Situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, the Ajanta caves are a group of 30 rock - cut caves which are regarded as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ajanta caves are horseshoe shaped caves where Buddhist monasteries and chaitya caves are present. The 2000 year old caves have a lot to explore like paintings, cave architecture, greenery & waterfalls / water bodies around.
Ajanta Caves Highlights
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Particulars |
Details |
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Official Name |
Ajanta Caves |
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Type |
Monument / Cave |
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Location |
Ajanta Jalgon Rd, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India - 431118 |
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Timings |
9 A.M. to 5 P.M. (Monday closed) |
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Ticket booking |
INR 35 onwards (bookings available online/offline) |
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Ticket link |
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Official website |
https://indiaculture.gov.in |
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Nearest Railway station |
Jalgaon Railway station |
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Nearest Airport |
Aurangabad Airport |
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Nearest Bus Stand |
Fardapur/Ajanta T - point |
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Parking facility |
Available (Pay & park) |
Ajanta Caves Ticket Price
The entry ticket for Ajanta caves for an Indian visitor is INR 40. Camera charges apply separately which are around INR 25.Entry for kids below 15 years of age is free.
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Particulars |
Online Ticket Price |
Offline Ticket Price |
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Indian visitor (online booking) |
INR 35 |
INR 40 |
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SAARC/BIMSTEC countries visitor (online booking) |
INR 35 |
INR 40 |
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Foreign Visitor (online booking) |
INR 550 |
INR 600 |
Ajanta Caves Online Ticket Booking
The tickets can be booked online as well. It is a cost - effective method and needs scanning at the entrance. For Ajanta caves online ticket booking - Click here
Quick Facts about Ajanta Caves
- These caves are described amongst the best surviving examples of ancient Indian art. So, your picnic spot is perfect!
- The Ajanta caves were accidentally discovered by a Colonial soldier - Captain John Smith.
- The stories you might have heard growing up - The Jataka Tales, have their stories painted in the caves!
Best time to visit & time required to cover the Ajanta caves
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Best seasons to visit are monsoon & spring as they cover the area around caves with beautiful lush green trees, grass & waterfalls that naturally add to the beauty and give serenity to the eyes.
- October to March are the best months to visit the Ajanta caves.
- Time required to cover the caves can depend upon interest in architecture & paintings, history, nature. At least a half day would be needed to cover 30 caves. If you wish to see the panoramic view, shop for souvenirs or just spend time with nature, you should consider a day.
How to Reach the Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta caves are easily accessible through public transport.
By Bus - Take a bus from Aurangabad (2.5/3 hrs ride) to Ajanta T-point. Walk though the shopping plaza to reach the Government shuttle bus stop. (4 km ride which can be covered by walk as well to the main cave entrance).
By Train - Board the train from Aurangabad station to Jalgaon Railway station. You might take a taxi from there as it is 60 km to Ajanta.
By Private vehicle - You can reach directly to the Ajanta caves parking (details mentioned below in FAQs). Then take the Government shuttle bus to reach the Ajanta caves main entrance.
Ajanta Caves Parking charges
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Vehicles
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Parking charges
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2 Wheeler |
INR 20 |
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4 Wheeler |
INR 50 |
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Heavy Vehicle |
INR 100 |
Pro - Tips! Better know before you go
- Wear comfortable footwear & breathable clothes as there is a lot to walk and you will have to remove footwear before entering each cave.
- During monsoons, it might be slippery due to naturally occurring waterfalls. So, rubber footwear and a raincoat would be better during monsoon visits.
- Must visit caves - 1, 2, 16, 17 for fresco paintings & 9, 10, 19, 20 for Chaityagriha caves (prayer halls).
- No flash is allowed in caves. It is advised to carry a torch to see properly.
- Carry water bottles & snacks to stay energetic during the trip.
FAQs
Q: Are guides available at the Ajanta caves?
A: Yes, of course!
Q: What are the rates for guides at the Ajanta caves?
A: Yes, Government approved rates are mandatory for guides/porters/dolis (palanquin).
The charges depend upon no. of persons & half day/full day basis.
Q: How to check the authenticity of the guides/porters?
A: The tourists can ask for Badges of guides/porters and pay them after the completion of the tour.
Q: What are the stay facilities near Ajanta caves?
- MTDC, Fardapur (suggested to book online only & 1 month in advance as it gets fully booked)
- Rajasthani Agarwal Restaurant & Lauding
- Hotel Royal Ajanta Park
*Prices between - INR 800 to INR 2000
*Not many options are available for staying in Ajanta and you may not expect luxury at these places.
Q: Is photography allowed inside caves?
A: Certainly! But, flash cameras aren't allowed & if you have a video camera, charges apply separately. They are nominal fees so don't worry you're gonna flaunt your Insta posts.
