A trip to Ajanta caves will help you explore some of the best preserved masterpieces of Buddhist art.

Flagged as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the great treasures of art, Ajanta encompasses many finest illustrations of ancient Indian murals and sculptures, housing around 28 caves which served as Buddhist monastery in olden days. The incredibility of these caves is the intricately carved beautiful designs which have survived the passage of 14 centuries.

History of Ajanta Caves

According to historians, work on these caves started around AD 400 when the Buddhist monks carved these temples and prayer halls located within the Sahyadri Hills. The sculptures and murals display the artistry that Indian craftsmen have achieved many hundred years ago. Ajanta caves are believed to be rediscovered by a British Army Officer John Smith on one of his hunting expedition in 1819. The viewpoint from where the officer sighted the caves displays a glorious sight of the U-shaped chasm and the scenic beauty. The paintings, sculptures and murals are believed to narrate a legend of the development of Buddhism from BC 200 to AD 650. These paintings are believed to depict the life of Buddha before he attained His enlightenment. These 29 caves evolved into monasteries and prayer halls over a period of time. Many of these paintings and sculptures describe sketches of Gods and animals.

Caves - Paintings

Many caves are dark from inside and the painting are difficult to see without light. It would remain a mystery on how the monks were able to carve these paintings. A lighting ticket can be purchased to be produced in front of the cave guards. These guards turn on the light enabling you to see the painting closely. The outer walls are covered with sculptures and many paintings glow in their original colours even after all these years. The paintings depicts the palaces, bejewelled princes and princesses, market places, musicians and their instruments, war-horses, peacocks, elephants and various other images adorn the walls. A tour to Ajanta is a must in your travel itinerary if you are holidaying in India. The best time to visit Ajanta would be in spring, however, even summers and winters are options, if you are travelling in west India.

A package tour to India is incomplete without a trip to Ajanta.