7 Tourist Attractions In Aurangabad

There are various cities that boast of picturesque landscapes, snow capped mountains and world famous monuments. While some possess the best of natural beauties, some offer stunning efforts of man in the forms of monuments, buildings, forts and many more. It does not take a lot for one to call out ‘Taj Mahal’ the moment you say ‘Agra’. Neither does a man who possesses interest in historic monuments find it difficult to recall Ajanta and Ellora caves if you say ‘Aurangabad’. Located amidst hills of Maharashtra, Aurangabad is not short of scenic beauty or man made wonders. Let us see the top 7 places to visit in Aurangabad which you are not supposed to miss on your tour to Aurangabad.

1. Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves top the list of favorites when one visits Aurangabad. Declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Ajanta Caves have been visited by tourists from all parts of the world. The mural paintings in Ajanta Caves display unique style that cannot be seen in any part of the world. The paintings depict the events on the life of Buddha and there are illustrations on Buddhist deities. The stunning paintings reveal the skills and artistry of the artists and they effectively narrate the events without the need for words. A lot of researches were undertaken to learn about the mystery behind the life of paintings. The paintings have withstood the test of time and the colors are fresh and glowing.

2. Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves throw light on the tolerance of the people of ancient India who were ready to accommodate other beliefs and faiths. Ellora Caves are spaced over 2 kilometers and there are 34 caves representing three religions namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The monuments date between 600 A.D. and 1000 A.D. All the 34 temples and monasteries were dug adjacent to each other in the walls of a cliff. The first 12 caves are Buddhist Caves and they are the oldest. The next 17 caves are the Hindu Caves. The last 5 caves are Jain Caves. The architectural expertise and the efforts taken by the artisans in constructing buildings out of rocks have no words to admire enough.

3. Devgiri Fort

Devgiri Fort is situated in the village of Daulat. The massive fort immediately attracts you and has you spellbound the moment you set your eyes on it. The fort was considered to be constructed by Billamraja who ruled Daulatabad during 1187 A.D. The most interesting fact about the fort is that it remained unconquerable throughout. The architectural wonder was built to provide the best defense to the rulers and it was very well achieved, as the fort was never won.

4. Bani Begam Bagh

The beautiful garden was created by the grandson of Aurangazeb in memory of Bani Begum, his wife. This is a perfect place if you want to relax on your tour and keep your spirits soaring. The lush greenery and the landscape help you experience inner peace. The garden reflects the style of Mughal architecture. You will find waterfall near the garden. Not much activity for you here except to relax and enjoy.

5. Ghrishneshwar Temple

Ghrishneshwar Temple belongs to 18th century. It is just half a kilometer from Ellora Caves. The marvelous architecture is awe-inspiring though you cannot hope to see the complete ancient architecture here owing to the damage caused by Aurangazeb. A peaceful place and it is frequented by tourists, as it is one of the twelve Siva temples.

6. Khuldabad

The place is a holy shrine for Muslims. It is a wonderful place surrounded by mountains and it offers scenic view. The city walls constructed by Aurangazeb were ruined and you could see ruins of ancient buildings. The Tombs of Aurangazeb, Khan Jahan’s Lal Bagh and various other Tombs are found here.

7. Pitalkhora Caves

You will love the location of Pitalkhora Caves. They are located in the most picturesque setting under the valley. It consists of 14 Buddhist Caves. They are grouped into two sets with the first group consisting of 10 caves and the second group consisting of 4 caves. You can find traces of excellent paintings here. The architecture and sculpture are beyond words.

Aurangabad offers you clear insight into the glories of the past and the effects of wars as well. The cultural heritage and the architectural excellence of the early days and the centuries old monuments are something that remains in your memory forever. You will love the tourist places of Aurangabad for the stunning landscapes and the show of excellence in various art forms.

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