| Places of Interest
Bibi ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of
Emperor Aurangzeb. The monument is an excellent example of
Persian Architecture. The arched alcove is surmounted by a
swelling dome - the idea had acquired its own reputation in
India.
Paan Chakki
This marvelous water mill was designed to generate energy
so as to turn the large stone of a flour mill. This water
mill or Paan Chakki operated on water from a nearby spring
flowing from the mountains.
Aurangabad
Caves
Just outside the city, are located the sixth century caves
which display the influence of Tantric cult in the iconography
and architectural designs of the caves. Some of the chaitya
halls here are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation
of the Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately
carved throne.
Ghrishneshwar
Temple
Built by the Maratha princess Rani Ahillyabai Holkar, it is
a fine example of medieval architecture. These temples are
among the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. It is half a kilometer
away from the Ellora caves.
Excursions
Daulatabad
In the twelfth century, Bhillama king of the Yadav Dynasty
built an invincible fort at Daulatabad. Situated on a pyramid-shaped
hill, the fort with its slippery gravel pathways, spiked gates,
spiral staircases and dungeons is a sight to behold. The sultan
of Delhi Mohammed Bin Tughlaq was so impressed by the fort
that he decided to shift his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad.
Khuldabad
As per the wish of Aurangzeb, he was buried just a few
kilometers from Daulatabad. The monument has serene austerity.
The place is also famous for the monument of Bhadra Hanuman/Hanuman
in sleeping posture.
Pithalkora
These second century caves are 78 kms from Aurangabad. This
constitutes 13 cave sanctuaries, chaityas and viharas on a
remote land cluster. The elaborate and beautiful sculptured
facade of the great vihara is an impressive sight.
Paithan
Once the seat of learning, today it is famous for silk sarees
with intricate zari borders (the famed Paithanis). It is situated
56 kilometres south of Aurangabad on the banks of river Godavari
and is also known as a pilgrimage centre.
Jayak Wadi
Dam
One can enjoy the sight of a number of local and migratory
birds. The Gyaneshwar Udyan is a planned garden on the lines
of Vrindavan gardens and the Moghul gardens in Kashmir. Over
the years the place has been a heaven for nature lovers.
Ajanta / Ellora
Ajanta and Ellora, respectively 99 kms. and 30 kms. from Aurangabad
are few of the finest cave temples in the world. Ellora is
an impressive cluster of 34 caves which belong to the artists
of fifth to eight century. These temples are in groups according
to the faith and religion to which they belong. Ajanta is
a collection of 30 caves some of which are still unfinished.
These caves mainly belong to the Buddhist faith - more than
just carving the caves with a hammer and chisel, what has
really intensified its beauty, is the inspiration drawn from
the deep faith of the people who worked to create it.
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