Before I say anything else — yes, I woke up at 5:30am for this trip. And no, I didn’t regret it. That itself should tell you the power of this place.

Located about 104 km from Aurangabad, the Ajanta Caves aren’t your average historical tourist spot. These caves are ancient. Like 2,000+ years old ancient. But they’re still flexing harder than most Instagram influencers. 

The Plan: Chase Buddha, Not Likes 

I took a train to Aurangabad, stuffed my bag with water bottles, a power bank, and a half-eaten pack of Bourbon biscuits, and set off like a responsible history nerd with bad time management skills.

The goal? Witness 30 ancient Buddhist caves carved into a horse-shoe shaped cliff above the Waghora River, all filled with murals, sculptures, stupas, and stories that go back to the 2nd century BC. And if possible, find decent poha on the way.

First Impressions – Cliffs, Caves & Confused Monkeys 

As soon as you reach the site, you’re greeted by absolute silence. Not awkward silence — the good kind. The peaceful kind. Even the monkeys look thoughtful.

The Waghora River flows in gentle curves below, and there’s this magical pool called Saptakund — where the river falls in seven steps like it's doing choreography. Apparently, the entire cliff was shaped by an ancient volcanic eruption. Nature was doing architecture before it was cool.

The Discovery – Indiana Jones But With Bad Decisions

Let’s take a quick flashback. 

In 1819, a British officer named John Smith (yes, very creative name) was chasing a tiger during a hunt with his cavalry squad. Instead of the tiger, he stumbled upon Cave No.10.

Being a curious guy with zero chill, he tied a rope, climbed in, and discovered jaw-dropping murals, sculptures, and architectural beauty. Did he admire quietly and leave? No.

He scratched his name into one of the priceless wall paintings. Colonial energy at its peak.

The Caves – A Whole Universe in 30 Rooms

There are 30 caves, all numbered, but not in chronological order (just to confuse us, I guess).

Some are Chaityas (prayer halls), others are Viharas (monastic living quarters). And most of them will blow your mind.

Cave 1

This one’s famous for the Padmapani and Vajrapani murals — two Bodhisattvas who’ve reached legend status in Buddhist culture across Sri Lanka, China, and Japan. Their painted eyes will stare into your soul. I’m not joking. 

Cave 2

Stunning ceiling art, rich murals, and a peaceful Buddha statue. Paintings here are in better shape than some of my recent relationships.

Cave 4

Biggest Vihara. Giant Buddha, prayer halls, and a perfect place to just sit and let your feet forgive you.

Cave 10

Oldest of the lot. Dates back to the 2nd century BC. Large Chaitya Hall with intricate carvings and a beautiful stupa that still commands respect. 

Cave 26

The main event. Features a massive reclining Buddha — his final moments before nirvana.

Below, his followers mourn. Above, celestial beings rejoice. This is storytelling through stone.

Painting Process – Ancient Flex, Modern Confusion

The artists used a method similar to fresco, but with their own twist — clay, cow dung, rice husk, and lime to prep the walls. Then they painted with natural pigments like:

• Red & Yellow Ocher

• Lapis Lazuli (for blue)

• Malachite powder (for green)

• Kaolin, Lead White, Shell White for other tones

Even today, you can feel the colors talking to you — despite centuries of wear, smoke, shellac damage, and, well, tourists.

Hungry? Go Here:

If you’re heading back to Aurangabad and need to reward your soul (and stomach), stop at:

Yalla Yalla, Aurangabad

Just 1.5 km from the railway station

What to order?

• Nalli Nihari

• Butter naan the size of your steering wheel

• Chicken Biryani so good it might make you emotional

Local and delicious. No fancy lights. Just spice and satisfaction.

Things I Learned (The Hard Way)

• Ajanta is closed on Mondays. Don't be that guy.

• Camera flash is banned. Use LED-friendly modes or just admire with your eyes.

• Phone signal? Dead. You’re offline. Deal with it.

• No tripods allowed. Even if you're a vlogging legend.

• Carry a torch. Some caves are darker than my bank balance mid-month.

How to Reach Ajanta Caves

By Air:

Nearest Airport – Aurangabad Airport (~110 km from the caves)

By Train:

Nearest Station – Aurangabad Railway Station

From there, take a cab or local bus (~2.5–3 hrs)

By Road:

• Mumbai → Aurangabad → Ajanta (~392 km)

• Aurangabad → Ajanta (~104 km)

Shared cabs, MSRTC buses, or day tour taxis are all available.

Important Notes:

• Entry Fee: ₹10 (Indians), ₹250 (Foreigners), ₹25 (Camera)

• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

• Kids below 15: Free

• Shuttle buses take you from parking to caves (about 10-minute ride)

Final Thoughts – Not Just Caves, A Time Capsule

Ajanta isn’t just a monument. It’s a reminder that art, devotion, and storytelling are older than kings, queens, or Instagram reels.

If you want to feel small in the best way — like, “wow, humans did this 2,000 years ago without any Wi-Fi” kind of small — go to Ajanta.

With Nadodigal, the trip is never just “see it and go.” It’s about feeling something. Wonder. Stillness. And sometimes... a really good poha before sunrise.