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Location : In the south Indian state of
Andhra Pradesh
Tourists Attractions : Aurangabad
Caves, State Archaeological
Museum, Nehru Udyan, History Museum of Marathwada University, Bibi
ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Siddharth Udyan, Himroo Factory, Killa
Arrack, Jama Masjid, Kali Masjid, Shah Ganj Mosque, Chauk Masjid,
Lal Masjid. |
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Best Buys : Himroo Shawls, Paithani saris
Best Hangout : Panchakki
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Daulatabad, Khuldabad, Paithan,
Shirdi, Pithalkhora Caves, Ajanta, Ellora, Mumbai, Pune.
When to Visit in Aurangabad : October to March
About Aurangabad
Named after the last of Great Mughals Aurangzeb, Aurangabad in the
state of Maharashtra is a very interesting travel destination in
India to visit. Aurangabad, at a distance of 400 kms from Bombay, is
an offbeat destination in the state of Maharashtra. Spectacular rock
cut caves and cave paintings exist at two nearby places, Ajanta and
Ellora.
Aurangabad Maharashtra attracts attention of tourists because of
its many famous historical and religious architectural sites. It
is true that Aurangabad is not a green hilly destination, though
it has a good number of gardens giving you a comfortable stay in
the town. Many tourists visit this place due to its proximity to
some of the world famous heritage sites of India. This has helped
in increasing the popularity of its locally produced traditional
textiles and handicraft items too.
Major Tourist Attractions in Aurangabad
Aurangabad Caves
The Aurangabad Caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries.
The walls of the caves have interesting illustrations from the
Jataka stories. Lying amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves
possibly dating back to the 1st century AD. The Tantric influences
evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves
are of particular interest. Some of the chaityas are constructed on
a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the Buddha who is
depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.
Bibi-ka-Maqbara
The Bibi-ka-Maqbara is a tomb built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife
Rabia-ud-Daurani Begum. The tomb bears some resemblance with the Taj
Mahal, and hence known as "Poor Man's Taj Mahal". This Maqbara
attracts the tourists due to its wonderful architecture and
historical importance.
Panchakki
Panchakki, meaning water mill is another major attraction of
Aurangabad. The mill gets its share of water that travels through an
underground channel from a source which is 6 km away in the
mountains. The water is released on to the wheel creating an
enthralling waterfall. The place also has a garden and fountains
with fish-filled tanks adding to the beauty of the entire area.
Panchakki also has a tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint who
was spiritual adviser to Aurangzeb.
Himroo Factory
The Himroo Factory is another major tourist attraction of
Aurangabad Maharashtra. The traditional Himroo fabric which is an
amazing blend of cotton and silk is known for its quality. You can
also find here Paithani saris, traditional handloom shawls and other
textiles material of Himroo fabric and silver threads. Interestingly,
the designs and patterns worked out on these fabrics are inspired
by Ajanta frescoes.
Getting There
Air : The Airport is about 10km east on the Jalna road. The NEPC
Airways office is in the President Park Hotel, 2km Closer to the
airport.
Rail : There are 2 direct trains daily to/from Mumbai. The Tapovan
Express departs at 2.55 PM gets you into Mumbai at 11.20pm.
Road : There are MSRTC Buses From Aurangabad To Pune, Nasik, Indore
and Mumbai.The MSRTC and MTDC also offer luxury overnight buses to
Mumbai.
Accommodation
Aurangabad has numerous world class Aurangabad hotels
for
the tourist coming from all the parts of the world. The hotels and
accommodations ranges between luxury and budget category, as per
the pocket of the tourists. All the accommodations offered here are
complete with world class facilities and services.
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