Aurangabad Caves, Eastern India Travel Guide

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Explore ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, showcasing intricate carvings and a blend of Buddhist traditions from the 6th-7th centuries.

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Aurangabad Caves

The Aurangabad Caves are a group of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, located near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Carved from basalt rock, they offer a glimpse into early Buddhist architecture and art, featuring intricate sculptures and carvings. Though often overshadowed by the nearby Ajanta and Ellora Caves, they represent a significant chapter in India's religious and artistic heritage.

A brief summary to Aurangabad Caves

W886+VQR, Grishneswar temple Road, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Aurangabad Caves.

Wear comfortable shoes as reaching the caves requires a climb up a hill.
Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a more pleasant experience.
Allocate around 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit to all the caves.
Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the caves' history and significance.

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Explore Aurangabad Caves on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Aurangabad Caves, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Aurangabad city center, the caves are approximately 9 km away. The most convenient way to reach the Aurangabad Caves is by taking a local bus or auto-rickshaw from the Central Bus Stand (CBS). Buses towards the caves are frequent and affordable. The approximate fare for a bus is ₹20-₹30. Alternatively, hire an auto-rickshaw for around ₹200-₹300 for a round trip.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Aurangabad. A taxi ride from the city center to the Aurangabad Caves will cost approximately ₹300-₹400. Several taxi services also offer day packages for visiting Aurangabad's attractions, including the caves. These packages typically range from ₹1200-₹1500.
Walking

Once you arrive at the base of the hill where the caves are located, there is a short but steep climb to reach the cave entrances. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes.

Discover more about Aurangabad Caves

Nestled in the Sihaychal Ranges, close to Aurangabad, the Aurangabad Caves comprise twelve rock-cut Buddhist shrines that provide a window into the 6th and 7th centuries. These caves, carved from comparatively soft basalt rock, are divided into three groups: the Western Group (Caves I-V), the Eastern Group (Caves VI-IX), and the Northern Cluster (Caves X-XII).Despite being smaller and less visited than the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ellora and Ajanta, the Aurangabad Caves showcase a blend of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions. The carvings feature various Buddhist deities, including goddesses like Durga and gods like Ganesha, reflecting the syncretic nature of Indian religious art during the 1st millennium CE.Cave I, the highest of the first group, remains unfinished, possibly due to an earthquake that may have led to the abandonment of the site. Cave III is noted for its neat designs of fretwork, scrolls, and panels. Cave IV is a Chaitya (prayer hall) with a stupa. Cave 7, a Vihara, contains a central hall with 14 pillars and a shrine housing 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 protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and are recognized as a valuable historical and architectural site. While the caves may be less imposing than Ellora or Ajanta, they offer a unique perspective on the evolution of Buddhist art and are considered a missing link between the two more famous sites.