The city mat derive its identity from its magnificent, illustrious naturally beautiful neighbours, the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora, but look a little closer, and Aurangabad offers several visit-worthy delights all its own. Named after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, Aurangabad lies along the right bank of the Kham River. The city is the district headquarters, which offers visitors all the modern comforts and amenities. Drop by here for a dose of some traditional Maharashtra old world charm, and a charming lesson into the history of the state, evident in its sprawling monuments and eye-catching architecture.
Sights to See
Bibi ka Maqbara
Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a loving tribute from Emperor Aurangzeb to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani. Standing on a landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white, marbled monument rises high above, almost like the other monument to love, the Taj Mahal of Agra.
The central tomb is distinguished by elaborate surface ornamentation and intricately perforated marble screens, and is framed by four towering minarets.
Panchakki
An engineering feat ahead of its time, the Panchakki, or the water mill, built in 1695, channelled water from a spring on a distant hill to power the flour mill and grind grain for the pilgrims.
Darwazas
Most of the monuments in Aurangabad are of the Nizam Shahi, Mughal and Maratha period. There are four main darwazas, or gates, leading into the city, which along with nine secondary darwazas, formed part of the defense systems of the city at various times from invaders.
Shopping
A region as rich in the art and culture of several communities, would naturally have a legacy of superb handicrafts. The legendary beauty of Paithani silk saris, the intricate silver inlay craft of Bidri ware which reached its culmination under the Mughals, and the beautifully woven silk Himru and Mushru shawls continue to cast their spell on visitors.
Excursions from Aurangabad
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora are caves are a UNESCO World Hertiage Site and marvels of ancient art and architecture. These rock-cut caves attest to the illustrious skill of Indian craftsmen dating back several hundred years. Ajanta dates from 100 BC, while Ellora is younger by some 600 years. The village of Ajanta is in the Sahyadri hills, about 99 km from Aurangabad. There are 30 caves overlooking a gorge, each forming a room in the hill and some even have inner rooms, all of which have been carved out of solid rock with little more than a hammer and chisel – and faith. Here, for the Buddhist monks, the artisans excavated Chaityas (chapels) for prayer and Viharas (monasteries) where they lived and taught. Many of the caves have the most exquisite detailed carvings on the walls, pillars and entrances as well as magnificent wall paintings. These caves were discovered early in the 19th century quite by chance by a party of British Officers. Broadly speaking, they provide a panorama of life in ancient India and are a source of all kinds of information – hairstyles, ornaments, textiles, musical instruments, details of architecture, customs, among other things. Royal patronage made Ajanta possible. Professional artists carried out much of the work and each contributed his own individual skill and devotion to this monumental work.
Ellora caves
The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jai temples. The earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never ‘rediscovered’. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries.
Daulatabad Fort
Eleven km northwest of Aurangabad, Daulatabad is famous for its formidable hill fort, situated on an isolated cone-shaped hill rising to a height of about 190 metres. The city of Daulatabad, initially known as Devagiri, was founded in 1187 AD by the Yadava king Bhillan V, but the fort was constructed during the reign of Singhana II (1210-46 AD). It was captured by Ala-ud-Din Kalji in 1294 AD, marking the first Muslim invasion of the Deccan.
Noteworthy features of the fort are the moat, the scarp and the subterranean passage, all hewn of solid rock. The upper outlet of the passage was filled with an iron grating, on which a large fire could be used to prevent the progress of the enemy. The Chand Minar, the Chini Mahal and the Baradari are the important structures within the fort. The Chand Minar, about 63 metres in height, was erected by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1435 AD during the conquest of Daulatabad. Opposite the Minar is the Jumma Masjid, whose pillars originally belonged to a temple. The Chini Mahal is the place where Abdul Hasan Tana Shah, the last king Golconda, was confined by Aurangzeb in 1687 AD. Nearby is a round bastion topped with a huge canon with ram’s head, called Kila Shikan or fort breaker. The Baradari, octagonal in shape, stands near the summit of the fort. The principal bastion at the summit also carries a large canon.
Khuldabad
In the 14th century, several Sufi saints chose to reside in Khuldabad or the Abode of Eternity. The dargah, or tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, the spiritual guide of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, is within this sacred complex.
Anwa Temple
A Shiva temple, with beautifully carved sculptures and decorated pillars stands in the village of Anwa, 10 km east of Golegaon, on the road leading from Aurangabad to the Ajanta Caves. It was built in the 12th century and consists of a sanctuary and a mandapa or open hall with decorated pillars. The niches have exquisitely sculpted images of go Hindu gods.
Pitalkhora Caves
Thirteen Buddhist excavations, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD, lie nearly 40 km northwest of Ellora, cut into the side of the a secluded ravine. Comprising mainly viharas, they form the largest group of known Hinayana Buddhist structures.
Paithan
Almost 51 km south of Aurangabad, the town of Paithan still has looms that weave the beautiful Paithani saris that are prized possessions for Indian women. The town is also famous for the Dnyaneshwar Udyan, which is the largest garden in Maharashtra, and a museum which treasures a fascinating collection of art. The Jaikwadi Dam nearby is a bird-watchers’ delight.
Lonar
Situated on the outskirts of the town of Loanar in the Buldhana District, the Lonar Crater was first discovered in 1823 by British officer, JE Alexander. An interesting factoid – this particular crater has also been written about in ancient scripts like the Skanda Puran, the Padma Puran and the Aaina-i-Akbari.
Lonar is distinguished by the fact that it is the world’s third largest crater. It originates nearly 50,000 years ago, when a two-million-tonne meteorite hit the earth to create a depression 1.83 km wide and 150 meters deep. Since that eventful day, which surely must have felt like the wrath of god descending upon the town, Lonar has has evolved into an idyllic expanse of sky blue water amidst a green forest. As well as tourists who populate the spot today, it is a major source of attraction for members of the scientific community from across the world who have conducted extensive studies about the site. The place is also known for its teeming wildlife. The crater is home to hundreds of peafowl, chinkara and gazelles, which browse amongst the shrubs and bushes ringing the lake. Other residents include the winged varieties of egrets, moor hens, herons, coots, white-necked storks, lapwings, green bee-eaters, magpies and robins – as well as numerous species of migratory birds that often visit the place.
Getting There
By Air
The Aurangabad airport is conveniently located, around 10 km east of the town, and is directly air-linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur.
By Rail
Aurangabad is well connected to Mumbai and other cities. There are two trains that depart daily from Mumbai. The Tapovan Express leaves Mumbai early morning arriving in Aurangabad by late afternoon, while the Devgiri Express is an overnight train.
By Road
There are several luxury and state run bus services that ply between Mumbai and Aurangabad and the Ajanta/Ellora Caves.
Getting Around
The city of Aurangabad has all forms of transport right from intra-city buses, metered autorickshaws to chauffeur-driven taxis. Intra-city Bus service is Municipal Corporation owned but privately operated. AMT (Aurangabad Municipal Transport) buses ply throughout the city and outskirts. MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses connect Aurangabad to nearby tourist places, distant suburbs and villages around.
The taxi stand is next to the bus stand; share jeeps also depart from here for destinations around Aurangabad, including Ellora and Daulatabad. Tourists are recommended to either take Metered Auto-rickshaws (3-wheeler taxis) or Chauffeur driven Taxis. These taxis are not very expensive and are ideal for one day tours to Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad and around.
Metered Auto Rickshaws
These are undoubtedly the most convenient way of travelling through the city. This is due to their easy availability at any time and the affordability. These are hired three-wheeler taxis which are ideal to move around the city. The meter reading is read along with a ‘tariff-card’ available with the driver. However, there are some autorickshaw drivers who ignore the meter and ask for exorbitant rates from tourists, especially at the railway station, central bus stand or stops of private buses. Make sure to ask before boarding the three wheeler cab that he will be charging you based on the meter reading, he activates the meter when you board, he has a certified tariff card.
Chauffeur-driven/tourist taxis
These are ideal for the tourists visiting the city and tourist destinations around. The tourist taxis can be booked from various travel agents operating in the city. All hotels also have a taxi-counter.
Car hire
This is the most common way of transport for the local people. But for the tourists, self-driven cars and two wheelers are not easily available on hire basis in India. Driving on the streets is fairly comfortable as there is not much traffic on the roads and the roads are wide (except in the old part of the city).
Alternatively, hiring a bicycle from a stall near the train station (Rs 4 per hour) is an option for a pollution-filled day’s sightseeing around the city.