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Ajanta Caves Travel Guide
About 300 kilometers en route to Mumbai you find the most extensive and varied handcrafted caves of Ajanta. Of course there are a lot of caves scattered throughout India's western states but the horseshoe-shaped mount abode of Ajanta has a unique allure with its massive, ornate, granite-cut caves. Built by the highly religious and artistic Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks as a hallowed sanctuary, Ajanta is renowned for its elaborate statues, pillars, mediation rooms and paintings that depict various stories from Jataka and scenes from the life of Buddha.
Historians and archeologists regard the cave that dates back to the 2nd century as a magnificent historical monument. This tranquil area was discovered in the 19th century by a group of British explorers. There are about thirty caves here, each of which is certainly a master piece of brilliant art. Since it is an isolated area it should have been very convenient for the religious monks to congregate and contemplate here in the cool rock-hewn caves.
The site obviously began as a religious enclave of Buddhist abbots and scholars. The intention of the builders of Ajanta might have been to provide a dwelling place to the monks as well as the disciples and in the same time to create a holy place from where to spread the principles of Buddhism throughout the world. The artisans and artists responsible for the construction of Ajanta did not just hack holes into the cliff; they carefully carved out stairs, screens, and columns and even added distinct decorations to its ceilings, walls and floors. In addition, they painted pictures and patterns making use of pigments derived from natural materials.
It's easy to get to Ajanta Caves due to the efficient road network connecting the place to the key cities in India. Buses and taxis are available between Aurangabad and Ajanta and Jalgaon railway is at a distance of only 60 kilometers. One can book a flight to Aurangabad Domestic Airport, which lies about 100 kilometers from the caves.
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