Day Tour of Ajanta Caves From Aurangabad

On the 28th of April 1819, a British officer hunting tiger looked up and saw a carved facade in the cliff above him. He had just discovered Ajanta, 30 Buddhist caves abandoned for over a thousand years. Inside were paintings from the 2nd century BC with a naturalism that places them among the greatest works of art ever produced in the ancient world. Cave 1 holds the Padmapani bodhisattva, so psychologically tender that art historians compare it to the finest Renaissance painting. Cave 26 has a colossal reclining Buddha in the moment of final enlightenment, surrounded by mourning figures whose grief feels entirely contemporary. Expert guide brings the Buddhist philosophy, art history and story of rediscovery to life across all 30 caves. Private car from Aurangabad, expert guide, all entry fees and lunch included. 5 Senses Tours is recognised by the Department of Tourism, a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.