7 Fascinating tourist sites of Aurangabad
Aurangabad is a tourism district of Maharashtra state of India. It is home to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar. The city was the administrative headquarters of Marathwada region, and is popularly known as “the city of gates.”
Let’s pin 7 interesting tourist attractions of Aurangabad.
Ajanta Caves
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Located at a distance of about 107 kilometers from Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 rock cut caves around a gorge. These caves were built during 2nd-5th century by Chalukya, Vakataka, and Satavahana dynasties. The Ajanta caves display the finest ancient rock paintings.
Ellora Caves
Courtesy: whc.unesco.org
Ellora Caves are situated at a distance of about 29 kilometers from Aurangabad. There are 34 caves built between 5th and 10th century during the reign of Rashtrakuta Dynasty. These caves are a great example of Indian rock-cut architecture.
Bibi ka Maqbara
Courtesy: vivanta.tajhotels.com
It is a Marble Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Aurangzeb’s Son Azam in the memory of his mother (Aurangzeb’s wife) Dilras Banu Begum. The monument replicates the Taj Mahal of Agra and that is why is also called as “the Taj of the Deccan.”
Aurangabad Caves
Courtesy: www.megalithic.co.uk
It is a cave temple complex belonging to the 6th-8th century C.E. There are 12 caves in total. The Buddhist shrines and stupas are carved on the basalt rock.
Panchakki
Courtesy: www.flickr.com
It is a mill used for grinding grains to serve the pilgrims visiting the town. The mill is called Panchakki (pan refers to water and chakki means mill) because it is driven by the force of water. It is a great example of the thoughts put during the medieval-era architecture.
Grishneshwar Temple
Courtesy: www.templedetails.com
It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar, a prominent ruler of central India during the 18th-century. The temple depicts rare Bhoomija architectural style.
Daulatabad Fort
Courtesy: durgavaibhav.blogspot.com
The Daulatabad Fort is one of the most powerful forts of the Medieval-era. It was built by the rulers of the Yadava Dynasty. The fort is so architecturally strong that it was never conquered by the invaders.
You can also book a cab in Aurangabad on day rental for sightseeing.
Useful Links-
Aurangabad: One-day trip planner
