--- title: "Where is Ajanta caves located?" description: "Where is Ajanta caves located?" author: "Shray singh" published: 2018-01-24 updated: 2023-05-01 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/33610/where-is-ajanta-caves-located category: "fort and heritage sites" tags: ["fort and heritage sites", "ajanta caves"] reading_time: 4 minutes --- # Where is Ajanta caves located? Where is [Ajanta caves](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/1938/interesting-facts-about-the-ajanta-caves) located? ## Answers ### Answer by user Ajanta and Ellora caves are the finest epitomes of an ancient rock-cut caves located near Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra, India. Beautifully decorated and designed with exquisite sculptures, paintings and frescoes, Ajanta and Ellora caves are an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments as the complex includes both Buddhist monasteries as well as Hindu and Jain temples. The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built in the period between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD whereas the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and dates to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD. Ajanta and Ellora caves are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are prominent among the tourist and travellers around the world. ![Where is Ajanta caves located?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/a4007207-380e-477d-ad1e-4b15b173f1de/images/15f8c147-0078-4359-8934-103aa269c053.jpeg)\ \ Ajanta Caves, located around 99km north of Aurangabad are mostly Buddhist sites and were used as a retreat by Buddhist Monks. Whereas, Ellora is just 15 km west of Aurangabad and have a better mix of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sites. These hand-carved caves were built and sponsored by the Indian rulers of those periods and are almost buried by thick forests all around. One of the most popular sites in the entire Ajanta and Ellora Caves is the Kailash Temple, which is also the single largest monolithic structure in the world. These rock-cut caves containing carvings have been stated as the best examples of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture. \ Read More at : http://answers.mindstick.com/ \ ### Answer by Jujhar Singh ![Where is Ajanta caves located?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/a4007207-380e-477d-ad1e-4b15b173f1de/images/411107ea-401c-4b7a-8e1f-d697c4bcbfcc.jpg) **Ajanta Caves** is a complex of rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments located in Aurangabad district of the state of Maharashtra in India. The caves are situated in the Sahyadri hills, near the Waghora River, and are approximately 107 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. **The Ajanta Caves** are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their elaborate rock-cut cave temples, which were built between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. The caves are known for their exquisite murals and sculptures, which are considered to be some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. **The Ajanta Caves** consist of 30 rock-cut cave monuments, which were excavated out of the volcanic rock of the Deccan plateau. The caves are divided into two groups: the earlier Hinayana group of caves, which were constructed between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, and the later Mahayana group of caves, which were built between the 5th and 6th centuries AD. **The Hinayana group of caves** consists of caves 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A. These caves are simple in design and decoration, and consist of prayer halls and small chapels with stupas. The Mahayana group of caves consists of caves 1 to 8, 11, and 14 to 29. These caves are more elaborate and include some of the most famous cave temples at Ajanta. **The most famous caves** at Ajanta are caves 1, 2, 16, and 17. Cave 1 is the most elaborate and is a chaitya-griha, or prayer hall, which features a large stupa at its center. The cave is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings, depicting scenes from the life of the [Buddha](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/81140/world-needs-buddha-perspective-of-philosophy) and other Buddhist deities. **Caves 2, 16, and 17** are vihara or monastic cells, and are known for their exquisite murals. These murals depict scenes from Buddhist stories and legends, as well as images of royalty, musicians, and dancers. The murals at Ajanta are considered to be some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian painting, and are renowned for their use of color and detail. **The Ajanta Caves** are a testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of ancient India, and are an important site for the study of Buddhist art and architecture. The caves attract visitors from all over the world and are an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and historians alike. **Also Read:** [Let's explore the Mughal Empire along with one of the 7 Worlds of Wonder Taj Mahal](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/188383/let-s-explore-the-mughal-empire-along-with-one-of-the-7-worlds-of-wonder-taj-mahal) --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/33610/where-is-ajanta-caves-located Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.