AURANGABAD IS HISTORIC CITY, which is located in central Maharashtra and that has witnessed many historic events and still gives evidence of that. Aurangabad which was told to be established by Mughal King Aurangzeb, when he was appointed a governor of south region before he became emperor of India. He initially named it as Fatehpur but later on the city was named after him as Aurangabad. If you are travelling to Aurangabad then please plan your tour of at least 4 days. There is lot to see in the city and around it. There are lots of good hotels available for accommodation, right from economical lodges, MTDC / ITDC accommodation, to 5 star hotels.
Day one places to see withing the city.
Day two Go to Daultabad Fort, Ellora Caves, Kultabad Tomb of Aurangzeb and back.
Day three Go to Ajanta caves and back.
Day four Enjoy delicious food at Aurangabad.
Since beginning this city was always under rule of Mughals / Muslim kings and later in Nizam territory. So the culture and food and language of the city is Muslim dominated and flavor. The architecture and structures are also part of Mughal Architecture.
Day one places to see withing the city.
Day two Go to Daultabad Fort, Ellora Caves, Kultabad Tomb of Aurangzeb and back.
Day three Go to Ajanta caves and back.
Day four Enjoy delicious food at Aurangabad.
Since beginning this city was always under rule of Mughals / Muslim kings and later in Nizam territory. So the culture and food and language of the city is Muslim dominated and flavor. The architecture and structures are also part of Mughal Architecture.
What to see in Aurangabad ?
1) Bibi Ka Makbara - A Monument which is called to be replica of Taj Mahal but that is not fact and this place is having altogether different importance. If you see history you will always find that there are so many lovers constructing big structures for their beloved, but this Bibi Ka Makbara is build by a Son for his Mother in her memories. That is the uniqueness of this Monument. Link - Bibi Ka Makbara Documentary
This place is absolutely beautiful and constructed out of red & black stones and marble. All around this place are big gardens in square shape, with lush green lawns and hundreds of Mango trees. Behind the Makbara there is structure that is converted into Musium and all historic cooking utensils are kept. Even before you enter this place there are two huge green lawns on both side of the path way and thousands of children along with their parents are playing around in the evening time. Even my childhood I spend most of my evenings in these lawns. We friends use to go to study in the garden below the mango trees.
Just before the Makbara there is a circle and there are various graves that are built out of stones in different shapes of British people. We use to play around these grave structures. It takes around 2 hours to see this place. Once you climb on main platform, there is a staircase that goes down where the grave of Bibi is located. That place though below the ground level but very well ventilated.
2) Aurangabad Caves - These are Buddhist caves that are built some hundred years Before Christ. These caves are around 3 km from Makbara and buses and vehicles can reach up to caves. There are two wings to these caves and those are beautiful one and the location is so amazing that you can see whole of the city from this place. There is staircase available for those who wanna climb. This is again must visit places. In rainy season it is best to visit as there is a natural waterfall that falls from high cliff and one can witness beauty of the nature. Buddhist people around the world come and visit these caves as pilgrimage and for study Buddha era and philosophy. You tube link - Aurangabad Caves
3) Pan-Chakki - A huge Indian traditional grinder made of huge stone that is automated by diverting water force, which was used to make huge amount of floor for Army & Soldiers. The beauty is that the water force is channelized through the pipes, that goes around 1 floor high and from there it flows down with force and activates a mettle fan below the grinder that is attached to grinder and that shaft with fan blades get momentum by water force and the grinder starts rotating. The demo is given after every few hours.
Other than this there is huge water tank with thousands of fish, which are following you while you walk on the bank in anticipation that you will feed them something to eat. there is a vendor who gives popcorn and nuts to feed these fish.
Then on the right hand side there is a big water tank with fountains and a staircase goes below this tank, which was used as stable for horses, and intention to keep this stable below the tank is to provide coolness to horses and all the outflow or overflow of the grinder water flows through this stable and it is used as drinking water for horses. See the planning and management of water and proper utilization of the water along with implementation. A good place to visit along with guide who can give you correct information. You can contact with MTDS Office for Tour Guide. You Tube Link - Panchakki
4) Soneri Mahal (Golden Palace) - This places is at remote location within vicinity of Aurangabad University (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University). It is told that in historic period this palace was made of pure gold panels on all walls, roof and tombs, today it is not in very good shape and I heard that the gold was stolen. This place is not well known. Only local people in the vicinity know about it. So you need to specifically ask for visiting the same. Please go in broad day light as evening may be unsafe. The archiology department has not really maintained it properly.
5) 52 Gates & 52 Areas of Aurangabad - Aurangabad city contains 52 communities that are known as Pura's for eg. Begum pura, Jaisingh pura, Kutub Pura, padam pura, kirad pura etc. and all these communities are surrounded by a protective security wall (like china wall) and there are 52 gates to travel through one community to other for eg. Makai Gate, Bhadkal Gate, Dilli Darwaja, Rangin Darwaja, Paithan gate etc. Aurangabad was actually a very planned city and best architectural specimen earlier. There there is area by name Shahaganj & Shaha Bazar, as per historic story Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb use to stay in this area before he became king of India.
Link - City of Gates Aurangabad
6) Market of Aurangabad - The old city has a market place and it is dencely populated market place by name Shahaganj where cloth market and grocery market is constructed. Then Sarafa - where all gold and silver ornaments shops are established, Juna Bazar - which is old market of hardware and equipments, Machali Khadak - originally fish market but now complete readymade garment shops are there, Gulmandi - by name we can say Gul - Flower and Mandi - market, Dhimarwada - small workers and artisans use to reside here, Kumbharwada - all potters were here etc. etc. like this as per economics concept of 12 Balutedar these areas were established. Today most of the areas are Muslim Dominated and market places have shifted to new market places and malls.
7) Daultabad Fort - This fort is around 15 to 20 km from Aurangabad city and is unique fort. This is supposed to be undefeated fort that was build and constructed in BC era. If you are travelling to Aurangabad and not planning to visit this fort and climb it then you are missing essence of your tour. I can describe a lot about this fort but I am controlling myself and appealing you all readers to visit this fort and climb it and experience the thrill and then write your experience as comment to this blog. Please do visit this Fort. Link of History of Fort - Daultabad Fort History
8) Ellora Caves - These are world best caves that are built few thousand years BC and are combination of Hindu Caves and Buddhist Caves. Ellora (Verul) is approximately 29 km from Aurangabad city. Uptill now millions of tourists have visited this place. Buddhists around the world have visited the place for study and research purposes. The most appreciated part of these caves is Cave no. 16 that is Kailash Temple Kailash Temple Ellora , it is said to be constructed and chiseled out from one big rock and that too from top to bottom. The researchers have so many opinions about this cave and they give many evidences about the facts of these caves. About Ellora Caves
9) Ajanta Caves - These caves are around 110 km away from city on Jalgaon Road. The road is developed by world bank funding and with the help of Japan Government. In Ajanta World Buddhist University is established and students around the world come here for doing research on Buddhism.
The caves are again blend of Buddhism and Hinduism and Lord Shiva is depicted in most of the paintings. These caves are made of Natural Paints and painted in BC era when there ware hardly any resources available in dense forest area. Reaching might have been easy here. Even today we need to climb few hundred steps to go up and see around. Though most of the caves are closed due to protection against deterioration due to environmental causes. But few you can definitely see. Again tourist around the world come to visit these caves. One must go and witness this piece of art. You tube link - Information about Ajanta Caves.
10) Khultabad - This is in between Daulatabad and Ellora and this place is popular for Emperor Aurangzeb's Tomb / Grave. Yes the so called Mughal King, declared his last wish that he should be buried at Khultabad, adjcent to the grave of his Guru / Teacher and so as per his wish he was buried here.
11) Places for Trekking - In and around Auranagabad there are many places for trekking. One can climb Gogababa Hill behind the University campus, then climb Hanuman Tekadi, there are are trekkers who go to Daultabad through trekking, then people also enjoy trekking in Ajanta caves mountains, there is enjoyment in trekking above Ellora Caves.
12) Places of Pilgrimage -
a) Paithan,
b) Jyotirling - Ghrushneshwar Temple at Ellora.
c) Bhadra Maruti Temple at Khultabad.
d) Rajur Ganpati, near Jalna city.
e) Parali Vaijanath Temple at Parali
f) Amba Mata Temple at Ambejogai.
All above are one day tour from Aurangabad.
13) Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is also place to see. You can sight panthers and leopards here.
Friends I am writing this blog about this city called Aurangabad because it is the city where I am born and brought up and my all childhood I spent in the vicinity of Bibi Ka Makbara and in my young days I have visited the Daultabad Fort, Ellora caves, Ajanta caves and Panchakki many times. I have so many good memories about this city. I miss the food delicacy and flavors.
I am sure you all readers will like this blog and find it useful when you will plan to travel to the city.
thanks,
Sharang Pande
#sharangwrites
Then on the right hand side there is a big water tank with fountains and a staircase goes below this tank, which was used as stable for horses, and intention to keep this stable below the tank is to provide coolness to horses and all the outflow or overflow of the grinder water flows through this stable and it is used as drinking water for horses. See the planning and management of water and proper utilization of the water along with implementation. A good place to visit along with guide who can give you correct information. You can contact with MTDS Office for Tour Guide. You Tube Link - Panchakki
4) Soneri Mahal (Golden Palace) - This places is at remote location within vicinity of Aurangabad University (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University). It is told that in historic period this palace was made of pure gold panels on all walls, roof and tombs, today it is not in very good shape and I heard that the gold was stolen. This place is not well known. Only local people in the vicinity know about it. So you need to specifically ask for visiting the same. Please go in broad day light as evening may be unsafe. The archiology department has not really maintained it properly.
5) 52 Gates & 52 Areas of Aurangabad - Aurangabad city contains 52 communities that are known as Pura's for eg. Begum pura, Jaisingh pura, Kutub Pura, padam pura, kirad pura etc. and all these communities are surrounded by a protective security wall (like china wall) and there are 52 gates to travel through one community to other for eg. Makai Gate, Bhadkal Gate, Dilli Darwaja, Rangin Darwaja, Paithan gate etc. Aurangabad was actually a very planned city and best architectural specimen earlier. There there is area by name Shahaganj & Shaha Bazar, as per historic story Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb use to stay in this area before he became king of India.
Link - City of Gates Aurangabad
6) Market of Aurangabad - The old city has a market place and it is dencely populated market place by name Shahaganj where cloth market and grocery market is constructed. Then Sarafa - where all gold and silver ornaments shops are established, Juna Bazar - which is old market of hardware and equipments, Machali Khadak - originally fish market but now complete readymade garment shops are there, Gulmandi - by name we can say Gul - Flower and Mandi - market, Dhimarwada - small workers and artisans use to reside here, Kumbharwada - all potters were here etc. etc. like this as per economics concept of 12 Balutedar these areas were established. Today most of the areas are Muslim Dominated and market places have shifted to new market places and malls.
7) Daultabad Fort - This fort is around 15 to 20 km from Aurangabad city and is unique fort. This is supposed to be undefeated fort that was build and constructed in BC era. If you are travelling to Aurangabad and not planning to visit this fort and climb it then you are missing essence of your tour. I can describe a lot about this fort but I am controlling myself and appealing you all readers to visit this fort and climb it and experience the thrill and then write your experience as comment to this blog. Please do visit this Fort. Link of History of Fort - Daultabad Fort History
8) Ellora Caves - These are world best caves that are built few thousand years BC and are combination of Hindu Caves and Buddhist Caves. Ellora (Verul) is approximately 29 km from Aurangabad city. Uptill now millions of tourists have visited this place. Buddhists around the world have visited the place for study and research purposes. The most appreciated part of these caves is Cave no. 16 that is Kailash Temple Kailash Temple Ellora , it is said to be constructed and chiseled out from one big rock and that too from top to bottom. The researchers have so many opinions about this cave and they give many evidences about the facts of these caves. About Ellora Caves
9) Ajanta Caves - These caves are around 110 km away from city on Jalgaon Road. The road is developed by world bank funding and with the help of Japan Government. In Ajanta World Buddhist University is established and students around the world come here for doing research on Buddhism.
The caves are again blend of Buddhism and Hinduism and Lord Shiva is depicted in most of the paintings. These caves are made of Natural Paints and painted in BC era when there ware hardly any resources available in dense forest area. Reaching might have been easy here. Even today we need to climb few hundred steps to go up and see around. Though most of the caves are closed due to protection against deterioration due to environmental causes. But few you can definitely see. Again tourist around the world come to visit these caves. One must go and witness this piece of art. You tube link - Information about Ajanta Caves.
10) Khultabad - This is in between Daulatabad and Ellora and this place is popular for Emperor Aurangzeb's Tomb / Grave. Yes the so called Mughal King, declared his last wish that he should be buried at Khultabad, adjcent to the grave of his Guru / Teacher and so as per his wish he was buried here.
11) Places for Trekking - In and around Auranagabad there are many places for trekking. One can climb Gogababa Hill behind the University campus, then climb Hanuman Tekadi, there are are trekkers who go to Daultabad through trekking, then people also enjoy trekking in Ajanta caves mountains, there is enjoyment in trekking above Ellora Caves.
12) Places of Pilgrimage -
a) Paithan,
b) Jyotirling - Ghrushneshwar Temple at Ellora.
c) Bhadra Maruti Temple at Khultabad.
d) Rajur Ganpati, near Jalna city.
e) Parali Vaijanath Temple at Parali
f) Amba Mata Temple at Ambejogai.
All above are one day tour from Aurangabad.
13) Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is also place to see. You can sight panthers and leopards here.
Friends I am writing this blog about this city called Aurangabad because it is the city where I am born and brought up and my all childhood I spent in the vicinity of Bibi Ka Makbara and in my young days I have visited the Daultabad Fort, Ellora caves, Ajanta caves and Panchakki many times. I have so many good memories about this city. I miss the food delicacy and flavors.
I am sure you all readers will like this blog and find it useful when you will plan to travel to the city.
thanks,
Sharang Pande
#sharangwrites
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