A place of importance in the mentions of the best historical sites in India, this city stands out and proves itself to be a major crowd puller in Maharashtra despite having competitions like the dream city, Mumbai. So what is it that draws people to this place? Read on to find out.
Maharashtra is a mixbag of both the old and the new. The cities have a perfect blend of the old and the new but while cities and Mumbai and Pune may not have as many historical places and is more described as the urban side of Maharashtra, cities like Aurangabad has pretty much everything. A well developed city with two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, and a city known as the ‘Tourism Capital of Maharashtra’. Although the city is continuously growing rapidly in terms of development, it still manages to retain and preserve its past glory and heritage thus forms an own charm or aura to the place.
The city is named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and is one of the most visited the place in India. A tourist hotspot, this city also has various accommodation facilities ranging from government establishments, private undertakings and Oyo rooms Aurangabad. From all price ranges, locations and various other factors that may affect the choice of the tourists, it has it all.
A tour across this city is an unending roller coaster ride into the past. There are certain must-visit awe-inspiring sites. A visit to the city without a trip to these places are pointless. Some honourable mentions are listed below.
1. The Ajanta Caves – These caves were discovered by some British Officials in the 19th Century. There are 29 caves under the Ajanta caves, each built by the Buddhist monks using the most basic tools – hammer and chisel. The elaborate and exquisite detailing in the sculptures and paintings talks about the art and patience these monks had which has now become a landmark not only for the city or the Buddhist people but also the whole world.
2. The Ellora Caves – A little more than the Ajanta Caves, this one has 34 caves. These structures also represent not only one faith but three, and they have been divided in three parts as well. The 12 caves to the south belongs to the Buddhist, The 17 in the centre to the Hindus and the 5 caves to the North to the Jains.
3. Daulatabad – Earlier known as Devgiri, this 12th Century fortress is placed atop a charming hill stretched across 5 km of sturdy wall and an intricate series of ramparts.
4. Bibi ka Maqbara – Also known as the ‘mini Taj Mahal’, this is a perfect replica of the world famous monument at Agra. It was built in 1679 by Aurangzeb’s son in tribute to his mother.
5. Aurangabad Caves – Discovered between the 2nd and the 6th century, these caves lie just outside the city and are a fine representation of fine architecture. They house mainly detailed and complex carvings on the walls of the caves. While some have stories depicting scenes carved on them, some others have carvings of paintings.
There are a good number of Aurangabad hotels around the railway station and airport of Aurangabad. While most of the budget hotels are concentrated around the area of the railway station, the luxurious 4 and 5 star hotels are located near the Chikalthana airport. Mid-range hotels are spread all across the city.
