SLOGAN

tourist places

Aurangabad.

1) Bibi-ka-Maqbara

In 1678, Aurangzeb' son Azamshah built the inspiringly beautiful Bibi-ka-Maqbara as a tribute to his mother Begum Rabia-Ud-Durani a replica of the Taj Mahal of Agra, it is the only piece of Mughal architecture on the Deccan built towards the end of the Mughal Era in India.

2) Panchakki

Built in 1695, this 17th century water mill exemplifies the engineering ingenuity of the age. The mill, which runs on water channelized from a river 6 km. away through an earthen pipeline used for grinding food grains for the community kitchen. Surrounded by series of fish-filled tanks, it also serves as a memorial to Sufi Saint Baba Shah Muzaffar, the spiritual mentor of Aurangzeb.

3) Aurangabad Caves:

Carved between the 2nd and the 6th century, these ten hillside caves are typically Buddhist in the architectural form, with remarkable sculptures.

4) Museums- housing the art treasure of the region.
  1. The Sunheri Mahal Museum
  2. The University Museum
  3. Chhattrapati Shivaji Museum

The Underground water system of this town was the great achievement. Aurangabad has well known as a city of 52 gates & 52 Puras (settlement) Bhadkal Gate, Dilli Gate, Rangin Darwaza, Makai Gate & Paithan Gate are some of the largest gate still standings as witness to its bygone historical glory.

5) Siddharth Garden and Aquarium- It has wild life zoo with varieties of wild animals like Lion, White tiger, Jackals, Elephant, Monkey etc. and a wonderful Aquarium.

II] Ajanta:

About 107 km from the city of Aurangabad the rock - cut caves of Ajanta nestle in a panoramic gorge shaped like gigantic horse shoe. Excavated in two phases- 1) 2nd & 1st century BC. 2) 5th & 6 th Century AD, these caves are among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves painting & sculptures. They comprise chaitya halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha & Viharas or monasteries, used by Buddhist Monks, for the meditation and the study in Buddhist teaching.

The painting that adorn the walls & ceiling of the caves depict incident from the life of the Buddha & various Buddhist divinities.

III] Ellora

1) Caves:

The caves temple & monasteries at Ellora, are 26 km from Aurangabad. Expending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves comprise Buddhist Chaitya (Shrines) and vihara (Monasteries) together with some of the finest Hindu & Jain temples from the 5th to 11th century AD.

  1. The temple of Ghrishneshwar, Verul (Ellora).
  2. Shri. Lakshvinayak Ganesh Temple, Ellora
  3. Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Shivalaya Teerth

IV] Khuldabad:

  1. The Tomb of Mughal Emperor: Aurangzeb.
  2. Shri. Bhadra Maruti

V] Daulatabad:

  1. Daulatabad fort (Devgiri fort)
  2. Tomb of Malik Amber:

VI] Mhaismal (Maheshmal) A hill station 30 km from Aurangabad.

VII] The Pitalkhora Caves.

VIII] Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary

This is dense forest reserve, with rare flora and fauna, almost 80 kms, North-west of Aurangabad. Home to leopards, bears, wolves, hyenas, Jackals, flying squirrels and 85 different species of colourful birds.

IX] Paithan: 51 Kms South of Aurangabad,

  1. Dnyaneshwar Udyan- largest garden in Marathwada.
  2. Jaikwadi Bird sanctuary
  3. Paithani saree weaving centre.

X] The Lonar Crater:

170 kms. from Aurangabad in the village of Lonar. Around 30000 years ago, a falling meteorite struck the area creating the world's largest impact crater is basaltic rock. The Lonar crater is also the third largest impact crater on earth.

Things to buy:

Paithani Silk sarees, Mushroo and Himroo shawls, silver and copper inlaid Bidriware and souvenirs.

For details visit: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in