Aurangabad - The City of World Heritage Site
Known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage, the city of Aurangabad was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short span. The Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal is the highlight of the city. Aurangabad is world famous city due to the presence of the Ajanta and Ellora caves regarded as the world heritage sites. These sites have Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. Aurangabad is also famous for it's silk and cotton textiles.
It is Bibi Ka Makabara not TAJ MAHAL
Bibi Ka Makabara:-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. The comparison with the Agra monument has unfortunately somewhat denigrated the Aurangabad tomb which in itself displays a worthwhile architectural design, with much distinguished surface ornamentation in the late Mughal style.
Daultabad Fort:-
Daultabad Fort
Gate Of Daulatabad Fort
Minar Dulatabad
Dulatabad Fort:
The impressive Daultabad fort is situated about 15 kms from Aurangabad. At this place Mohammed Bin Tughlak built his capital, but soon returned back to Delhi. It was finally captured by Allauddin Khilji. The scenic views, located to the right of the Daulatabad fort are mesmerizing. Today, the fort is not in a very good condition. But some of the parts of the fort like the scary "Bhool Bhulaiya" is still in a better condition.
Ajanta Caves:----
Ajanata Cave
Ajanta Water Fall
Painting: Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Cave
Ajanta Cave
Ellora Cave—
Ellora Caves
Ellora Cave
Ellora Cave
Ellora Cave
Ellora Cave
Ellora Cave
Ellora Cave
Ellora Cave
Ajanta Ellora- A World Heritage Site
The Ajanta caves are located to the northeast of Aurangabad and are a little way off the main road. There are about 29 caves, built in a horseshoe shaped curve of the steep rocky gorge that emerges above the river Waghore. These caves date back to about 200 BC to 650 AD. Just after the Ellora caves were built, the site of Ajanta caves was abandoned and were slowly forgotten. In 1819 soldiers from a British hunting party re-discovered these caves, which remained unknown for centuries.
Situated about 30 kms from the northeast of Aurangabad lies the famous Ellora caves. They are cut into the hillside and are famed for their sculptures. The earliest caves are Buddhist, but the later ones are Hindu and Jain cave temples. The origination time of the caves is not confirmed. But the archaeologists believe that some of the later Buddhist caves were built at the same time when the early Hindu temples were being carved . There are 34 caves, of which 12 are Buddhist, 17 are Hindu and five Jain.
PANCHAKI-panchaki is a mill which was powered by the underground stream The monument is worth visiting and is located within the city.
PANCHAKI
Jaikwadi Dam-------------
Paithan:Situated 56 kms south of Aurangabad, is the ancient capital city of the Satvahanas, Paithan famous for its traditional Paithani silk saris. The Jayakwadi dam here is a haven for avid nature lovers. The huge Gyaneshwar Udyan, Maharashtra's largest garden is another attraction of this area. The Gyaneshwar udyan is as beautiful as Vrindawan garden Mysore.
Jaikwadi Dam
Danyaneswar Garden
Danyaneswar Garden
Jaikwadi dam, also known as Nath Sagar is located near Paithan.
It is about 50 km from Aurangabad, built on river Godavari and about 110 km from Ahmednagar. Its area is 1300 km². It supplies water to Aurangabad City and generates power
Paithani Silk:-
The art of weaving paithani flourished in 200BC during satavahana era. Sherr dedication and the faith of the weaver has kept alive Paithani work more than 2000 years. Until today real work is hand woven of pure silk, Silver and Gold.
A Paithani is a gold silk sari. In the revival of Paithani weaving the production is oriented towards export requirements, while saris are produced only for sophisticated buyers. Paithani is actually evolved from a cotton base to a silk base. Silk was used in weft designs and in the borders, whereas cotton was used in the body of the fabric. Present day Paithani has no trace of cotton. There was a time when silk was imported from China.
Hill Station
Mhaismal:- It is situated aroud 40km fro Aurangabad.
Grisneswar temple:-
It is a one of the 12 Joyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
