Ajanta, Maharashtra:
a worship hall (Cave 19; 5th century AD)
After spending the night at the Lonar Crater, we continued our journey with a visit to the spectacular Ajanta Caves.
The approximately thirty Ajanta Caves were carved into the steep cliff along the Waghur River between the 2nd century BC and 5th century AD. The UNESCO world heritage site includes some of the finest ancient Indian art with unbelievably well preserved wall paintings. Even though we had already visited the grand temples of Ellora, I found the Ajanta Caves even more impressive – also because of their beautiful setting within the river valley.
view towards the Ajanta Caves
view towards the Ajanta Caves
Cave 1
four deer sharing one head
intricate carvings
beautiful paintings on the ceiling
Bodhisattva Padmapani
scene from the Jataka tales
scene from the Jataka tales
verandah in front of Cave 1
Cave 2 (5th century AD)
main shrine of Cave 2
beautiful wall paintings
Buddha in Tushita heaven
intricate carvings
Ajanta Caves
Cave 4
ceiling of Cave 4 (=ancient lava flow)
Buddha flanked by bodhisattvas
statues
statue of Buddha in Cave 6
Ajanta Caves
sculpture in Cave 7
sculpture in Cave 7
sculpture in Cave 7
facade of Cave 9 (2nd-1st century BC)
Cave 9
painted pillar
painted pillar
Cave 10 (2nd century BC)
painted pillar
wall paintings
facade of Cave 9
elephant
Cave 16 (5th century AD)
Buddha statue
statue
remains of wall paintings
remains of wall paintings
panoramic view across the Waghur River
Cave 17
seated Buddha
fantastic wall paintings
fantastic wall paintings
fantastic wall paintings
Shaddanta Jataka
fantastic wall paintings
fantastic wall paintings
Vessantara Jataka
facade of Cave 19 (5th century AD)
Cave 19
beautiful carvings
panoramic view of the Ajanta Caves along Waghur River
Ajanta Caves
Cave 24
intricate carvings
intricate carvings
intricate carvings
intricate carvings
facade of Cave 26
Ajanta Caves
Cave 26 (5th century AD)
Cave 26 (5th century AD)
reclining Buddha
intricate carvings
intricate carvings
small water fall in the Waghur River
panoramic view of the Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves
panoramic view of the Ajanta Caves
panoramic view of the Ajanta Caves
I hope that the photos convince you that this place should definitely be included high up on your bucket list! 😉
Matt Travels 
What an amzing site! Can’t wait to see it, but it will have to wait until the spring.. so much to see before then.
Did you go to the Andamans? That’s our next stop.
wow – sounds like you have great plans!! I have never been to the Andamans, although I would love to go some day… in January, I will go to Lakshadweep for work – I am sure that will be fantastic too!! 😊
Oh wow! I had to look it up, sounds incredible. Lucky you!
Thank you – and I am looking forward to your photos from the Andamans!!! ✌
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