Location : In the
south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh
Tourists Attractions : Aurangabad Caves, State
Archaeological Museum, Nehru Udyan, History Museum of Marathwada University,
Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Siddharth Udyan, Himroo Factory, Killa Arrack,
Jama Masjid, Kali Masjid, Shah Ganj Mosque, Chauk Masjid, Lal Masjid.
Best Buys : Himroo Shawls, Paithani saris
Best Hangout : Panchakki
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Daulatabad, Khuldabad,
Paithan, Shirdi, Pithalkhora Caves, Ajanta, Ellora, Mumbai, Pune.
When to Visit : October to March
About Aurangabad
Named after the last of Great Mughals Aurangzeb, Aurangabad in the state of
Maharashtra is a very interesting travel destination in India to visit.
Aurangabad, at a distance of 400 kms from Bombay, is an offbeat destination
in the state of Maharashtra. Spectacular rock cut caves and cave paintings
exist at two nearby places, Ajanta and Ellora.
Aurangabad attracts attention of tourists because of its many famous
historical and religious architectural sites. It is true that Aurangabad is
not a green hilly destination, though it has a good number of gardens giving
you a comfortable stay in the town. Many tourists visit this place due to
its proximity to some of the world famous heritage sites of India. This has
helped in increasing the popularity of its locally produced traditional
textiles and handicraft items too.
Major Tourist Attractions in Aurangabad
Aurangabad Caves
The Aurangabad Caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries. The walls
of the caves have interesting illustrations from the Jataka stories. Lying
amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves possibly dating back to the 1st
century AD. The Tantric influences evident in the iconography and
architectural designs of the caves are of particular interest. Some of the
chaityas are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the
Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.
Bibi-ka-Maqbara
The Bibi-ka-Maqbara is a tomb built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife
Rabia-ud-Daurani Begum. The tomb bears some resemblance with the Taj Mahal,
and hence known as "Poor Man's Taj Mahal". This Maqbara attracts
the tourists due to its wonderful architecture and historical importance.
Panchakki
Panchakki, meaning water mill is another major attraction of Aurangabad.
The mill gets its share of water that travels through an underground channel
from a source which is 6 km away in the mountains. The water is released on
to the wheel creating an enthralling waterfall. The place also has a garden
and fountains with fish-filled tanks adding to the beauty of the entire
area. Panchakki also has a tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint who was
spiritual adviser to Aurangzeb.
Himroo Factory
The
Himroo Factory is another major tourist attraction of Aurangabad. The
traditional Himroo fabric which is an amazing blend of cotton and silk is
known for its quality. You can also find here Paithani saris, traditional
handloom shawls and other textiles material of Himroo fabric and silver
threads. Interestingly, the designs and patterns worked out on these fabrics
are inspired by Ajanta frescoes.
Getting There
Air : The Airport is about 10km east on the Jalna road. The NEPC
Airways office is in the President Park Hotel, 2km Closer to the airport.
Rail : There are 2 direct trains daily to/from Mumbai. The Tapovan
Express departs at 2.55 PM gets you into Mumbai at 11.20pm.
Road : There are MSRTC Buses From Aurangabad To Pune, Nasik, Indore
and Mumbai.The MSRTC and MTDC also offer luxury overnight buses to Mumbai.
Accommodation
Aurangabad has numerous world class hotels for the tourist coming from all
the parts of the world. The hotels and accommodations ranges between luxury
and budget category, as per the pocket of the tourists. All the
accommodations offered here are complete with world class facilities and
services.
