Anjata Caves have been on my bucket list for ages, but I never had the opportunity to see them – Until now.

During a long weekend holiday, I took a road trip to Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) and travelled to Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

I have posted individual guides to Ellora Caves and the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple.

Before I begin, I want to clarify something – Many people pronounce Ajanta and Ellora Caves as one word (Ajanta-Ellora caves).

It can confuse outsiders.

Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are two individual structures and are 100 km apart.

With that common misunderstanding cleared, this travel guide will focus solely on Ajanta Caves.

In the Ajanta Caves travel guide, I will cover:

• What to pack for Ajanta Caves?
• What are Ajanta Caves?
• Which caves to visit?
• How much time is required to explore the caves?
• Timings and tickets for Ajanta Caves
• Best time to visit
• How to get there?
• Where to stay?
• Travel tips

WHAT TO PACK FOR AJANTA CAVES?

Usually, I would include the answers to “What to wear?” and “What to carry?” in the travel tips section.

But for exploring Ajanta Caves, this is like a disclaimer that could make or break your visit.

When visiting Ajanta Caves, you need to remember a few things:

• Ajanta Caves involves a lot of walking.
• The viewing pathway is open without any shade.
• Ajanta Caves are a group of monasteries and prayer halls.

I would recommend dressing comfortably and casually for exploring Ajanta Caves.

• Loose pants
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Hats and caps
• Sunglasses

Remember these tips, and you will have a great time.

You can also read my elaborate guide on what to wear to Ajanta Caves.

Now, you are ready to explore the caves.

But first, what are Ajanta Caves?

WHAT ARE AJANTA CAVES?

The Ajanta Caves are centuries-old 31 Buddhist caves carved into a U-shaped gorge on the Waghur River.

Ajanta Caves served two purposes: First, they were the monsoon retreat for Buddhist monks, and second, they provided shelter and housing to travelling traders and merchants.

The 31 caves are a medley of viharas (monasteries) and Chaitya-grihas (prayer halls).

Viharas or monasteries are large halls with rows of columns bordering them, an enormous stone Buddha statue, and small enclosed meditation chambers.

Each of the viharas has a Buddha statue in different poses.

The Chaitya-grihas are U-shaped prayer halls with rows of pillars (on both sides) leading to a Stupa in the centre.

Each Chaitya-griha is different: Some have sculpted pillar tops, and others are simple with archetypal columns.

A few Chaitya-grihas even have stunning wall paintings.

Between 2 BCE and 1 CE, Buddhist monks built the first caves.

The wall paintings of these caves depict tales of Jataka and portray the past births and lives of Gautam Buddha.

Years later, between 400CE and 650CE, a second cave complex was added.

There is an ongoing debate regarding the construction of the second cave complex.

Some believe it was during the Satavahana dynasty, and others say it was the Maurya Empire.

Also, the influences of the Gupta period are evident in the second cave complex.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fine example of Indian art (paintings and sculptures) and a must-visit.

WHICH CAVES TO VISIT AT AJANTA?

Ajanta Caves are a complex of 31 caves: some are viharas, and others are Chaitya-grihas.

“That’s a lot of caves” –I’m sure that was your first thought when I said, “31 caves”.

Yes, it is a lot.

Yes, it involves a lot of walking and exploring, but each cave is different and has its charm and beauty.

If it’s your first visit to Ajanta Caves, I recommend exploring all 31 caves.

However, if you’re short of time and don’t want to walk all the way and only see the highlights, visit: Caves 1, 2, 6, 17 (viharas), 9, 10, 19, 26 (Chaitya-grihas) and 12 (monk’s quarters) are must-visit Ajanta Caves.

Head over to my blog post on “which caves to visit at Ajanta” and what to expect at each one.

TRAVEL TIP:- While exploring all 31 caves, you can bypass caves 3, 5, 14, and 23, which are incomplete.

Whether you visit all or a handful of caves, you’ll need a couple of hours.

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED TO TOUR AJANTA CAVES?

I want to emphasize that there are 31 caves at Ajanta, which is a lot.

It takes 2-3 hours to explore all 31 caves and involves a lot of walking.

If you don’t want to walk around for 3 hours or are short of time, you can visit a few select caves. Even that will take 1-2 hours.

I have not included the travel time or time required to wait for a shuttle bus or queue up for tickets.

I began exploring the caves around noon (12 p.m.) and left the last cave at 2:30 p.m.

It took me 2½ hours to explore all 31 caves and I spent only 5-10 minutes at each one.

Also, due to the crowds I had to leave quickly at times.

I toured the caves all afternoon in the unbearable heat, which I don’t recommend.

My only advice is, to arrive at Ajanta around 9-10 a.m. to avoid the afternoon sun and don’t rush.

TIMINGS AND TICKETS

Before we start, here’s the list of tickets you will need to buy:

• Parking area
• Bus tickets
• Ajanta Caves

Let’s start with the parking fees.

PARKING FEES

The parking area for Ajanta Caves is known as T-point (that’s how it’s known on Google Maps).

PARKING FEES:- They charge Rs. 20 for bikes, Rs. 50 for light vehicles (cars) and Rs. 100 for heavy vehicles (buses).

Also, they charge an additional fee (Rs.15) for each person.

BUS TICKETS AND TIMINGS

Board a shuttle bus from T-point (parking lot) to Ajanta Caves, 3 km away.

There are two types of buses – AC and non-AC buses.

I recommend you take the first bus that leaves, so you don’t have to wait.

BUS TICKETS:- A single ticket for an AC bus costs Rs. 30, and for non-AC, it is Rs.25. The prices are for one way. You have to buy a separate ticket on the way back.

The bus tickets are available on the bus. You have to pay the amount to the bus conductor.

NOTE:- Carry change (smaller notes) because online payment is unavailable.

BUS TIMINGS:- The first bus leaves T-point at 8:45 am, and the last is at 6 pm from Ajanta Caves to T-point.

Buses leave T-point every 10 minutes.

TRAVEL TIP:- Don’t miss the last bus because it is a 3 km walk through the forest to the parking lot.

AJANTA CAVES TICKETS AND TIMINGS

After reaching Ajanta Caves, you can purchase tickets at the counter or online.

If you book tickets online, they are cheaper, but they are for a specific time.

NOTE:- If you arrive late (online tickets), your tickets are invalid.

AJANTA CAVES TICKETS:- A single ticket for adults (Indians, BIMSTEC and SAARC) is Rs. 40 and Rs. 25 for students. Children below 15 years can enter for free. Tickets for foreigners are Rs. 600.

If you book online, a single ticket (Indians, BIMSTEC and SAARC) is Rs.35, and Rs. 550 for foreigners.

AJANTA CAVES TIMINGS:- The caves are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 to 5:30. Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Ajanta Caves are open all year round, but the question remains.

“When’s the best time to visit Ajanta Caves?”

Winter months, October to February, are the best times to visit Ajanta Caves.

During these months, the temperature is significantly lower, and the weather is pleasant, making exploring the caves for a few hours bearable.

Also, the crowds are thinner than in the summer months.

In the monsoon months from June to September, Ajanta Caves receive moderate to heavy rainfall.

If you prefer no crowds, travel during the monsoon season.

I wouldn’t recommend visiting during monsoons because you won’t be able to appreciate the beauty of the caves.

But on the bright side, you will encounter waterfalls across the gorge and between caves.

I travelled to Ajanta in August during the monsoons.

I visited Ajanta Caves in August, expecting low temperatures, but blistering heat greeted me.

The entire Ajanta Caves viewing path is open, and the only source of shade is the caves’ interiors.

During the few hours of exploring Ajanta Caves, I was sweating profusely, and my shirt was soaked.

Apart from the occasional slight breeze, the air was still.

I think summer is not the best time to visit Ajanta Caves.

The temperature is unbelievably high, and walking for a few hours in the blistering heat is not fun.

Also, since the pathway linking the caves is open, you spend lots of time under the sun.

I was sweating in August, so imagine what March to May would be like.

Also, April to May are summer holidays, meaning lots of visitors.

If that’s the only time you can squeeze in a trip to Ajanta Caves, try to visit during the week.

And lastly, avoid weekends at all costs, no matter the season.

HOW TO REACH AJANTA CAVES?

Ajanta Caves is the perfect day trip destination from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad).

So, assuming Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is the base, there are three ways to reach Ajanta Caves – Self-driving, bus and taxi.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is well-connected by road, air or train to other Indian cities.

SELF-DRIVING

Self-driving is the best, easiest and cheapest (after buses) way to reach Ajanta Caves.

I prefer self-driving, and that’s what I did.

I visited Ajanta Caves, 102 km away, on a day trip from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

Covering 102 km on a highway takes 1- 1½ hours, but driving to Ajanta Caves takes 2½-3 hours.

I left Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar around 9 a.m. and reached the Ajanta Caves parking area at 11:30 a.m.

The highway linking Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) to Ajanta Caves is a patchwork of good and bad sections. The “diversion” signs pop up every few kms.

I don’t think my speed exceeded 50kmph the whole drive to Ajanta Caves.

Also, the highway runs through a few small towns, which means lots of traffic, single-lane roads and constant braking.

The only redeeming qualities of the highway were no tolls and green fields.

BUS

Buses are the cheapest way to reach Ajanta Caves.

If you search on Google, you won’t find any buses between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Ajanta Caves.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t take the bus to the caves.

Board the bus leaving for Jalgaon from the Central Bus Stand in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. It is a 3½ hours journey.

A few buses run between Jalgaon and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar daily.

Once aboard the bus, notify the driver about stopping at Ajanta Caves.

Since there’s no proper bus stop at Ajanta Caves, most buses will continue past the entrance.

The first bus leaves Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 5 a.m. and reaches Ajanta Caves at 8:30-9 a.m., just in time for opening.

Also, don’t forget to enquire about the return bus.

NOTE:- The bus to Ajanta Caves stops at Ajanta village. Don’t get off here because the caves are a few kms away.

TAXI/CAB

Taxis are another way to reach Ajanta Caves.

Many cab companies offer day trips to Ajanta Caves from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

Or you can also rent mini-buses if you’re travelling in a group.

Cabs charge Rs.4000 (round trip) for a day trip to Ajanta Caves.

SUVs are costlier than sedans and hatchbacks.

Matador mini buses charge Rs.30 per km onwards. Depending on the size of the mini-bus, costs can increase.

Also, private cabs are costlier than shared taxis.

WHERE TO STAY?

In this section of the Ajanta Caves travel guide, discover where to stay during your trip to the caves.

Staying as close to the caves as possible would be the better option.

There are two MTDC hotels at Ajanta Caves. One is near T-point (parking lot), and the other is near the ticket booth at Ajanta Caves.

They are good options. But they have limited rooms and are often fully booked.

Or you can base yourself in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and travel to the caves on a day trip.

That’s what most of the visitors do, and so did I.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is a big city and has a variety of accommodation options to choose from.

I stayed at “The Aurés“.

It is a small boutique hotel and great for families.

The rooms are spacious, equipped with AC, a kettle for making tea and coffee and a compact bathroom.

“The Aurés” is off the main road, so don’t expect scenic views from your hotel rooms.

I can’t say much about their in-house restaurant as I dined out every night.

Also, they have parking facilities if you’re driving.

The reason for choosing “The Aurés” was its proximity to good restaurants and is only 28 km from the Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

Overall, I had a comfortable stay at “The Aurés”.

TRAVEL TIPS

“Travel tips” is the last section of the Ajanta Caves travel guide. Besides these, you can discover more travel tips in the previous topics.

• Ajanta Caves are open from Tuesday to Sunday and are closed on Monday.
• Private cars can’t travel beyond the T-point (parking lot), so take the shuttle bus to the caves.
• Pre-book your tickets if travelling on the weekend or holidays.
• Bring smaller notes (Rs.10 or 20) because online payment is unavailable for bus tickets.
• There are no family-friendly restaurants en route to Ajanta Caves, so eat before leaving Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar or wait to reach the caves.
• If you have heavy bags, deposit them in the cloakroom near the ticket counter. All you need is a valid ID.
• Guides are available for big and small groups. They charge Rs.1800 for half-day and Rs.2200 for full day for a group of 1-5 people. The charges for 6-14 people are Rs.2200 (half-day) and Rs.2850 (full-day). A guide for 15-40 people charges Rs.2900 (half-day) and Rs.3800 (full-day).
• Doli and porter services are available at Ajanta Caves. A single doli costs Rs.2000, and porters charge Rs.500 per trip.
• There is a widespread shopping market near the parking lot. I suggest shopping after visiting the caves.

CONCLUSION

That brings us to the end of the Ajanta Caves travel guide.

The Ajanta Caves travel guide covers numerous topics to make your trip worry-free and memorable.

In the Ajanta Caves travel guide, discover:

• What to pack for Ajanta Caves?
• What are Ajanta Caves?
• Which caves to visit?
• How much time is required to explore the caves?
• Timings and tickets for Ajanta Caves
• Best time to visit
• How to get there?
• Where to stay?
• Travel tips

I hope the Ajanta Caves travel guide was helpful, and if I missed something or you have any queries, let me know in the comments.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

Monuments are the grappling-irons that bind one generation to another.

Joseph Joubert