A world heritage site, the Buddhist caves of Ajanta 105km northeast of Aurangabad, and about 60km south of Jalgaon-date from around 200 BC to AD 650, predating those at Ellora. As Ellora developed and Buddhism gradually waned, the glorious Ajanta caves were abandoned and forgotten untill 1891, when a British hunting party stumbled upon them. (Lonely Planet, 2005).
I found the entire experience of the Ajanta caves absolutely amazing from beginning to end. On arrival in the top car park you look out and down on to the caves from up high and the view can only be descibed as breathtaking. A fifteen to twenty minute walk down stairs leads you out on to a plateau with magnificent views, then you cross over the bridge and walk up to the caves. It was just before crossing the bridge that i experienced probably my saddest moment in India. A little girl who was no older than eight was sobbing her heart out begging for money. Now i know that some people would advise you to walk on by because its a scam to get money out of tourists but how could any body with a heart not respond to a child in need? I gave her money. I wish i could have done more. Made me cry.
Give what you can. Do what you can. Every little helps.
We decided not to hire a guide this time as we wanted the freedom to experience the caves on our own which worked out ok. Me and Gary enjoyed the caves, another amazing experience.
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