|
Introduction |
|
From ancient times Aurangabad has been a place of great importance due to it's location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed across the breadth of Asia to reach Europe. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt. Under royal dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, Aurangabad developed as a centre of culture and learning. Aurangabad enjoys the rare distinction of being the only city apart from Delhi to have served as the capital of India. Finally, Aurangabad became the seat of the last of the great Mughal Aurangzeb as he fought to block the resurgent Maratha power. |
Best Time to travel
October to March
|
|
|
|
|
Ellora Caves: (Distance - 15 km)
The famous rock cut caves temples of Ellora depict the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths, and were constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries A.D. The Ellora Caves have been declared a World Heritage site.
Daulatabad Fort: (Distance - 7 km)
Originally the mountainous Deogiri fortress, it was an old Hindu stronghold. Daulatabad is famous for its series of trick defence, secret escape routes, etc. Important monuments within the fort include the Jami Masjid - now the Bharat Mata Mandir, the Chand Minar, Elephant Tank and Chini Mahal or Chinese Palace.
Khuldabad: (Distance - 14 km)
At the holy village of Khuldabad or Abode of Eternity is located the tomb of the last great Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb. His simple tomb remains an eloquent testament to the staunch faith and spartan lifestyle of this pious Muslim ruler. As per his instructions, the tomb was built only with the few rupees he had earned by stitching cloth caps! On his tombstone is inscribed in elegant Persian calligraphy : "No marble sheets should shield me from the sky as I lie there one with the earth."
Ghrishneshwar Temple: (Distance - 18 km)
Worshippers of Shiva flock to the Ghrishneshwar Temple, of particular importance since it enshrines a jyotirlinga. This particular aspect of the god's luminous energy is manifested in only 12 temples. Ghrishneshwar was built in the 18th century of spotted red sandstone.
Bibi ka Maqbara: (Distance - 6 km)
It is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. Due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions.
Aurangabad Caves: (Distance - 8 km)
Nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to the 1 A.D. Some of the chaityas are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.
|
|
|
|
|
Ajanta (Distance - 110 km)
Ajanta's wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below - the Saptakund. Dating back to the 2nd century B.C., deep inside the mountain is the Buddhist chaitya - vihara prayer and monastery caves.
Shani Shignapur: (Distance - 68 km)
The village is famed for its temple dedicated to Shani - the planet Saturn. More remarkable however that is there are no locks on any of the doors in the village are it residential or commercial, including the bank.
Pariyon ka Talab: (Distance - 60 km)
Translated to mean 'Fairies' Lake', it is a large lake with steps all along its western shore and a stage like platform which bears great resemblance to the ancient roman amphitheatre. On the banks is also a temple of Shiva with its own colorful history.
|
|
|
|
|
Introduction |
|
From ancient times Aurangabad has been a place of great importance due to it's location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed across the breadth of Asia to reach Europe. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt. Under royal dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, Aurangabad developed as a centre of culture and learning. Aurangabad enjoys the rare distinction of being the only city apart from Delhi to have served as the capital of India. Finally, Aurangabad became the seat of the last of the great Mughal Aurangzeb as he fought to block the resurgent Maratha power. |
Best Time to travel
October to March
|
|
How To Reach |
|
|
Air
|
Aurangabad airport is conveniently located 10km from the city and has direct flights to and from Delhi and Mumbai.
|
|
Road
|
There are several luxury and state run bus services that ply between Mumbai and Aurangabad and the Ajanta/Ellora Caves.
|
|
Rail
|
Aurangabad is well connected to Mumbai and other cities. There are two trains that depart daily from Mumbai.
|
|
Click here to Print