Sightseeing

The perfect take-off point for a momentous journey into 2000 years of history to the year 2 BC, through the exquisitely carved caves of AJANTA & ELLORA. The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence. The 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.
 

SHIRDI SAI BABA

It is an important and one of the most famous pilgrimage centre. A tiny village, draws devotees from all over the world. This is the place adopted by a young ascetic with miraculous power of healing, who came to be venerated as Sai Baba. Described variously as a mystic, a saint who is said to have changed the lives of countless people. Sai Baba's mysterious power has certainly transformed the lives of the 7000 odd inhabitants of Shirdi.

AURANGABAD CAVES

The almost forgotten caves of Aurangabad lie just outside the city. Excavated between the 2nd and 6th century A.D., they reflect tantric iconography in their iconography and architectural designs. In all, there are nine caves which are mainly Viharas.

The most interesting among these are Caves 3 and 7. The former is supported on 12 highly ornate columns and has sculptures depicting scenes from the legendary 'Jataka' tales. Cave 7 with its detailed figures of be jeweled women also has a dominating sculpture of a 'bodhisattva' Praying for deliverance.

BIBI KA MAQBARA

Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani, the Queen of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument rises majestically in an intentional bid to copy and rival the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra. The central tomb, distinguished by elaborate surface ornamentation and intricately perforated marble screens, is framed by four towering minarets.

PAN CHAKKI

A 17th century water mill that takes its name form the mill which used to grind grain for the pilgrims. The water distribution system built in 1695 was the engineering feat of Malik Ambar, architect of Aurangabad city.. In 1624 a Sufi saint, a spiritual guide to Aurangzeb, was buried here. The gardens with its several fish tanks serve as his memorial.

DARWAZAS

Most of the monuments in Aurangabad are of the Nina Shah, Mughal and Maratha period. There are four main dramas, or gates leading into the city, which along with nine secondary dramas formed part of the defense systems of the city.

DAULATABAD FORT

Once known as 'Devgiri', this magnificent 12 the century fortress stands on a hill just 15 kms. from Aurangabad. It was given the name Daulatabad, the 'city of fortune', by Muhamad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. Initially a Yadav stronghold,
It passed through the hands of several dynasties in the Deccan. A 5 Kilometer sturdy wall, artificial scarping and complicated series of defenses made Daulatabad impregnable. The 30 meter high Chand Minar - Built much later with 3 circular galleries has a defensive and religious role in this fortress.

GHRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE

Half a kilometer from the Ellora Caves, 35 kms. from Aurangabad lies this 18th century temple with its beautiful architecture and carving, one of the five 'Jyotirlingas' in Maharashtra were Shiva is worshipped. While you are here, another place worth visiting is the Holkar temple nearby.
 

PITALKHORA CAVES

In the Satmala range 78 kms. from Aurangabad are 13 cave sanctuaries - Chaityas B.C. to the 5th century A.D.
The relief work at Pitalkhora is richer and more elaborate, the carving more precise than that of earlier times.

KHULDABAD

Khuldabad or the 'heavenly abode' is a walled town only 4 kms. from Ellora. It is the Karbala town or holy shrine of Deccan Muslims. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal emperor is buried here. He built the crenellated wall around the town, which was once an important centre.

BANI BEGAM GARDENS

Just 30 kms. from Aurangabad are the Bani Begam Gardens. At the centre of these large artistically laid-our gardens is the the tomb of Bani Begam - consort of one of Aurangzeb's sons. Built in varied styles, the fluted pillars, massive domes, fountains.... exhibit the splendid architecture of the time.

PAITHAN

An ancient taluka town, 56 kms. south of Aurangabad, Paithan is particularly well-known fot its Paithani silk Sarees. Once a centre of trade, it was also the capital of the Satvahanas. Today, it is an important excavation site. Eknath, the Marathi Poet-saint, lived here centuries ago. Jayakawadi dam close by is an ideal observation point for bird watches.

Also located nearby is the Dnyaneshwar Udyan, styled on the lines of Mysore's Vrindavan Gardens.
 

LONAR CRATER

Lonar crater is situated on the outskirts of Lonar Town in District Buldhana, Maharashtra, The crater was formed by the impact of meteorite nearly 50,000 years agao. At th surface, the crater has a diameter of nearly 1.80 kms. at the bottom, a beautiful lake has been formed over thousands of years by the perennial streams flowing into the crater. The water of the lake, however, is very salty, the ph being 10.7. A unique ecosystem has evolved in the crater, which is nearly 132 meters deep from the top edge, A visitor is pleasantly surprised to see aquatic birds like the Flamingos, Indian Moorhen, Coot, Dodchick and so on. ( Lonar -- 170 Km)

One can also hear and see many peacocks inthe crater's forest. On the beach of the lake, there are a few temples, built in 12th, 13th Century. Though in dilapidated condition, the exquisite carvings are remnants of thier glorious past. To see and enjoy all this, the visitor must go down in the crater and make a complete round along the shore of the lake.
 

NANDED GURU DWARA

Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is the main Gurudwara of Nanded and is one of the four High seats of Authority of the sikhs. This is the place where Shri Guru Gobind Singhji breathed his last. The Gurudwara is situated in Nanded Town. The Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singhji, The great Ruler of Punjab between 1830 to 1839 A.D.

Inside the Gurudwara, which contains the mortal remains of the 10th Guru, there are exhibited a number of weapons of various kinds. There are swords of Maharaja Ranjitsinghji and other Sikh Generals.

Some weapons also belong to Shri Guru Gobind Singhji. The building of the Gurudwara is very beautiful and picturesque. The marble and the golden plating add to the beauty.