Ajanta Caves
Ajanta's layers of artistic and religious history are simply too complex to appreciate without expert guidance. A certified ASI guide or an archaeologist-led tour can explain the chronological sequence of the caves, decode the iconographic programmes of the murals (identifying the specific Jataka tales depicted), discuss the extraordinary scaffolding techniques used by ancient artists to paint cave ceilings, and distinguish between the Hinayana caves (with no Buddha images) and the Mahayana caves (with elaborate figurative programmes).
Book a guide through the Archaeological Survey of India office at the site entrance — they are far more knowledgeable and reliable than freelancers who approach you at the bus stand.