Thanks to Aurangabad for giving the Indians two glorified World
Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora. These two culturally awakened sites
have given the Indians a reason to feel pride upon. Ajanta and Ellora are
historically so rich that tourists leave no stone unturned in reaching and
enjoying it to the fullest. This city of Aurangabad was built by the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb. The city has witnessed the arrival and departure of
disparate dynasties that has made this place a centre of learning and
culture.
Aurangabad lies along the right bank of the Kham river, surrounded by the
Satmala Hills in Maharashtra. The Buddhist caves of Ajanta and rock-cut
temples of Ellora are the exemplary examples of India's crowning past.
Sightseeing
Ajanta
Caves - About 100 kms from Aurangabad lies the 30 rock cut caves
of Ajanta that are awe inspiring for umpteen inbound and outbound tourists.
The caves of Ajanta have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These 30 rock cut caves of Ajanta are cut from the volcanic lava of the
Deccan in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills. The natural gallery of
the caves houses India's most sophisticated ancient paintings or frescoes of
many colours.
Ellora
Caves - There are a number of rock cut cave temples at Ellora
whose constructions date back to 5th and 8th centuries AD. These temple
depict the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. The site of Ellora has also been
given the honour of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Panchakki - The word Panchakki means 'Water Wheel'.
It is one of the major attractions of Aurangabad. Panchakki is considered to
an engineering feat. It is driven by water that is brought through earthen
pipes from the river 6 km away. Nearby is the shrine of a saint, Baba Shah
Muzaffar, who was spiritual guide to Aurangzeb.
Bibi Ka Maqbara - This tomb has been made in the
memory of Aurangzeb's wife Begum Rabia-ud-Durani. It bears a little
resemblance of the Taj Mahal and thus the tiltle of 'Poor Man's Taj Mahal
has been conferred upon it. The monument showcases a perfect example of
Persian architecture. The monument has a charm of its own and draws tourists
from worldwide.
Himroo
Factory - Hand -woven Himroo shawls from cotton, silk and silver threads
are all the products produced from the traditional Himroo factory. This art,
known as Kam Khab, is considered to be a cheaper alternative to the prized
brocades of silk and gold thread.
Loosen YOUR wallets
The city of Aurangabad has no dearth of shopping options. The city puts on
display immense art forms that are widely famous and popular. The city has a
history and tradition of a variety of handicrafts. Brocades is what the city
is most famous for. Apart from these a tourist can shop for the woven Himro
shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab which are the main sources of attraction for the
tourists. Pretty agates and crystals can also be purchased at the entrance
of Ajanta and Ellora. There is bidriware, smooth dark brass work with
intricate designs inlaid on its glossy surface which reached its culmination
under the Mughals.
How To Reach
By Air - Aurangabad airport is 10 km east of the
city and has direct flights to and from Delhi and Mumbai.
By Rail - Aurangabad is well connected with Mumbai
and other cities. There are two direct trains between Aurangabad and Mumbai.
The names of the two trains are - the Tapovan Express and the Devgiri
Express.
By Road - Aurangabad is well connected with a metal
road, which is comfortable and suited to all weathers. The distances for
some of the major cities from Aurangabad are Pune (214 km), Nasik (218 km),
Indore (402 km) and Mumbai (403 km).
