You can now take an electric bus to visit Ajanta Caves

Now you can take an electric bus to visit Ajanta Caves. Credit: Canva

In a significant step towards sustainable tourism, the Tourism in Maharastra Development Corporation (MTDC) has introduced a fleet of electric buses to transport visitors to the world famous Ajanta Caves. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and provide a greener experience for tourists.

The new buses will reportedly provide convenient transportation from the parking lot to the caves site. The electric buses will be air-conditioned or not and will seat between 14 and 22 passengers at a time. They will serve both national and international tourists. Previously, visitors relied on diesel buses and often faced long wait times. The electric bus fleet offers a significant improvement, ensuring faster and greener transportation. Additionally, during the journey, tourists will be able to enjoy an informative film about the history of the Ajanta Caves.

To further enhance the visitor experience, the Maharashtra tourism department is also developing a user-friendly booking system. This online platform will streamline the booking process, making it easier for tourists to plan their visit to the Ajanta Caves.

The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, are an exquisite example of the art, architecture and religious devotion of ancient India. Carved into the cliffs of the Sahyadri Hills, these 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves date back to the 2nd century BC. C. to the 6th century AD. C. In fact, the Ajanta caves were abandoned in the 5th century AD. C. and were not discovered by the outside world until about 1,400 years later by John Smith, a young British cavalry officer who was hunting tigers in the area. The caves are adorned with intricate sculptures and fascinating frescoes depicting the life of Buddha, Jataka tales and scenes of daily life.