Aurangabad
Aurangabad,
it is known for some of the finest colleges and university in Maharashtra. And
it is the fastest growing industrial town in India. But the charm and glory
of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage is rich and varied - the
result of the artistic and cultural influences of several dynasties since its
first Stone Age inhabitants.
Places of Interest in Aurangabad:
Aurangabad Caves
Aurangabad Caves are artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during
the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called
Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about
1km from each other.
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Bibi Ka Maqbara
Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, in Agra, in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz.
His son Aurangzeb, who overthrew him, built the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara as a mausoleum
to his wife Rabia-ud-Durrani. This is the monument for which Aurangabad is best
known, probably because it was obviously intended to rival the Taj Mahal, which
it imitates.
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Excursions in Aurangabad:
Ajanta: In 1819, 100 kms. from Aurangabad, a group of British officers
stumbled upon a secret held by the Sahyadri Hills for centuries. The horseshoe-shaped
gathering of the 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta. Dating back to the 2nd century
BC, the exquisite legacy of paintings, sculptures, 'chaityas' (halls) and 'vihar
as' (monasteries) took around 800 years to complete.
Ellora: A mere 30 kms. from the city are the equally impressive Ellora
caves. What makes this group of 34 caves temples unique is that they are dedicated
to 3 different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. One of its key
attractions is the monumental Kailas Temple - the largest single monolithic
structure in the world.
Khuldabad: 3kms. from Ellora Lies Khuldabad - literally 'heavenly abode'.
The final resting place of Emperor Aurangzeb, this walled town was once an important
center.
Bani Begam Gardens: 24 kms. from Aurangabad, you can find the tomb of
Bani Begam - companion to one of Aurganzeb's sons. It lies amidst sprawling
landscaped gardens, interspersed with fluted pillars, elegant domes and aesthetic
fountains - showcasing the splendid architecture of the times.
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Maharashtra Attractions
