India Guide
Maharashtra
The caves
Address: Directly overlooking the Bibi-ka-Maqbara
Price: $5 (or the rupee equivalent)
Opening time: Tues– Sun 8.30am–5pm
Carved out of a steep-sided spur of the Sahyadri range, Aurangabad's own caves bear no comparison to those in nearby Ellora and Ajanta, but their fine sculpture makes a worthwhile introduction to rock-cut architecture. In addition, the infrequently visited site is peaceful and pleasant in itself, with commanding views over the city and surrounding countryside.
The caves, all Buddhist, consist of two groups, eastern and western, numbered 1 to 9 by the Archeological Survey of India. The majority were excavated between the fourth and eighth centuries, under the patronage of two successive dynasties: the Vakatkas, who ruled the western Deccan from Nasik, and the Chalukyas, a powerful Mysore family who emerged during the sixth century. All except the much earlier Cave 4, which is a chaitya hall, are of the vihara (monastery) type, belonging to the Mahayana school of Buddhism.
Unless you cycle, the only practical way to get to the caves is by auto-rickshaw or taxi; you'll be expected to pay for waiting time, or the return fare. Alternatively, drop down on foot to the Bibi-ka-Maqbara and pick up an auto-rickshaw back into town from there.