Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Ajanta Caves

Ajanta, India

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 26 2026
Ajanta Caves

A group of rock-cut Buddhist caves carved into a horseshoe-shaped basalt cliff in Maharashtra, India. Visitors walk through the caves to see wall paintings, sculptures, prayer halls and monk residences, with a waterfall nearby in the rainy season.

Highlights

  • Ancient wall paintings
  • Buddha life and Jataka tale sculptures
  • Shiva lingas in temples

Good to know

  • Book entry tickets online through ASI website
  • Allow four to eight hours to see caves
  • Shuttle bus from parking; viewpoint steps down to caves

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