Aurangabad Attractions

Bibi Ka Maqbara:

Situated about 3 km. from the city is Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb's wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Behind the mausoleum is located a small archaeological museum.

Panchakki (water mill):

Is a 17th century water mill situated at a distance of 1 km from the city. An intriguing water mill, the Panchakki is famous for its underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 km. to its source away in the mountains. The channel culminates in a mesmerising 'artificial' waterfall that powers the mill. The beauty of the mosque housed in the inner enclosure is enhanced by a series of 'dancing' water fountains.

Gates in Aurangabad:

One of the things that makes Aurangabad stand out from the several other medieval cities in India are its 52 'gates' each of which have a local history or had individuals linked with them. Not many people are aware of the fact that Aurangabad is also known as the 'City of Gates'.

Aurangabad Caves:

Situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara from this point.

Ghrishneshwar Temple:

Is half a kilometre away from the Ellora Caves, and 30 km. from Aurangabad. The present structure is an 18th century temple that presents outstanding architecture and carving. This place forms one of the five Jyotirlinga sites in Maharashtra where Lord Shiva is worshipped. The Ahilya Devi Holkar temple nearby is a must-see.

Khuldabad:

Is a walled town lying at a distance of 3 km. from Ellora. The town of Khuldabad contains the shrines of the most famous saints of the Dakhan. Initially it was known as Rauza meaning garden of paradise. It is known as the Valley of Saints, or the Abode of Eternity, because in the 14th century, several Sufi saints chose to reside here. The tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and his trusted general Qamar-ud-din Khan, Asaf Jah I first Nizam of Hyderabad are located in this town, so is the tomb of Malik Ambar.

Pitalkhora Caves:

Lies peacefully nestled in the Satmala ranges of the Sahyadris, at a distance of 78 kilometres from Aurangabad. There are 13 cave sanctuaries embedded in this region. These monasteries date back from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. Rich carvings with elaborate details can be seen in these monuments.

Daulatabad fort:

Earlier known as Devgiri, is situated at a distance of 13 kilometres from Aurangabad. Also termed as the city of foutune, it houses a stupendous 12th century fortress well placed atop a charming hill. This invincible fortress boasts of a 5 kilometre sturdy wall and an intricate series of ramparts.

Aurangabad Ruins: Naukhanda Palace:

The most conspicuous ruins are the palace of Asaf Jah and the Killa Arak. Malik Ambar (1546-1626 A. D.), the minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II established himself at Khirki, the modern Aurangabad and erected a number of buildings and mosques. The Naukonda palace was built by him in 1616 upon the summit of a rising ground. The massive portal gateway leading to this, over which the Naubatkhana sounded, was called Barkal. According to one account a noble of Aurangzeb’s court named Alam, Khan, made additions to this Palace; and further additions were subsequently made by Asaf Jah I. An adjoining block of buildings was screened off by a partition wall for Nasir Jang. The Naukonda palace was also occupied by Nizam Ali Khan, when he was at Aurangabad. The whole place is now in utter ruins. The interior buildings consisted of five zananas, a Divani-Am a Divani Khas, a masjid and a kacheri, each provided with a garden and a cistern. The walls of the central part of the Devankhana, and a hamam or hot bath attached to the building, are in a fair state of preservation. However, the wood-work and the stucco plaster are all gone. The Divani-Am is a large quadrangular structure much in ruins. The Kacheri close by contains a gadi of the Nizam. In the throne room are placed the original paraphernalia.

Quila-E-Ark:

In 1692, Aurangzeb ordered a palace to be built and named it as the Killa Arrak. The space enclosed by the Killa Arrak or citadel covered nearly the whole ground between the Mecca and Delhi gates of the city. It had four or five gateways and a nagarkhana for the musicians. The walls were battle-mented and loop-holed and had semi-circular towers at the angles, on which guns were once mounted. The inner portion was occupied by recesses similar to those in the city walls. To the right of the entrance was a high terrace extending the whole length of the ground enclosed. On this the remains of an extensive garden and half ruined tanks and cistern can still be traced. The Am Khas or the Darbar Hall, and the Jumma masjid are the only remains of interest. A plot of ground close to the masjid was walled in for purposes of sport. The gate leading to this ground contains an inscription dated in, 1659 A. D. The takht or throneroom of Aurangzeb is in a garden pavilion and has a rostral appearance. It is of a plain and simple description.

Barra Darri:

Salar Jang’s palace and Govind Baksh’s mahal were between the Paithan and the Jafar gate. The Damri Mahal and the Barr Darri of Ivaz Khan are close to the Delhi gate. The Mahal is new occupied by the Collector’s Office. The Barra Darri and the adjoining buildings were erected by Ivaz, Khan. A covered aqueduct passes over one of the buildings and in the olden days water descended in a shower into an oblong cistern below containing several fountains. It is now inoperative.

Damri Mahal:

The Damri Mahal which is close by was built after the completion of the Barra Darri. It is so named because it was constructed by levying a contribution of a ‘damri’ or the quarter of a dub, on an labourers employed on Barr Darri. An arcaded verandah projects in front like a portico, and contains five scolloped arches. Behind are ten rooms of varying sizes, arranged in a line. To the right are seven atom chambers with antechambers. The entrance is in the right corner. Close by, on a slightly higher level than the rest is another small but detached building. The roof is arched. There are also two cisterns, one in front of the verandah and another outside the building. * Kali Masjid, Jumma Masjid: Among the mosques, the Jumma masjid and the Kali masjid built by Malik Ambar, and the Shah Ganj mosque are the most conspicuous. Malik Ambar is said to have built seven mosques which go by the general name of Kali masjid. The Kali masjid is in Juna Bazar area and was erected in 1600 A. D. It is a six-pillared stone-building standing on a high plinth. The Jumma masjid of Malik Ambar is near the Killa Arrak. It has fifty polygonal pillars arranged in five rows, and connected by a system of arches, which divide the building into twenty-seven equal compartments, each covered by a domical vault of simple but elegant design. There are nine pointed arches in front. Of these, five were erected by Malik Ambar in 1612 A. D. and the remaining four were added by Aurangzeb. The plinth is high and contains several chambers which open on the market side. The sloping cornice is supported on brackets, and the parapet wall is neatly perforated. The corner angles contain octagonal shafts, ornamented with discs and carrying little domes. The design of the mosque is in very good taste, plain but solid, and more like the buildings of Bijapur. A spacious court in front of the mosque has open-fronted buildings in three sides for travellers. In the centre of the court there is a cistern drawing its supply from the Malik Amber canal popularly known as Nahar Amberi.

Shahganj Masjid :

Occupying the great market square of Aurangabad is the large Shah Ganj mosque, one of the finest edifices of its class to be found in any put of India. It was built in about 1720 A.D. Khafi Khan, the author of Muntakhabu-1-Lubab, referring to Sayyad Husain Khan’s viceroyalty of the Deccan (1714-1719) says "the reservoir at Shah Ganj was begun by Sayyad Husain Ali, and although Aazu-d Daula Iraz Khan enlarged and made higher the buildings and mosques still Sayyad Husain Ali was the originator of that extensive reservoir, which in summer, when water is scarce relieves the sufferings of the inhabitants". The mosque is on a raised platform, and has shops on three of the outer sides; while the fourth or the north side is open and is ascended by a flight of steps the facade represents an arcade of five scolloped arches, constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, and supported on stone pillars. This portion projects a little; and the interior contains twenty four pillars, which with six pilasters in the back wall, are arranged in the form of a square. The central portion is covered with a graceful bulbous dome, having the base adorned with crisp crinkled lotus leave tied in a neat narrow band; and the apex bears an elegant spire. Arcaded monasteries called Kham Khas, form the east and the west wings, and consist of five arches on either side, constructed like the arches of the main building, but of horizontal structure. The interior is connected by horizontal arches ; and the roof is formed of a series of little domes, each supported on four pillars. There are minarets at the corners of the main building, and at the end angels of the Kham Khas. The courtyard in front contains two large cisterns. The entrance is in the form of a little mosque, with a pointed arch and two minarets.

Chowk Masjid:

In 1655 was built the Chauk Masjid by Shayista Khan, the maternal uncle of Aurangzeb. Its front has five pointed arches, and is two arches in depth. These are connected with one another by eight pillars and corresponding pilasters, and support five domes. The central dome, with a metallic spire is lofty, while the others are concealed in the roof. The corners are decorated with minarets. The whole structure has a high basement containing chambers used for shop, which open out on the roadside. The gate has two minarets. There is a cistern in the courtyard in front of the mosque * Jayakwadi dam:Jayakwadi project is one of the largest irrigation projects in Maharashtra.It is a multipurpose project. Its water is used mainly to irrigate agricultural land in the drought prone Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. It also provides water for drinking and industrial usage to nearby towns and villages and to the municipalities and industrial areas of Aurangabad and Jalna.The surrounding area of the dam has a beautiful garden and a bird santuary.

Paithan:

Is an ancient taluka town, which lies 50 km. to the south of Aurangabad. The looms of Paithan still weave the beautiful Paithani saris that are prized by women. It has formed a very important excavation site recently. Of the few attractions found nearby, the Jayakwadi dam is a treat to the eyes of the avid bird watchers. The garden is on the lines of Vrindavan Garden of Mysore with channels of flowing water, musical fountain, varied trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers. It is one of the best maintained gardens. The lighting arrangement is also very charming. The entire garden creates the most picturesque and enchanting environment. The town is also famous for the Dnyaneshwar Udyan, which is the largest garden in Maharashtra, and a museum which treasues a fascinating collection of art. * Ellora: The cave temples of Ellora, listed among the World Heritage sites, are 30 km northwest of the city. Ellora caves are again rock-cut caves with beautiful temples and monasteries. There are 34 caves in all, which have been segregated as 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 A.D.), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 A.D) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 A.D.). Lately 22 new caves have been discovered that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved out of a single huge rock, there is a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, vestibule, sanctum and tower. The Kailash Temple near the caves is a major attraction of this place.

Ajanta:

The world famous Buddhist caves at Ajanta, also a World Heritage site, lies to the northeast of Aurangabad. The splendid caves of Ajanta are not new to anyone. Nestling in the tranquil laps of the Sahyadri hills, at a distance of 100 km. from Aurangabad are 30 rock cut caves of Ajanta that date back to 2nd century B.C. The caves have on display, exquisite paintings, and sculptures depicting Buddha's life, halls and monasteries. The land was discovered in 1819, by a group of British Officers.

Pariyon ka Talab:

Situated at a distance of 30 km in Khuldabad, Pariyaon ka Talab translated to mean 'Fairies' Lake', is a large lake with steps all along its western shore and a stage like platform which bears great resemblance to the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. On Its banks is the mausoleum of Ganj Rawan Ganj Baksh, believed to be the earliest Mohammedan saint of the Deccan. Pari-ka-talab is also known as Ganj Rawan Talab.[14]

Bani Begum Gardens:

24 kilometres from Aurangabad lie the Bani Begum Gardens, which surrounded the tomb of one of Aurangazeb's queens. Bani Begum was the wife of one of Aurangazeb's sons. One can come across fluted pillars, massive domes and fountains that are built is various different styles.

Mhaismal:

33 km from Aurangabad, is another tourist spot. Mhaismal originally called 'Maheshmal'. An ancient temple of Girijamata is in the village and an exact replica of Lord Balaji temple, Tirupati is located at the top of hill. It is a small but beautiful hill station situated in the vicinity of Ellora caves has also become a hotspot for adventure sports like paragliding and parasailing.

Lonar Crater:

122 km away from the city is Lonar - one of the world's 5 largest craters, formed by the impact of meteorite nearly 50,000 years ago. It is also believed that impact craters like the Lonar crater is one of the probable causes for the extinction of dinosaurs. The surface diameter of the crater is nearly 1.75 km., and its depth is nearly 132 metres. At its base has formed a beautiful lake, formed over thousands of years by the perennial streams flowing into the crater. On the periphery of the lake are temples built in the 12th - 13th century. Their exquisite carvings are remnants of their glorious past.

Gautala Sanctuary:

Is a sanctuary situated at a distance of 65 km from Aurangabad. Spread in the hill ranges of Sahyadri in the proximity of Aurangabad and Chalisgaon. The diversified vegetation scattered intermittently support rich faunal and floral diversity. Particularly it is good for sloth bear habitat and excellent for resident and migratory birds.

Museums:

Aurangabad is home to some of the best museums that are unknown and forgotten. It hosts the State Archaeology Museum (Sonehri Mahal), University History Museum and Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Museum. These museums house some of the historical landmarks of this city's growth. Objects from the excavations of the ASI - Archaeological Survey of India are here. Coins, medals, seals, tools, arms, armour, jewellery, manuscripts, textiles, gems can be seen here but are little known and unique. * Folk Art: Aurangabad hosts the greatest folk art traditions and can boast of Tamashas and Lavanis, Powadas and Gondhals, Rang Baazi and Sawaal Jawab, Dhol Nritya, Jhimma, Phugdi, Tarpi, Dindi and Folks Songs.

Other attractions: Ideal Gateway to Religious Destinations namely Shirdi, Nanded, Paithan, Grishneshwar, Shani Shingnapur, Aundha Nagnath, Parli Vaijnath, Khadkeshwar, Bhadra Maruti Deosthan all of which are well connected by road and railways to the city.