Aurangabad Caves Tourism

The Aurangabad Caves are nestled in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. They are situated just outside the city and are carved from the soft rock of a hillside. These caves, a set of 12 Buddhist shrines, date back to the 6th and 7th century and are divided into three separate groups depending on their location. Noted for their iconography and architectural excellence, the caves depict deep-tantric influences. Among the most remarkable is Cave 2, adorned with intricate carvings, including a famous sculpture of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Cave 7 features a unique rendering of the 'Navagraha' or nine planets, which is an unusual theme for a Buddhist monastery. The site is less crowded than the more famous Ajanta and Ellora caves but offers a serene experience to art and history enthusiasts. As excavations of early Buddhist schools, they hold an important place in India's cultural and architectural history.