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Aurangabad Caves: Ancient Buddhist Sanctuaries

Explore ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, showcasing intricate carvings and serene surroundings dating back to the 6th century.

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The Aurangabad Caves, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, are a series of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines showcasing early Buddhist architecture and intricate carvings. Overlooked by the more famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, they offer a serene and insightful glimpse into ancient Indian Buddhist art and religious practices.

A brief summary to Aurangabad Caves Aurangabad

  • W886+VQR, Grishneswar temple Road, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, 431101, IN
  • Monday 5 am-7 am
  • Tuesday 5 am-7 am
  • Wednesday 5 am-7 am
  • Thursday 5 am-7 am
  • Friday 5 am-7 am
  • Saturday 5 am-7 am
  • Sunday 5 am-7 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a more comfortable experience.
  • Hire a local guide to enhance your understanding of the caves' history and significance.
  • Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore all the caves.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Aurangabad Airport (approximately 16 km away) , a taxi to Aurangabad Caves typically costs ₹300-₹500 and takes around 30-45 minutes. From the Aurangabad Railway Station (about 9 km away) , a taxi will cost roughly ₹200-₹400 and take 20-30 minutes. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Parking is available near the cave entrance.

  • Public Transport

    From Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Central Bus Stand (approximately 7 km) , take a local bus towards Aurangabad Caves. The bus fare is around ₹20-₹30. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Buses are frequent, but can be crowded. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the cave entrance.

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Discover more about Aurangabad Caves Aurangabad

Nestled in the Sihaychal Ranges, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the Aurangabad Caves are a group of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines carved from soft basalt rock. Dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, these caves are a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. Though often overshadowed by the nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, the Aurangabad Caves possess their own unique charm and historical significance. The caves are divided into three groups: the Western Group (Caves 1-5), the Eastern Group (Caves 6-9), and the Northern Group (Caves 10-12). The caves feature a blend of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhist influences, evident in the sculptures and carvings of Bodhisattvas, Buddhist goddesses, and tantric deities. Some caves also include sculptures of Hindu deities, such as Durga and Ganesha, showcasing the syncretic nature of Indian religious art during the 1st millennium CE. Cave 1, though unfinished, offers a glimpse into the initial stages of rock-cut architecture. Cave 4 is a chaitya (prayer hall) similar to Cave 9 of Ajanta. Cave 6 is known for its sculptures of Tara and Mahamayuri. Cave 7 is a vihara (monastery) with a central hall and a large image of Buddha in the 'parinirvana' posture. Cave 9 stands out as the only Chaitya Griha in the complex, featuring a vaulted roof and a stupa. Today, the Aurangabad Caves are a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

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