"Ajanta Caves" Ajanta by MM212

Carved between the 2nd century BC and the 7th century AD, the Ajanta Caves are considered masterpieces of Buddhist art. The site contains 30 exclusively Buddhist cave-temples dug into a cliff within a deep horseshoe-shaped gorge. Much like the nearby Ellora site, Ajanta is a fascinating site on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, but while it does not have a single magnificent temple to boast, such as the Kailasa at Ellora, Ajanta more than compensates with its dramatic setting, well-preserved colourful Buddhist murals and intricately decorated cave-temples. Its stunning murals depicting scenes from Buddhist tradition are considered the finest in India.

The Ajanta Caves gradually became less popular as Buddhism waned in favour of Hinduism, and as the nearby Ellora Caves flourished. By the end of the 7th century AD, the site was completely abandoned and was forgotten until 1819 when the British army accidentally rediscovered them while on a hunting expedition.

Ajanta is located about 1:45 hours north-west of Aurangabad and is easily accessible by car or bus.

16-day India itinerary in Feb/Mar 2009:

Mumbai - Elephanta Island; Aurangabad - Daulatabad - Ellora - Khuldabad - Ajanta; New Delhi; Jaipur - Amber - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Sikandra; New Delhi - Delhi