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Ajanta Caves in Mumbai – Rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments

Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra which are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. It is a group of 29 caves called Ajanta Ellora Caves. It is believed to have been inspired by Buddhist architecture which has been considered one of the very best examples of old traditional Buddhist civilizations. These caves depict Buddha and many of his stories. A lot of paintings have also been done here, it seems as if the paintings are alive. 

Ajanta Caves
Image credit: Wikipedia

Visiting Detail

  • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Closed: Monday
  • Entry fee: Chargeable (starts at Rs.40 per person)
  • Type: Rock cut caves | Monument
  • Architecture: Cathedral-style architecture
  • Built: During the reign of Harisena, a king of Vataka dynasty
  • Year of Construction: 480 CE 

Art in the caves

The art of the caves takes us back to the ancient stories.Kailash Temple Wall Inscriptions are some of the interesting things which impress a lot in the cave. Engineers are appreciated for displaying the art here. This place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. There are beautiful paintings, contemplative sculptures and postures in the caves of Ajanta Ellora.

Ajanta caves in Mumbai
Image credit: timesofindia

Nearby Places

There are many such temples here which are very popular like Kailash Temple. One can see Biwi Ka Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort as well as the Buddhist monastery outside the cave complex.

Read also: Kanheri Caves – black mountain made with a group of caves

Things to keep in mind

Ajanta Ellora Caves are quite large and it may take you a long time to travel the whole place. Yo may feel tired and thirsty. So, make sure you have drinking water and light food with you. However, there are many such counters on the way where water is also available and you get some snacks to eat. There is also an MTDC restaurant on both sides of the top caves.

How to reach Ajanta and Ellora caves

Ajanta is 100 kilometres away from Aurangabad while Alora is just 30 kilometres away. You can reach here either by hiring a taxi or by bus. You can also reach Aurangabad by rail. The nearest station from Ellora is Jalgaon. Ajanta and Ellora caves are the closest if you are getting down at the station.