Aurangabad Tourism

Aurangabad Tourism If you are heading for the World heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora then you will find it convenient to travel to Aurangabad and make it the base for your trip. The Ajanta and Ellora cave temples are a landmark in development of Buddhism in India. The murals and frescoes are the fascinating artistic legacy preserved in these 2000 year old caves. If you have seen the Taj Mahal in Agra, come to Aurangabad to see an imitation of it. It is Bibi ka Maqbara , a mausoleum built in 1679 for Aurangzeb's wife, Rabia-ud-Daurani. Although it pales in comparison before the original, typical grace and elegance of Mughal architecture mark it too. Apart from its own tourist attractions , Aurangabad serves as the base to explore the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora. So you never run short of reasons to come to Aurangabad.

History
The Mauryans ushered Buddhism in this region of India, which is evident from the profusion of numerous Buddhist cave temples in and around Aurangabad. Temples built by Satvahanna and Rashtrakuta rulers are located here. The famous caves of Ajanta are a part of this Buddhist tradition. The heritage of Aurangabad is linked with different Muslim rulers and dynasties of India. The city was founded in 1610, on the site of a village named Khirki, by a local Muslim noble Malik Ambar. His son Fateh Khan ruled it and named the city as Fatehpur in 1626. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, took over this city in 1653 and renamed it as Aurangabad. Due to its strategic location in peninsular India, Aurangzeb made Aurangabad his capital. He used this city as a base to quell the rising power of the Marathas.

Top Tourist Attractions in Aurangabad
Bibi Ka Maqbara: This is the burial tomb of Rabia-ud-Durrani, wife of Aurangzeb. At a distance of three kilometers from the main city, this tomb is created as an imitation of the Taj Mahal of Agra. That’s why many call it a mini-Taj of the Deccan. Just like the Taj, the Maqbara was similarly designed and is established at the center of a beautifully planned Mughal Garden with beautifully maintained ponds, fountains, broad paths, water channels and pavilions. Behind the tomb, a small archeological museum is established.

Gates in Aurangabad: Aurangabad is famous for the Gates. There are 52 Gates with local history. That’s why Aurangabad is also popularly known as the 'City of Gates' in the locality but people from outside are not that well informed about it.

Ajanta Caves: You can’t miss out a chance to explore the world famous and UNESCO Heritage Ajanta Caves when you are in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. There are total 31 caves that enshrine the early paintings and sculptures of the master craftsmen back in the era of the 2nd Century BC. Tales from the Jatakas are encrypted on the walls and perhaps the source of the wall art that we call fresco today. The reminiscence of the Sri Lankan Art form Sigiriya is found inside the Ajanta Caves.

Kailasha temple at Ellora/ Ellora Caves: 30 kilometers from the main city of Aurangabad, Ellora, another UNESCO declared Heritage Site of India, stands to be the Pride of the Country. Built for around 100 years, the 34 caves hold the time, the super talents of the God Gifted craftsmen and of course the rich heritage of Art during the time in India. Situated on the basaltic rocks of the volcanic plateau, Ellora, is the epitome of rock architecture across the whole world. the Kailash Temple of Ellora is the largest of all monolithic sculptures in the world as estimated so far.
Panchakki, Baba Shah Mosafar Dargah Panchakki is a 17th century water mill that is situated in the Dargah ground of Housed Baba Shah Musafir, 1Km from the main city. This water channel was once famous for being one of the most important water sources in the city. There are various traverses that are straight connected with the mountain fountains to get water from there.

Naukhanda Palace: Built at a summit of Aurangabad by Malik Ambar during the 1616, the Naukhanda Palace is indeed a work of art. There are 9 apartments, a Divan i Aam, a Divan i Khas, a kacheri,and a masjid (mosque)m each with a cistern and garden allied with.

Daulatabad Fort: The meaning of the word Daulatabad is a “City of Prosperity and Wealth”. This Fort City of Maharashtra, is famous in Indian History because of the ruler Mohammad Bin Tughlaq of the famous Tughlaq dynasty. History says that he was a whimsical ruler and often changed his capital from Delhi to Deogiri-Daulatabad and he used to force the people and everything to relocate along with him. That causes even death to many as at that time it was difficult to travel from one place to another with everything people have recurrently.

Grishneshwar: Also known as Ghumeshwar, is a famous Hindu Shrine- a temple of Lord Shiva. This is situated at a distance of 11 Km from Daultabad. It is near to the Ellora Caves.

Gautala Sanctuary: At a distance of 65 Kilometers, the Gautala Sanctuary is located. Covering the land area of 250 Km and situated at a height of 700 ft summit, the sanctuary is a declared protected land since 1986. The place is enriched with both flora and fauna and a chosen destination for the migrating birds.

Jayakwadi Dam: This is one of the main dams of Maharashtra that supports irrigation to the farming lands and multipurpose projects. During drought, the stored water saves the vegetation and farming. Besides, it also provides the drinking and industrial usages to the local towns, villages or the Jalna and Aurangabad area. The surrounding area of the dam is the ideal abode of many birds and there are also beautiful gardens surrounding the place.

How to reach Aurangabad?
By Air: The nearby airport is Aurangabad that is well connected with almost all major places of Maharashtra and India.
By Railway: The nearby stations are Aurangabad (AWB), Chikalthan (CTH), Rotegaon (RGO), Mukundwadi Halt (MKDD).
By Road: Bus services are available from Mumbai, Pune etc to Aurangabad.

Maharashtra Tourism

Maharashtra Tourism Often called the 'Gateway to the Heart of India', Maharashtra is the third largest state and second most populous state than in the country. Owing to its proximity to the Western Ghats, it is blessed with a picturesque backdrop of the mountains on one side and has the beautiful Konkan coastal belt on the other.

Maharashtra, the land of everything unlimited invites you into its widespread plethora of attractions. It is adorned by the beautiful Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats with high mountains that disappear into the morning mist, while the sprawling belt of the Konkan Coast mesmerises the eyes by its white beaches. The ruins of the ancient forts and palaces in Pune and Ratnagiri among others proudly narrates the story of the then mighty rulers of Maharashtra. Centuries-old temples situated in places like Pandharpur, Ozar are still rooted in their traditions, offering sanctuary to pilgrims. As do the small hill stations of Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Matheran, nestled cosily in nature, provide respite to travellers from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

People of diverse culture and religion live amicably in this state, which is why there is much ado about the culture of Maharashtra which while retaining its original Marathi culture has beautifully embraced other cultures that have come to call this state their home. Apart from being rich in history, traditional arts and lifestyle, it is also famous for its economy primarily because Mumbai -the financial capital of India is situated here. The entertainment hub - the Bollywood film industry also finds its origin in this state. The amalgamation of these varieties of things that this state offers will make your visit here absolutely worthwhile.