Aurangabad

This city is named after Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. It was called Fatehpur before it took its present name. This city is gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Developed as a modern city, Aurangabad provides all comforts and modern facilities. There are several luxury budget and star hotels, which caters the tourists of the city. Siteseeings at Aurangabad Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Himroo Factory and Panchakki are always worth to be organized. Daulatabad, Khuldabad Anwa Temple, Pitalkhora Caves, Lonar Crater and Paithan can also be organized as excursions. Sunheri Mahal Museum, University Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum are three the museums in the city, housing art treasures of the region.

One of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Maharashtra, Ellora dates back to the Rashtrakuta dynasty, about 1,500 years ago, and is the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 caves are actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the hills of Charanandriand you will find here evidence of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain ‘viharas’ and ‘mathas’ which tell the story of how social and economic order was often represented through religion. The caves of Ellora are located 31 kilometers from Aurangabad. The closest government guesthouse near Ellora is in Khuladabad on the way from Aurangabad. Another place worth visiting is the Grishneshwar Mandir, about 30 kilometers from Aurangabad. It has one of the 12 ‘jyotirlingas’ of Lord Shiva in India and it is believed that the temple was restored by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s ancestor Malojiraje Bhosle in early 17thcentury. The present temple was built by Ahilyabhai Holkarof Indore in 18thcentury CE. The structure offers a unique example of Bhoomija architecture with influences of Maratha style.

Aurangabad is a town as well as district in Maharashtra and was named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It serves as a tourist hub with numerous points of interest such as Bibi ka Maqbara, also known as the Mini Taj Mahal. Ajanta and Ellora caves are world renowned cave temples dating back more than 2, 000 years. Aurangabad is also an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus as the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located just 30 km away from the main town. Apart from showcasing the era of Mughals