If you are on this page, you want to know which caves to visit at Ajanta.

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

Caves- 1, 2, 4, 6, 13, 15, 15A, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, and 30 are viharas (monasteries).

Caves 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 (incomplete) are Chaitya-grihas (prayer halls).

The remaining caves 3, 5, 14, 23, 28 are incomplete.

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

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.

That said, I would also like to point out that most of the viharas (monasteries) seem identical (they are not).

I agree that the viharas appear identical, with a hall and a Buddha statue in the centre.

But they are different: the Buddha statues are in varying poses, and the paintings on walls and sculptures are of a wide range.

If you miss out on the subtle difference, it feels repetitive after exploring the first few caves.

During my tour, I overheard several visitors exclaiming, “All the caves were identical”.

Also, exploring all 31 caves involves walking around for a few hours (2-3 hours).

For visitors not interested in walking for hours and seeing all the caves, here’s the list of which caves to visit at Ajanta.

Caves 1, 2, 6, 17 (viharas), 9, 10, 19, 26 (Chaitya-grihas) and 12 (monk’s quarters) are must-visit Ajanta Caves.

Now, let’s discover what makes these nine caves a must-visit at Ajanta.

CAVE 1

After scanning your tickets, you walk up the stairs.

An open courtyard and a column-lined verandah greet you.

It is the Mahayana monastery, commonly known as Cave 1.

Cave 1 is a vihara (monastery).

The monastery has a large hall, a sanctum and a Buddha statue in the antechamber.

Also, you can see small enclosed cells along the walls of the large hall.

In the antechamber, a Buddha statue sits in the teaching pose, flanked by the Bodhisattvas on either side. At the base are five disciples and a wheel between two deer.

But what makes the monastery a must-visit are the wall and ceiling paintings.

The wall paintings portray scenes from the Jataka tales– about the previous lives and births of Gautam Buddha.

Despite the low lighting inside the cave, you can see the minute details (expressions, jewellery) used in the painting.

Besides the painting, the monastery has numerous sculptures.

The door frame, pillars on the verandah and sanctum have sculptures.

The verandah columns have carvings of Buddha, elephants, horses, and scenes from people’s lives.

The paintings and sculptures in Cave 1 are a fine example of Indian art, making it a must-visit at Ajanta.

CAVE 2

Just a few metres from the Mahayana monastery (Cave 1) is Cave 2.

Upon entering Cave 2, you might think it’s similar to the previous cave, but it’s not (not entirely).

Caves 1 and 2 have columns separating the hall from the enclosed cells, a sanctum, and a Buddha statue in the antechamber.

That’s where the similarities end.

The first difference you notice is the sheer amount of well-preserved paintings on the walls and ceiling.

In the low light, the paintings seem to glow golden (it could be the lights playing a trick).

Compared to other caves at Ajanta, the murals in Cave 2 are more prominent and vibrant.

The paintings date back to the 5th CE and portray scenes from the Jataka tales (like in Cave 1), Avadana (it details the good and moral deeds performed by the Bodhisattvas), events from the life of the Shakyamuni Buddha and scenes from everyday life.

Another feature of Cave 2 is the beautifully carved columns bordering the hall.

The columns have sculptures and murals (it is more visible on the pillars of the sanctum).

On the columns towards the front, you can see remnants of the peeling paint.

Also, don’t forget to check out the two shrines of Yakshas on either side of the sanctum.

Cave 2 is where I spent more time than the other caves, and I recommend you do too.

CAVE 6

Like most of the caves at Ajanta, Cave 6 is also a monastery.

It is a two-storey monastery, having a hall, a sanctum, an antechamber where a Buddha statue rests and a few cells.

Initially, it was only the lower floor, but they added a second-floor years later.

Unlike Caves 1 and 2, the wall and ceiling paintings in Cave 6 have faded over time and are barely visible.

Besides the doorway and inside the antechamber, you won’t find many sculptures and paintings in Cave 6.

Also, you can go inside the small cells scattered around the monastery.

I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve included this cave if not for the paintings and sculptures.

Cave 6 wouldn’t be on many people’s “Which caves to visit at Ajanta?” list.

It is on my must-visit caves list because of the panoramic views of Ajanta Caves from the upper floor.

You can see the gorge on the Waghur River and Cave 26 at the end from up here.

Besides the stunning view, I loved the giant pillars on the verandah.

They reminded me of large Roman pillars (they might not be Roman-style architecture, but that’s what they seemed to me).

Steep and narrow steps pave the way to the upper floor, so be careful on your way up and down.

I almost slipped and broke a bone on my way up, but the view was worth it.

CAVE 9 AND 10

After visiting only viharas (monasteries), Cave 9, a Chaitya-griha, offers a break from the monotony.

Upon arriving at Cave 9, you will instantly notice the difference – the sculpted doorway.

Cave 9 boasts a sculpted doorway, whereas Cave 10 has a simple arched entrance.

As is custom to all Chaitya-grihas, Caves 9 and 10 have columns in a U-shape and the Stupa in the centre.

Murals and sculptures are the feature of Ajanta Caves, which means you can find them in all caves, including caves 9 and 10.

Currently, the columns (in Caves 9 and 10) appear bare, but they were once coloured and decorated in murals.

You can find partial murals on the columns in both caves, but they are more evident in Cave 10.

That’s why Cave 10 is my favourite.

I still recommend visiting both Chaitya-grihas.

Caves 9 and 10 date back to the 1st CE and are a must-visit at Ajanta Caves.

CAVE 17

After exploring the Chaitya-grihas, it’s back to viharas (monasteries).

Cave 17 (like Cave 1) is another example of a Mahayana monastery.

The monastery (like other viharas) has a verandah, a hall bordered with columns, cells, a sanctum and an antechamber with a Buddha statue surrounded by Bodhisattvas and flying beings.

If it’s similar to the other viharas, why visit?

What makes Cave 17 special is the voluminous collection of murals on walls, columns and ceilings, depicting scenes from the Jataka tales.

When I say it is a voluminous collection, I don’t mean partial and faded murals but fully preserved art.

When you approach the verandah, don’t forget to look up at the ceiling.

It is painted and has geometric patterns, floral designs and other figures.

The ceiling is a fragment of what Cave 17 holds inside.

Inside the monastery, you will discover murals on all the walls, columns and ceiling.

The columns and walls are distanced from visitors to protect the murals by a wooden barricade.

So, you can’t get a closer look at the murals.

Also, don’t forget to see the lintel on the main door, where you’ll find seven “Mortal Buddhas” and the future Maitreya Buddha.

If I had to choose my favourite vihara at Ajanta Caves, it would be Cave 17.

It was an absolute delight to explore Cave 17.

CAVE 19

Cave 17 was the last monastery in the “Which caves to visit at Ajanta?” list.

Now, it’s only Chaitya-grihas to the end.

Cave 19 is a short walk from Cave 17 and is a must-visit.

Cave 19, like the other Chaitya-grihas, has a Stupa at the centre flanked by columns in a U-shape and an arched ceiling.

That’s where the similarities end.

The porch of Cave 19 is covered from top to bottom with sculptures of Buddha.

On the porch is the shrine of Nagaraja, a powerful deity who protects and guards.

After marvelling at the impressive chisel work on the outside, an even more beautiful prayer hall welcomes you.

What sets Cave 19 apart is the enormous Stupa in the centre, having the image of Buddha as a spiritual sovereign.

According to records, Dharadipa contributed to establishing Cave 19.

After his younger brother died, he realised the transient nature of the material world and lived a spiritual life doing charity.

Due to its charm, Cave 19 attracts visitors, making it difficult to appreciate its beauty.

I tried to visit Cave 19 twice.

The first time, the cave was overcrowded, and I started feeling claustrophobic (which I never do).

So, I decided to return after a while.

The second visit was the same.

Only this time, the security uncle stopped more people from entering the prayer hall.

I waited 10-15 minutes, but the crowd just kept growing.

But I’m glad I saw the Chaitya-griha for a few minutes.

CAVE 26

Cave 26 is the last Chaitya-griha on the “Which caves to visit at Ajanta?” list.

The tour begins with a vihara and ends with a Chaitya-griha.

Cave 26 is covered in chisel work from top to bottom, both outside and inside the Chaitya-griha.

The heavily carved porch reminded me of the Chaitya-griha at Karla Caves in Lonavala.

Hundreds of Buddha statues, big and small, cover the porch.

Currently, the doorway is simple, but from the jagged edges above, you can see that the carvings reached the bottom once.

And if that’s not enough, the walls and columns of the Chaitya-griha are lined with more Buddha sculptures.

Also, more chisel work decorates the giant Stupa in the centre.

Besides the Stupa, my second favourite was the sleeping Buddha statue.

It is simpler than the other more prominent sculptures. I think that’s what I liked, it’s simplicity.

There’s no doubt Cave 26 was my favourite cave at Ajanta, but I have mixed feelings.

Cave 26 is the most visited Chaitya-griha at Ajanta. It sees an influx of visitors all day, which makes exploring the beautiful prayer hall challenging.

I remember waiting 20 minutes in the courtyard for a picture of the porch but to no avail.

I loved Cave 26, except for the crowds.

You need at least 15-20 minutes to explore Cave 26. Therefore, I recommend visiting Cave 26 for last.

However, if you’re arriving on the weekend or in the afternoon, visit Cave 26 first and make your way down.

Now that you know which caves to visit at Ajanta, it’s time to find the timings and tickets.

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 LOT

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 FARE 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.

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

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.

CONCLUSION

That concludes the “Which caves to visit at Ajanta?” list.

To summarise the article, Ajanta Caves are a complex of 31 Buddhist caves. Some are viharas (monasteries), and others are Chaitya-grihas (prayer halls).

I recommend exploring all 31 caves at Ajanta.

But, if you can’t, you can explore a few caves. They are Caves 1, 2, 6, 9, 10, 17, 19 and 26.

Also, if you are planning a trip to Ajanta Caves, refer to my Ajanta Caves guide and what to pack for Ajanta guide.

I hope this guide was helpful, and if I missed something or you have a query, let me know in the comments.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust.