Aurangabad, located in the heart of Maharashtra, India, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, architectural marvels, and vibrant local traditions, Aurangabad is a treasure trove for those seeking a glimpse into India's rich past. Here we will explore the myriad places to visit in Aurangabad, ranging from ancient caves to medieval forts and exquisite Mughal architecture.
Ellora Caves:
The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the artistic and architectural excellence of ancient India. Carved into the Charanandri Hills, the Ellora Caves represent a harmonious blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist rock-cut temples and monasteries. The most famous among them is the Kailasa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing intricate carvings and sculptures. The Ellora Caves offer a captivating journey through India's religious and artistic history, with each cave telling a unique story.
Ajanta Caves:
Located in a horseshoe-shaped gorge along the Waghora River, the Ajanta Caves are another UNESCO World Heritage Site that transports visitors back to ancient times. These rock-cut caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, showcase exquisite Buddhist paintings and sculptures. The Ajanta Caves provide a vivid glimpse into the lives and teachings of Buddha, with detailed murals depicting Jataka tales and the life of Buddha. The artistic finesse and cultural significance of Ajanta make it a must-visit destination in Aurangabad.
Bibi Ka Maqbara:
Often referred to as the "Taj of the Deccan," Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, Dilras Banu Begum. The mausoleum's architecture bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal, with its four minarets and a large dome. While not as grand as the Taj Mahal, Bibi Ka Maqbara exudes its own charm and historical significance. The serene garden surrounding the mausoleum adds to its picturesque allure.
Daulatabad Fort:
Standing atop a conical hill, Daulatabad Fort is a formidable fortress that has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties. Originally built by the Yadavas, the fort later passed into the hands of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. Its strategic location and well-preserved structures, including the Chand Minar and the Bharat Mata Temple, make it a captivating historical site. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the fort's vantage points are awe-inspiring.
Aurangabad Caves:
The Aurangabad Caves, a cluster of rock-cut Buddhist caves, showcase a unique blend of Tantric influences and traditional Buddhist art. Carved during the 6th and 7th centuries, these caves feature intricately carved sculptures and paintings, providing insights into the cultural and religious practices of the time. The serene ambiance and historical significance make the Aurangabad Caves a lesser-known but equally fascinating attraction.
Panchakki:
Panchakki, meaning "water mill," is a historical watermill complex built during the medieval period. The highlight of Panchakki is its ingenious system that harnesses water to power the mill and irrigate the garden. The complex also houses the tomb of Baba Shah Musafir, a Sufi saint. Panchakki offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the engineering marvels of the bygone era.
Bihar
Chhattisgarh is a state located in central India and is the 10th largest state by area. The state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000 and has Raipur as its capital. The state is rich in mineral resources, and it is known for its iron and steel industries. The state"s economy is also driven by agriculture, with rice being the primary crop grown. The state is home to several tribes, and their cultural heritage is evident in the state"s cuisine, music, and dance forms. The state also has several notable tourist destinations, including the Chitrakoot Falls, the Bastar Palace, and the Bhilai Steel Plant.
Aurangabad
Aurangabad is a very ancient city with a very attractive city of the most wacky Ajanta and Ellora caves. Being the largest city in Maharashtra, it was established in 1610 by Malik Ambar in Maharashtra. After coming, all tourists are the first to be home to Ellora Caves, Aurangabad is one of the tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Buddhism in Aurangabad has seen a good time to nurture its heritage, lifestyle and morality. The city is also known for its history and architectural art, adorned with palaces, tombs and parks.
Ellora CavesÂ
The spectacular Ellora Caves, located 29 km from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, are world famous. These caves are a World Heritage Site and a symbol of rock cut architecture. Ellora is also famous for the great solo excavation of Kailasa, the largest single in the world. Ellora is particularly known for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cave temples dating back to the 6th century. The best time to visit the caves is during the monsoon. The cold air and the streams here add to the beauty of the caves. The original name of Ellora is Verul which is a very ancient heritage. There are a total of 34 caves here. These cave Hindus, The Triveni confluence of Buddhism and Jainism represents. Of these 34 caves, 17 caves are of Hinduism while 12 caves are of Buddhism and 5 caves are of Jainism. These caves came into existence in the period from 600 AD to 1000 AD. These caves are made by cutting basaltic rocks which spread over a distance of 2 km. These caves reflect the ancient times of India which is a wonder today. Ellora caves were built during the reign of Rashtrakuta kings. Kailas cave is very famous among these caves, Lord Shiva is seated in this temple. It is in the shape of the chariot of the temple. Every year millions of tourists come from all over the world to know the history of Ellora caves., Victoria Memorial - Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is the identity of Kolkata. It is a tribute to the British Raj in India, It was rebuilt and was based on the Taj Mahal. This architecture is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Kolkata city. This was the brainchild of Lord Curzon. This magnificent monument was built for the Queen of India and Queen Victoria after her death. The foundation stone of the memorial was laid in 1906. It holds many paintings of the British royal family, miniatures, oil paintings, artifacts and other objects. It was opened to the general public in 1921, it also has some photographs of the royal family. Apart from these priceless performances, tourists come here to see the beautiful structure of the Victoria Memorial. It is one of the most famous sightseeing places in Kolkata. The building was composed by combining both British and Mughal styles. It is also known as Indo Saracenic Revival Architecture (Indo-Arabic neo architecture), Which is a style of architecture and was used by the British government in the 19th century. The Victoria Memorial has 25 galleries. These galleries include the Murthy Gallery, the Royal Gallery, the Central Hall, the Portrait Gallery, the Weapons and Arsenal Gallery and the Kolkata Gallery. Other exhibitions of the museum include exhibitions of ancient coins, stamps and maps.