The Ajanta Caves are 30 extraordinary rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments carved into the Sahyadri hills near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, dating from the 2nd century BCE to approximately 480 CE. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the caves contain some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art — breathtaking murals and frescoes depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha, alongside intricately carved sculptures and elaborate architectural facades. The caves were carved in two phases: the early Hinayana period and the later Mahayana period, showcasing the evolution of Buddhist art over seven centuries. Rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer during a hunting expedition, the Ajanta Caves remain one of India's most treasured and visited heritage destinations — now explorable through this immersive 360° virtual tour, completely free.