Aurangabad Tourist Place
Aurangabad Tourist Place
Aurangabad is a historic city in Maharashtra state of India. The city is a Tourist hub, surrounded by many historical monuments, including the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki. The administrative headquarters of the Aurangabad Division or Marathwada region, Aurangabad, is said to be a City of Gates and the strong presence of these can be felt as one drives through the city. In 2010, the Maharashtra Tourism Minister declared Aurangabad to be the tourism capital of Maharashtra. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in the world. There are numerous fascinating places in Aurangabad city as well as around it. The places which are present in the Aurangabad city are Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki (Watermill), Naukhanada Palace, Himayat Baugh, Salim Ali Lake and Bird Sanctuary, Shahganj Masjid, Kali Masjid,Quila-E-Ark, Sunehari Mahal, Pir Ismail Mausoleum, Chowk Masjid and Aurangabad Caves. Whereas the Attractions like Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Daulatabad, Khultabad, Pitalkhora Caves, Grishneshvar, Jayakwadi Dam, Dnyaneshwar Garden, Gautala Sanctuary, Mhaismal, Kagzipura lie around Aurangabad city. Sharanpur is also getting popularity for adventure tourism situated at 10 km from Aurangabad. The world famous Astronomical Wonder Lonar Crater Lake is situated at distance of 148km from Aurangabad.
Named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Aurangabad is also called the 'City of Gates'. A visit to this historic city will introduce you to many beautiful tourist attractions and offer a glimpse into its glorious past. Aurangabad attracts a large number of tourists from across the country because of its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. The vibrant atmosphere and numerous tourist spots make Aurangabad one of the major tourism hubs of Maharashtra.
1. Ajanta Caves: While searching for the best places to visit in Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves will always be among the top attractions. These 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves date back to the 2nd century and are considered masterpieces of ancient Indian art and architecture. The caves are also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Bibi Ka Maqbara: If you think the Taj Mahal is the only symbol of love, then you must visit Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad. Though smaller than the Taj Mahal, this historic monument beautifully represents the love of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for his wife Dilras Banu Begum.
3. Daulatabad Fort: One of the most commanding and undefeatable forts in the entire country, Daulatabad Fort in Daulatabad; or Devagiri as it was known earlier, is among the must visit places near Aurangabad. Around 11km north-west of Aurangabad, this glorious fortress stands strong on a conical hill that rises around 200m above sea level.
4. Ellora Caves: Another architectural brilliance of a bygone era, Ellora Caves is also among the not-to-miss places to visit near Aurangabad. Located around 29km from the city centre, this chain of caves was built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the Buddhist clan and Yadav group of the Jains. A must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, this series of caves showcases the perfection and cultural richness of prehistoric Indian architecture.
5. Grishneshwar Temple: An important pilgrimage site for Hindus, this ancient temple is located in a quaint hamlet around 30km from Aurangabad and lies within the vicinity of the historic Ellora Caves. A major attraction among tourist places near Aurangabad, the temple is considered a sacred destination by Hindu devotees. It is also believed to be the last or the 12th ‘Jyotirlinga’ on earth.
6. Himayat Baugh: Once known as the ‘Mughal Garden’, Himayat Baugh in Aurangabad is another delightful reminder of the past. Sprawling across 300 acres, this lush and verdant 17th-century garden is now home to the Fruit Research Station and Nursery.
7. Jayakwadi Dam: Another not to miss Aurangabad places to visit is the fascinating Jayakwadi Dam. Known to be one of the largest irrigation dams in the entire of Maharashtra and one of the largest earthen dams in Asia, it contributes mainly to irrigation and other agricultural purposes in the Marathwada vicinity which is mainly a drought prone area.
8. Zainuddin Shirzai's Maqbara: More than a tourist destination, Aurangabad is known for its diverse history and pious saints. One among such saints, Syed Zain-ud-Din, who was born in Shiraz, Hijri, came to Delhi and became the disciple of Maulana Kamaluddin in Samana. Along with his teacher, he finally came to Daualtabad and began the 'Chistia Order'.
9. Panchakki (Water Mill): Also known as the 'Water Mill'; the origin of the name is associated with the mill that used to grind grains for the pilgrims to the sight, Panchakki was built to meet up the energy requirement by bringing down the water of a spring in a nearby mountain. An underground conduit feeds the mill with uninterrupted supply of water, which then descends down to a cistern from a considerable height and produces the required power to operate the mill. Around the mill, you can find the Baba Shah Musafir Dargah.
10. Lonar Crater Lake: Around 3 hours from Aurangabad, the Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district of Maharashtra is also among the important places to visit near Aurangabad. A study point of several geologists, ecologists, archaeologists, naturalist, astronomers and aspiring students, this lake was created due to impact of a meteor that is known to be the largest of its kind. Huge mass and velocity of the meteor, after it hit the ground, created a saline soda lake that measures around 1.2km in diameter and 137m in depth.