. What are the Ajanta Caves?

A1. The Ajanta Caves are a cluster of 29 Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments that were created in the 2nd century BCE and 5th century CE in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The Ajanta Caves feature a unique blend of architecture, sculptures, paintings, and murals that illustrate the development of Buddha’s teachings.

Q2. When were the Ajanta Caves discovered?

A2. The Ajanta Caves were discovered in 1819 by a British Officer, John Smith. He stumbled upon them while hunting in the area and was so taken with them that they were quickly declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Q3. How do I get to the Ajanta Caves?

A3. The Ajanta Caves are located 110 km from Aurangabad and can be accessed via bus or car. The nearest railway station is Jalgaon, which is about 45 km away. The nearest airport is Aurangabad, which is roughly 110 km away.

Q4. What can I expect to see at the Ajanta Caves?

A4. The Ajanta Caves feature a number of murals depicting the life of the Buddha, various Hindu and Jain deities, and scenes from the epic Mahabharata. These ancient caves also contain numerous sculptures, stupas, and chaitya halls with impressive arches and pillars carved into the rocks.

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