Aurangabad Travel Guide

AURANGABAD - Named after the last Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, this place offers an experience of timeless art and culture. It was known as ' khirki' (window) earlier due to its vital position that outfitted a window vista of Deccan Plateau.

Aurangabad is located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of the Kham River, this historical city is famous for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage. It is better known as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora.

Aurangabad was an important seat of the Mughal Empire for a short period. Thus, the city has many monuments speaking volumes about the grandeur of the Mughal architecture. There are many Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples also in this region.

Must Visit Tourist Places in Aurangabad

Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves have 30 rock cut Bhuddhist caves and it is 106 km from Aurangabad. The basic designs of the caves are called 'Chaitya grihas' and 'Viharas'. Five caves are Buddhist cathedrals and the remaining 25 are monasteries. The Chaityas are large, rectangular chambers separated by rows of pillars. They are decorated by sculptures and murals, which depict the many incarnations of Buddha. The Viharas are rectangular shaped halls. They have series of small cells, which are attached on both sides. The caves also include a visual form of the life of Buddha and interesting stories from Jatakas.

Aurangabad Caves

Aurangabad Caves were excavated from the soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. These caves, ten in number, are divided into two separate locations - Western Group Caves having caves 1-5 and Eastern Group Caves having caves 6-10, located 1 km apart. Tantric Hinduism molds the designing and image. Cave 4 from Western Group is the oldest cave. The remaining four Western caves are viharas depicting an early type of Buddhist monastery. Cave 6 which belongs to the Eastern Group has a large statute of Buddha supported with a form of Ganesh and Cave 7 has forms of women which are barely clad and bejeweled.

Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad is situated 13 km from Aurangabad. The fort stands on a pyramid shaped hill. It was previously known as Devgiri. Bhillama, the king of the Yadav dynasty built it in the 12th century. It was Mohammed Bin Tughlaq who gave the name Daulatabad which means city of fortune. The fort of the city is built on top of a high hill. It is surrounded by thick walls and has transfixed gates. Steep slip ways and a deep ditch can also be seen. Curled network of secret, teasing and underground transitions can also be seen in the fort.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves are listed in the world-heritage list. They are located about 30 km from Aurangabad. The Kailash Temple of the Ellora caves is the most attractive and masterpiece of the creator. The Kailash temple in the Ellora caves is one of the world's largest and massive sculptures. It was curved out of a rock with the help of 7000 laborers and took nearly 150 years to complete. The shrines are a mix of both Hindu and Jain faiths. Cave number 32 is famous for a glorious Yakshi statue and beautiful ceiling paintings. IMP: Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.

Mini Taj

The highest spot in the area at 2590m, Tiger Hill is near Ghoom, about 11km from Darjeeling. The hill is famous for its magnificent dawn views over Kanchenjunga and other eastern Himalayan peaks. On a clear day, even Mount Everest is visible.

Water Mill

A visit to Darjeeling is incomplete without a ride in the toy-train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The miniature train, given heritage status by UNESCO, covers the distance of 88 km between New Jalpaiguri station and Darjeeling. This fascinating narrow gauge steam engine train still operates with the original steam engine and the loops and the zigzags along the route are remarkable feats of engineering. The Short journey from Darjeeling town to Ghoom (the nearest station), becomes a joy ride in itself. The Toy Train is considered an engineering marvel and some prefer to call it one of the wonders of the world, to be preserved forever.