Exploring Ajanta Caves takes a few hours (meaning lots of walking and sweating), so I wrote the “What to pack for Ajanta Caves?” guide to make the long hours enjoyable.

Usually, I would include the “What to pack for Ajanta Caves?” in the travel tips section.

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

You can read my detailed Ajanta Caves travel guide.

Now, I am no fashionista and wouldn’t dare tell you what to wear.

But this time, I will.

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.

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

WHAT TO WEAR / PACK FOR AJANTA CAVES?

When visiting Ajanta Caves, dress comfortably and casually because it involves walking, and you will be sweating.

LOOSE PANTS

Steer clear of skinny and tight jeans or pants because walking for a few hours in the blistering heat in jeans is a nightmare (I’m speaking from experience).

Loose pants will allow your skin to breathe and make walking around easier.

T-SHIRTS

Short or full-sleeved T-shirts are great.

Wear light-coloured clothing because dark colours absorb heat, whereas light ones reflect.

Also, sweat stains are evident on dark clothes.

SHORTS

Ajanta Caves don’t follow a strict dress code, so men and women can enter the caves wearing shorts.

But avoid short shorts for a couple of reasons:

• Ajanta Caves is a religious centre, so dress appropriately.
• I hate saying this, but people will stare at you and can be uncomfortable.
• You don’t want to get sunburnt from the blistering heat.

A girl was wearing short shorts that her long t-shirt hid. She kept getting glances the entire time she was there.

SANDALS OR FLIP-FLOPS

Ajanta Caves are a group of monasteries and prayer halls, meaning you enter barefoot.

Usually, I wouldn’t suggest flip-flops if it involves a lot of walking, but you have to remove your shoes at almost every cave.

Wear your shoes, walk a few feet, remove them again and repeat – it doesn’t make sense and is annoying.

During my visit, I saw numerous people complaining about removing their shoes time and again.

So wear comfortable sandals or flip-flops.

A few even tried walking barefoot, only to put their shoes back on minutes later.

DON’T WALK BAREFOOT, THE GROUND IS BOILING, AND YOU’LL BURN YOUR FEET.

HATS AND CAPS

Hats and caps are a must for an afternoon visit to Ajanta Caves.

The path leading to the caves is open and without shade.

The sole reprieve from the afternoon sun is inside the caves (the caves are dark and cool).

Those arriving after 11 a.m., don’t forget to bring your hats and caps.

I didn’t bring a hat or cap, which was a mistake.

If you forget to bring a hat or cap, you can buy one at the market near the parking lot.

JACKETS

If you are visiting during monsoons or winters, carry a light jacket, and I mean jackets that are easy to lug around.

Even in winter, you won’t need them for long because after walking, you’ll warm up and won’t need them.

A light jacket is preferable to an umbrella during monsoons because you’ll have to leave your umbrella outside the caves each time.

HANDBAG OR BACKPACK

I highly recommend leaving your handbags and backpacks at the hotel.

You only need your phone, camera and wallet.

For some reason, you need a bag, bring a SMALL one.

Trust me, you don’t want to lug around unnecessary weight for a few hours.

Also, they have a cloakroom to store large bags for free (present an ID).

Drinking water taps are set up every few metres outside the caves, so you don’t need water bottles.

CONCLUSION

That concludes the list of what to pack for Ajanta Caves.

Ajanta Caves doesn’t follow a strict dress code.

This guide is solely to make your long hours at Ajanta Caves comfortable and enjoyable.

I hope the “What to pack for Ajanta Caves” guide was helpful.

If I missed something or you have any queries, let me know in the comments.