Carved into a horseshoe-shaped basalt gorge above the Waghora River, the Ajanta Caves are among India’s most remarkable heritage sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves, built between roughly the 2nd century BCE and 5th century CE, and they are known for their paintings and sculptures. If you’re staying in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), a cab is the easiest and most comfortable way to get there. Here is what you need to know.
How Far Is Ajanta from Sambhajinagar?
Ajanta is about 100 to 110 km from Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) city. The drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions. Allow about 5 hours of travel for the round trip, plus 3 to 4 hours at the caves.
Route to Ajanta Caves
The route is straightforward and mostly follows the Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) –Jalgaon highway:
- Leave Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) on the Jalgaon road.
- Drive through towns like Phulambri and Sillod.
- Continue to Fardapur, the junction village near the caves.
- Turn off to the Ajanta T-junction, where parking and the visitor complex are located.
Most of the highway is in good shape, though some stretches can slow down near towns and during the monsoon. Your driver will know the road well.
Cab Cost: What to Expect
Cab fares vary by season, vehicle type and operator, so treat these as rough estimates and confirm before booking:
- Most operators quote a full-day package with a kilometre limit and waiting time. Ask whether tolls, parking and driver allowance are included so there are no surprises. Booking through a local travel agency or your hotel is usually more reliable than hailing a cab on the street.
Entry Tickets and Timings
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday, approximately 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Closed: Mondays
- Tickets: Indian visitors pay a modest ASI entry fee, and foreign nationals pay a much higher rate. Rates are revised from time to time, so check the official ASI website or the ticket counter for current prices.
Private vehicles can’t go all the way up to the caves. Your cab will park at the main parking area, and you take an MTDC shuttle bus (a small additional fee) to the cave entrance. Buy your ticket at the visitor complex before boarding.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the most comfortable season, with pleasant weather and clear skies. The monsoon (July to September) turns the gorge lush green and brings waterfalls, which is beautiful, but paths can be slippery and rain may interrupt your visit. Summer (April to June) is hot, so go early if you must travel then.
Leave Sambhajinagar by 6:30 to 7:00 AM. You’ll reach the caves around opening time, beat the crowds and avoid the afternoon heat.
Caves You Shouldn’t Miss
You don’t need to see all 30 caves. If time is limited, prioritise these:
- Cave 1: famous for the Bodhisattva Padmapani painting
- Cave 2: richly decorated ceilings and murals
- Cave 10: one of the oldest caves, an early chaitya hall
- Cave 16: known for its grand design and the “Dying Princess” sculpture
- Cave 17: some of the best-preserved paintings
- Cave 26: a magnificent chaitya hall with a reclining Buddha
Practical Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes. Footwear must be removed at some cave entrances, and there is a fair bit of walking and climbing.
- No flash photography. Flash damages the ancient pigments, and tripods are generally restricted. Lighting inside is dim, so a phone with night mode or a camera with good low-light performance helps.
- Carry water, a cap and sunscreen. Food options near the caves are limited and pricey.
- Hire a guide at the entrance if you want the Jataka stories and the history explained. It adds a lot to the visit.
- Keep cash handy for guides, shuttle fares and small purchases, as network and UPI can be unreliable in the gorge.
- Eat before or after. Fardapur and Sillod have simple dhabas, and you can have a proper meal back in Sambhajinagar.
Combine Ajanta with Other Sights
Many travellers pair Ajanta with Ellora Caves, which are about 30 km from Sambhajinagar in the opposite direction. Ellora is closed on Tuesdays and Ajanta on Mondays, so plan your two days around that. If you have a third day, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki are all worth seeing in the city.
Final Word
A cab trip from Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) to Ajanta is simple, comfortable and one of the best day trips in Maharashtra. Start early, pick a reliable driver, carry the essentials and take your time inside the caves. Standing before paintings that are more than 1,500 years old is an experience that stays with you long after the drive home.
