====== Ajanta Caves ======

The Ajanta Caves are a group of 29 rock-cut cave monuments located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, near the town of Jalgaon. These caves are renowned for their intricate paintings and sculptures, which are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art. 

===== History =====

The Ajanta Caves were constructed in two main phases:
  * **First Phase:** Began around 200 BCE.
  * **Second Phase:** Approximately 600 CE.

The caves feature paintings that depict the Jataka tales, which are stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. These artworks are comparable in their artistic quality to the frescoes found in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

===== UNESCO World Heritage Site =====

Since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical, cultural, and artistic significance.

===== Location =====

The Ajanta Caves are situated about:
  * **59 kilometers** from Jalgaon Railway Station, which is on the Delhi-Mumbai rail line operated by Central Railways.
  * **104 kilometers** from Aurangabad, which is also near the Ellora Caves.

The site is located just outside the village of Ajintha.

===== Significance =====

The Ajanta Caves are celebrated for their contribution to Buddhist art and architecture. The intricate frescoes and sculptures provide valuable insights into the life and teachings of Buddhism, as well as the cultural and historical context of the time in which they were created.