Aurangabad is one of the oldest cities in Maharashtra with a cultural heritage that includes, the Ajanta - Ellora caves and Daulatabad Fort. The town is named after Aurangzeb, the last Mughal emperor, and has many places to see, admire and know about. The most famous trip that should be taken from Aurangabad is that of the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Several fine Mughal monuments surround Aurangabad, including Aurangazeb's mausoleum for his wife, the 'Bibi-ka-Maqbara' resembling Taj Mahal.
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.
Places to see in Aurangabad:
&bullBibi-Ka-Maqbara
Bibi-ka-Maqbara was built by Aurangzeb in the memory of his wife Rabia-ud-Daurani Begum. This tomb bears some resemblance with the Taj Mahal, which is a major attraction for tourists coming to this place. The architecture of this tomb is magnificent which is surrounded by a garden. You will have to buy an entry ticket of a negligible amount to enter the Maqbara.
&bullAurangabad Caves
The Aurangabad Caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries. The walls of the caves have interesting illustrations from the Jataka stories. Lying amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves possibly dating back to the 1st century AD. The Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves are of particular interest. 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.
&bullPanchakki
Panchakki, meaning water mill is another major attraction of Aurangabad. The mill gets its share of water that travels through an underground channel from a source which is 6 km away in the mountains. The water is released on to the wheel creating an enthralling waterfall.
&bullJama Masjid
The Jama Masjid at Aurangabad was built by Aurangzeb. It situated in the center of a grove of trees in Killa Arrack. The Masjid has a low building with minarets and a broad band. This broad band is carved with Koranic inscriptions written through the length of the facade.
&bullHimroo Factory
The Himroo Factory is another major tourist attraction of Aurangabad. The traditional Himroo fabric which is an amazing blend of cotton and silk is known for its quality. You can also find here Paithani saris, traditional handloom shawls and other textiles material of Himroo fabric and silver threads.
Excursion of Aurangabad:
Ajanta Caves
The world heritage Ajanta caves are one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. It was discovered accidentally during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. These caves are located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora cave temples are regarded as the World heritage sites of India. They are situated just 30 kilometers northwest of Aurangabad. It can be easily reached from the nearby major towns. There are almost 34 monasteries and temples that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The cave temples here have some superior carvings on the stone depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.
Daulatabad Fort
The exquisite Daulatabad fort is located just 13 kilometers from Aurangabad on the way to Ellora, makes an excellent travel excursion from Aurangabad. The fort was built during the 12th century by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty. It is situated on a pyramid shaped hill making it a major attraction here.
Fair and Festivals in Aurangabad:
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated with great zeal here. Mass prayers are offered in community halls and public places and procession with floates are taken around the city.
Khultabad Urs
Rabi-Ul-Awal. For five days each year, during the month of Rabi-Ul-Awal, Muslims gather at the tomb of Khawaja. Muntajabuddin at Khultabad to pay homage to the hallowed saint.
How to get there:
By Air
Aurangabad airport is situated 10 km east of the city. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have a daily flight to Mumbai (Bombay).
By Rail
Aurangabad can be easily approached by rail from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. There are regular trains available on South Central Railway to reach Aurangabad.
By Road
Aurangabad is well connected with major cities of the state by a good network of roadways. The distances for some of the major cities from Aurangabad are Pune (214 km), Nasik (218 km), Indore (402 km) and Mumbai (403 km).
