Photo spot in Aurangabad
Ajanta Caves
Aurangabad, Maharashtra
A UNESCO horseshoe of 30 Buddhist cave-monasteries (2nd c. BCE) famed for their exquisite ancient murals and sculpture.
Best time
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the cliff and fewer people on the path; just after the monsoon for a green gorge and running falls.
Best angle
Walk to the viewpoint on the far side of the Waghur gorge and take a wide photo of the whole horseshoe of caves with the river below.
Entry fee
₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign)
Opening hours
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ajanta Caves
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the cliff and fewer people on the path; just after the monsoon for a green gorge and running falls. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ajanta Caves
Walk to the viewpoint on the far side of the Waghur gorge and take a wide photo of the whole horseshoe of caves with the river below. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the cliff viewpoint
Before a carved cave façade
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ajanta Caves
For photos at Ajanta Caves, ochre, maroon and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Aurangabad.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Aurangabad.
Eat nearby
Food near Ajanta Caves
Hungry after the shoot? Search the Aurangabad food guide by craving to find something good nearby.
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Never plan the Ajanta trip for a Monday, when the caves are usually closed.
Leave Aurangabad by 7 am to reach the caves close to opening time.
Keep small change for the shuttle bus from the Fardapur parking area to the caves.
Wear slip-on shoes, since you take them off at several of the painted caves.
Let your eyes adjust in the dim caves before you shoot, and keep the flash switched off.
Walk the path across the river to the viewpoint for the full horseshoe of caves.
Pack lunch and plenty of water, because food near the caves is basic.
Ajanta as a day trip from Aurangabad
The Ajanta caves lie about 100 km north-east of Aurangabad, so the round trip plus a proper visit fills a whole day. Most people go by private car, and state buses also run on the route. For a detailed guide to the caves themselves, see the Ajanta page.
What makes Ajanta different
Ajanta is a horseshoe of about 30 Buddhist caves cut into the cliff above the Waghur river. The oldest date from around the 2nd century BCE and the later ones from the 5th century CE. What sets them apart from Ellora is the painting: walls and ceilings covered with scenes from the Buddha's lives, some of the oldest surviving paintings in India. A British officer, John Smith, came across them in 1819 while hunting tigers.
Getting in
Private vehicles stop at the parking area near Fardapur, and a shuttle bus covers the last few kilometres to the caves. From the shuttle stop, a climb of steps brings you to the cave path. Ajanta is usually closed on Mondays; check the ASI notice before you set out.
Protecting the paintings
Flash photography is banned, because the light damages the pigments. Some caves are kept deliberately dim and visitor numbers inside may be limited at busy times. Do not lean on or touch the walls.
Timing the day
Leave Aurangabad early to arrive near opening time. Give the caves at least three hours. The walk to the viewpoint on the far side of the gorge adds an hour. Just after the monsoon the river runs and the falls at the head of the gorge are flowing. Carry food and water; the options near the caves are limited.
Questions
Ajanta Caves — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ajanta Caves?
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the cliff and fewer people on the path; just after the monsoon for a green gorge and running falls. Walk to the viewpoint on the far side of the Waghur gorge and take a wide photo of the whole horseshoe of caves with the river below.
Is there an entry fee at Ajanta Caves?
Entry to Ajanta Caves costs ₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Ajanta Caves?
Ajanta Caves is open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
What should I wear at Ajanta Caves?
Ochre, maroon and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ajanta Caves get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the cliff and fewer people on the path; just after the monsoon for a green gorge and running falls.
How do I get from Aurangabad to Ajanta?
By car or state bus, about 100 km. Private vehicles park near Fardapur, and a shuttle bus takes visitors the last few kilometres to the caves.
Why is flash not allowed at Ajanta?
The caves hold wall paintings more than a thousand years old, and repeated flash damages the pigments. Photos without flash are usually allowed.
Which caves at Ajanta have the best paintings?
Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 are the best known for their paintings, and Caves 19 and 26 for their carved prayer halls. The Ajanta guide covers them in detail.
When is the Ajanta waterfall visible?
During and just after the monsoon, roughly July to October, when the Waghur river is running. It is usually dry by winter.