Aurangabad is one of my favourite destinations, for reasons many. This little city of Maharashtra is a hub to historical significance monuments and stories unwinding it. There are not one but two historically significant and World Heritage UNESCO sites in Aurangabad. Aurangabad is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
The place is small in comparison with the big bee towns and cities of Maharashtra. But the diaspora and the uniqueness of the city is beyond comparison. When I visited Aurangabad I was working on a project on the 6th Mughal emperor, Aurangazeb. Which place can be more suitable for me than Aurangabad to write something about Aurangazeb. This is when we at India Imagine move to learn a few things about the history of Aurangabad!
The fascinating history of Aurangabad
Aurangabad was once known as Kadki, but when Aurangazeb came to Kadki he fell in love with it that he made it his defence headquarter. After this major change, he renamed the city Aurangabad!
The city has witnessed everything, major battles, the butchering of some kings and the rising of few historically significant monuments in the heart of the city. Yet, the city now is one of the most lively places to be in.
Tourists spots that I visited during my stay
It was a seven-day stay for me so there was a lot of time. I didn’t rush through the place inside took time to know more as I was doing the project. So, I would give you an insight into the place in a very simple way for you to get a glimpse of the entire city. However, before starting with our destination list lets get into how to reach the place-
There are three options…
- By road – There are several bus facilities and a cab to connect intercity. You can hire a private car or go for a shared one from the rest of the cities and towns.
- By flight- Aurangabad airport is an international airport that connects to any major states and cities.
- By train – If you are trying to plan your trip by train then for some states you need to connect via Mumbai. However, most of the states and cities connect through railroads. Reach Aurangabad, stay at the best hotels( Rama International, Ajanta Ambassador and Taj are a few to name) then start errands to some of the fabulous destinations given below
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves is a marvellous sight and a gem of a place for those who have an affinity towards archaeological sightseeing. It is one of the best known UNESCO World Heritage Site across the globe. The caves are par excellence from when an architectural point of view. With almost 30 rock-cut the caves are amazingly beautiful Buddhist paintings and structures imprinted. Ajanta is nearly 100 kilometers from the heart of Aurangabad city, so make it a day’s visit.
Also Read:Â Witness the Cultural Heritage of India at Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves
While returning from Ajanta Caves, visit Ellora caves that nearly 35 kilometers from Aurangabad city. The Ellora caves too are an archaeological marvel. With Buddhist carvings, it is for sure one of the largest as well as famous one rock-cut Monastery. If you want to end the visit in a day or want to stay longer to get a better experience, both are possible.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi ka Maqbara is a replica of the Taj Mahal, and dies have some connection between both. Taj Mahal was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal by her husband and then emperor Shah Jahan. While Bibi ka Maqbara was built in memory of Mumtaz’s son Aurangazeb’s wife. The tomb is a marvellous affair if you haven’t yet visited the Taj Mahal.
Also Read:Â Tadoba National Park – Tiger Safari In Maharashtra
Panchakki
Panchakki literally amazed me. I visited Panchakki on the way to Bibi ka Maqbara, it just 15 mins from Panchakki. It is a form of wheat mill used in the olden days known as Chakki, but here it was used to create energy and pump water into the pond. This was built in the medieval years probably 1744 AD, but the architectural thought or engineering was way too beyond the age and era. It is said that whatever circumstances may be the pond is never dry throughout the year.
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort is a major tourist attraction among the people from Maharashtra. They love the fact and details related to the history of the fort. It is situated 13 kilometers from Aurangabad and can be reached by road. When you reach there, it won’t be the end. You need to climb to the fort which is on the top of a hill. Timings need to follow from 9 am to 6 pm all seven days.
Also Read:Â Top Ten Historical Places In India
The gates of Aurangabad
To say precisely, there are 52 gates around the city. Aurangazeb built the gates to protect the city from the constant threat from the Maratha rulers. The Roshan gate, Delhi gate, Bhadkal gate and Makai gate are the main to be told. If you are interested in architecture and history that connects to the gates, do visit the gates and make a note of it!
I had two more days left from my seven days stay. So I decided to venture a bit into locals, visited the beautiful Prozone mall to shop, Gulmandi and Roshan gate area to savour the best non-veg dishes available and to drink my favourite Iranian Tea. I also visit a quick one to Siddharth Garden and Zoo. But it didn’t fascinate me much for it looked quite a normal one. But if you need to sit and relax it will be best. Aurangabad is a historian’s delight, a writer’s quest and a traveller’s haven! Let me know what it was to you, till then Bon Voyage!
