- How to Get There
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Museums in Aurangabad
Aurangabad : City of Aurangzeb
Aurangabad
Aurangabad : City of Aurangzeb
It was the last great Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb who built this city and gave it his name. The city manages to live up to his name through its rich cultural heritage.The cultural diversity of Aurangabad is fascinating. You will find the cityscape dotted with innumerable ancient palaces, monuments and tombs that look splendid even after the passage of decades and centuries. Aurangabad is famous for the silk items it produces. Additionally, you will find exquisite handicrafts and amazing metal items being sold here. Intricate idols are crafted here with precision living up to the standards set by a tradition that is ages old. Aurangabad is a city that is rich in diverse attractions.
How to Get There
By Air :
Chikalthana Airport is located at a distance of merely 10km from the city of Aurangabad and is linked with the major cities of India.
By Rail :
Aurangabad has direct rail links to important Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, etc. Various major express trains travel to and from this station.
By Road :
Aurangabad is very well connected by road.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The Ajanta and the Ellora Caves are two of the most famous cave complexes in India and the world.The Ajanta Caves have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples here have been carved out from rock and are dedicated to the Buddhist religion. However, their appeal is universal. The walls are filled with amazing carvings that are highly intricate and detailed. Even the pillars and entranceways are works of a master craftsman.The place is willed with splendid paintings that only serve to highlight its magnificence. What is amazing is that these caves were created sometime between 220 BC and 650 AD. Using the simplest and most basic of tools the Buddhist monks labored to create this incredible place.
Ellora is easily a feat of human skills and genius. The Kailash Temple by itself is an awe-inspiring structure. This magnificent temple was created by removing almost 250,000 tons of rock. It was built over the course of a 100 years making it one of the most amazing structures in the complex. The story of the Ellora caves is just as fascinating as the site itself. When the work first started, the major religion was Buddhism which influenced its construction. Later, Hinduism began to prevail followed by Jainism in the region. Those religions affected the construction as well. In other words, Ellora is a mixture of elements from three religions. Therefore, it is no wonder that the brilliance of the Ellora caves and structures have been recognized through its declaration as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
The Bibi ka Maqbara is a fine piece of architecture that dates back from the period of the decline of the Mughal Empire. It looks eerily similar to the grand Taj Mahal in Agra. It was constructed in 1679. It was supposed to have been built in marble but was ultimately created with lime mortar. There are however, some beautiful ornamentations and carvings done on marble that decorate its walls.
Museums in Aurangabad
Among the different museums in Aurangabad, the most popular one is the Shivaji Museum. The museum is a fascinating dedication to the Maratha general, Shivaji. Some of the more interesting artifacts here include a chain mail suit that is approximately 500 years old. There is also a copy of the holy book, Quran, which was handwritten by none other than the Emperor Aurangzeb.
