Ajanta, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district
Ajintha Leni – Complete Visitor Guide
Ajintha leni is the Marathi name for the Ajanta caves: 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves with some of the oldest surviving wall paintings in India.
Overview
Ajintha Leni – Overview
Ajintha leni is how many Maharashtrians say the Ajanta caves. They are 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves in the gorge of the Waghur river, in the Aurangabad district. UNESCO has listed them as a World Heritage Site since 1983.
This guide explains what Ajintha leni is, what makes the paintings special, which caves to prioritise and how to plan the long drive from Aurangabad. Timings and ticket prices below are as listed on Aurangabad Tourism in October 2026; they can change, so confirm before you travel.
Overview
What Is Ajintha Leni?
The Ajanta caves are cut into the northern wall of a U-shaped gorge of the Waghur river. Caves are of two kinds: viharas (monasteries) and chaityas (worship halls). The first phase of work is dated from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. The second phase is dated to 400–650 CE in older accounts and to about 460–480 CE in later research. Most of the caves are viharas; the completed chaityas are Caves 9, 10, 19 and 26.
On 28 April 1819 the British officer John Smith, hunting tigers, was shown the entrance to Cave 10 by a local shepherd boy, though local people already knew of the caves. Since then they have become one of the best-known sites in India.
Highlights
Why Ajintha Leni Is Famous: The Paintings
Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 hold the largest surviving group of ancient Indian wall paintings. The bodhisattva Padmapani in Cave 1 is one of the best-known images, shown beside Vajrapani at the shrine entrance. The paintings mostly illustrate stories connected to the Buddha’s earlier lives.
Early mural fragments also survive in Caves 10 and 11, and paintings appear in Caves 9 and 6.
Plan it
How to Plan an Ajintha Leni Visit From Aurangabad
Because of the distance, treat Ajanta as a full-day trip. Leave Aurangabad early, reach the caves in the morning and be back by evening. Distance is about 100 km on Aurangabad Tourism and about 104 km on Wikipedia; drive times are approximate.
What to see
Which Caves to Prioritise at Ajintha Leni
- Cave 1: famed for the Padmapani and Vajrapani paintings at the shrine entrance.
- Cave 2: one of the four caves with the main surviving paintings.
- Cave 16 and 17: viharas that, with Caves 1 and 2, hold the largest surviving group of paintings.
- Cave 9 and 10: early chaitya halls; Cave 10 is where John Smith was shown the entrance in 1819.
- Cave 19 and 26: chaitya halls (worship halls with a nave, apse and stupa).
Travel smart
Ajintha Leni Timings, Tickets and Tips
SAARC visitors are listed at ₹40, and children below 15 years enter free. Source: Aurangabad Tourism, October 2026. Prices can change.
The caves are listed as closed on Mondays.
It is a 2–3 hour drive each way, so an early start gives you time at the caves before the 5 pm closing.
Wikipedia notes a visitor center with parking, and ASI buses that run from the visitor center to the caves. Aurangabad Tourism puts the caves about 4 km from the bus stand.
Do not touch the painted walls and follow the signs and staff instructions at each cave.
Book a cab
Reach Ajintha Leni (Ajanta Caves) With Siya Travels
Siya Travels can arrange a cab with a driver for Ajintha Leni (Ajanta Caves) from Aurangabad and nearby cities, as a one-way transfer or a full-day trip. A private cab is an easy way to manage the long drive and early start.
Tell us your date, pickup point and group size. We reply with a quotation and suggest a sensible route, so you can combine nearby sights without rushing.
Share the pickup point, drop point, travel date, pickup time and the number of passengers using the form on this page, on WhatsApp or by phone on +91 98600 80525.
Pick a sedan, Ertiga, Innova Crysta, Tempo Traveller or Urbania based on group size and luggage. Tell us if you have senior citizens or small children travelling.
We reply with a quotation for Aurangabad to Ajintha Leni (Ajanta Caves). Ask clearly whether tolls, parking and driver allowance are included, so there are no surprises.
Once you confirm, we share the vehicle and driver details before pickup. Keep the driver’s number handy for the pickup point.
Sources
Sources for This Page
History and cave details: Wikipedia, “Ajanta Caves”. Timings, ticket prices and travel time: Aurangabad Tourism (aurangabadtourism.in), October 2026.
Summary
Ajintha Leni: Quick Summary
Ajintha leni is the Marathi name for the Ajanta caves: 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves with some of the oldest surviving wall paintings in India.
- Also called: Ajanta Caves
- Caves: 30 Buddhist caves
- From Aurangabad: about 100 km
- Time needed: Full day
Planning more than this one trip? See our Buddha Leni Aurangabad, Aurangabad Taxi Service, Airport Taxi Aurangabad and 3 Jyotirlinga Tour Package From Aurangabad for related routes, vehicles and services.
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FAQ
Ajintha Leni – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ajintha leni?
Ajintha leni is the Marathi name for the Ajanta caves, a group of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves.
How far is Ajintha leni from Aurangabad?
About 100 km (Wikipedia gives about 104 km), roughly 2 to 3 hours by road.
Why is Ajanta famous?
For ancient Buddhist wall paintings, especially in Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17, which hold the largest surviving group of ancient Indian wall paintings.
Is Ajanta a UNESCO site?
Yes. It was listed in 1983.
Which day is Ajintha Leni closed?
Monday, as listed by Aurangabad Tourism.
What are the Ajintha Leni timings and ticket price?
Listed as open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and closed on Mondays. Entry is ₹40 for Indian visitors and ₹600 for foreign visitors; children below 15 are free (Aurangabad Tourism, October 2026). Prices can change.
Is Ajintha Leni (Ajanta Caves) suitable for children and senior citizens?
Most visitors manage it, but walking, steps, heat and crowds differ by place and season. Choose a comfortable time of day, carry water, and tell your driver if anyone needs extra rest stops.
Can Siya Travels arrange a cab for Ajintha Leni (Ajanta Caves)?
Yes. Send your date, pickup point and number of passengers using the form on this page, on WhatsApp or by phone on +91 98600 80525. We reply with a quotation.
Plan Your Trip With Siya Travels
Call +91 98600 80525 or send your trip details on WhatsApp. We reply with a quotation.