Ajanta caves were built between 2nd century B.C to 7th century A.D. These caves are representation of Buddhist thoughts, which were etched on walls of these caves. The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings that illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha. These paintings have survived time and till date the numerous paintings glowing on the walls leaves visitors spell bounded. Many of the panels of the caves hold depiction of the Jatakas and numerous images of Buddha, Nymphs and Princesses. The flying Apsara in cave 17, the preaching Buddha in cave 16 to the sculptured Nagaraja in a sitting posture with his consort and a female attendant are to name few of the popular caves. The natural light illuminates some of these enigmatic caves at a particular time of the day
Quick Tips:
There are three observations you should not miss in Ajantha Caves.
1. There is a painted female, the figure will give you the impression, that she is turning her entire body and looking at you, wherever you walk within that cave, a real masterpiece created before Christ era.
2. Among the paintings you will notice an African Queen, with curly hairs etc. How did they know about the black race even before Christ era and how did they learnt to give due respect for the black race?
3. There is a stone carving with the body of four deers but with only one head, if you look at it from any position, the head perfectly fits, the four bodies, and represents four different motions of the deers.
Most important, you may find completely naked men walking along the road to Ajanta, they are not mad men but Jain saints.
Best Way To Get Around:
How to visit Ajanta caves
Refer my articles on Ellora caves.
If you are walking around Aurangabad, remember that it is survival of the fittest. No traffic laws exist there. Don’t be surprised to find cars, buses, and taxi running even without any headlamp late in the night.
The people are lovely and are ever willing to help a tourist who has lost his way. Two young girls may be 14 to 16 years of age guided me and walked along with me to show the hotel, when I have lost my way and scared to get into any taxi.