The Ajanta Caves are among the finest artistic achievements of the ancient world — 30 rock-cut Buddhist sanctuaries carved into a dramatic horseshoe-shaped gorge of the Waghora River, about 60 km northeast of Jalgaon. The caves contain some of the best-preserved examples of early Indian painting anywhere, depicting the life of the Buddha and the Jataka tales across walls and ceilings that still retain extraordinary colour and expressive power after more than 1,500 years.
The caves were created in two phases: the earliest group dates from the 2nd century BCE, when monks carved simple halls and monasteries into the basalt. A second burst of activity came in the 5th and 6th centuries CE under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty — this is when the great painted caves (1, 2, 16, 17) were completed. Cave 1 is perhaps the finest, its walls covered in narrative scenes of exceptional refinement including the celebrated Bodhisattva Padmapani, depicted in three-quarter profile with an expression of melancholy compassion that has no real equivalent in Indian art.
Allow a full day. The site requires considerable walking, the light inside the caves is dim (battery-powered lamps are available for hire), and the path climbs along the cliff face between caves. Arrive early to avoid the midday heat and the larger tour groups. Entry fee applies; a camera permit is required for interior photography.