An Excursion to Aurangabad

Aurangabad

You are very much likely to return to your place after visiting Ajanta & Ellora caves but there is more to this small city of Maharashtra. If you want to explore more from this place, then here is a small list you can go by!

1. DAULATABAD FORT: Less known among the major attractions in Maharashtra, is this beautiful fort on the outskirts of Aurangabad city which is Daulatabad hence the name, daulatabad fort. I came for the first time to Aurangabad and Google suggested me to add this to my itinerary in exploring this small city of Maharashtra. Daulatabad fort just like rest other forts have these ways a lot of steps (around 730) that would require you to spend your 3 hours approx here and have a great view of the city from above. The very interesting thing about the forts in India is even though they were made for the protection from the enemies but they have this special feature of preserving the history and the architecture that makes them all the more special. So just before entering, you will find street vendors and hawkers selling guide books about the fort as there is no information provided all over. Then you have these local guides who charge you and would let you know the best views and complete detailed history and information about the fort so I would recommend everyone to go for either the books or the guides.

The fort is a big no for the people who have physical aches like joint pain or can't walk much all through. So as you climb up the stairs, the stories pertaining to history comes instantly to you. Not want to mention the same story but yes, (story)

Also, the view from the top would relieve your foot pain to the city view which looks amazing gorgeous during early hours and the time of sunset too.

As the years and decades passed since the time it was built, more small monuments were added to the fort by different dynasties who came, rules and left. It is yet again great to see the different styles of art altogether.

2. BIBI-ka-MAQBARA: The strikingly similar reference to that of Taj Mahal of Agra, this comparatively small but not so attractive looking mausoleum was built by the son of Aurangzeb (a Mughal Ruler), Azam Shah in the sad memory of his mother Rabia-ul-Durani. Just because of such a strong resemblance it is also known as ‘Dakkhani Taj’ or ‘Taj of the Deccan’. It is recommended to visit this at early hours to avoid a lot of crowds. As I entered after buying the tickets, there were small machines like that at metro stations, so we were needed to insert the plastic coin and then only enter. (I personally didn’t really like this idea as it blocks the view from a distance).

It has this typical Mughal garden style with fountains and as you come near the tomb lies the tomb of Rabia-ul-Durani. (Even if it is bit poor copy of Taj, but I feel it shows the same affection and pain one person had towards the other; be it wife or the mother!) The marble style with Arabic/Persian writing can be very well observed closely. Also when you look down at the floor, it has a collection of old Indian coins for all those who have a great interest in it.

After clicking pictures, I went to the garden to find that they have made a large lotus with bricks which is very clearly seen only from the aerial view. It took me around 1.5 hours in total to complete including taking pictures too.

We move forward now to Aurangabad caves!

3. AURANGABAD CAVES: These are a small group of 12 rock cut Buddhist caves that are comparatively of least known to Ajanta-Ellora caves. (Don’t confuse it with the Ajanta-Ellora caves which are located nearby too.) The Aurangabad caves, Bibi-ka-Maqbara and Sonehri Mahal are very closely located to each other and can be covered the same day. In my opinion and as my taste, I loved the scenic view from the top of the whole city rather than the caves (it could be different for person to person) Now to say these are totally unique would be a lie and I can’t describe about each one of them detail. For me, cave no.7 was the best one! It is not only a popular one but filled with baroque inscriptions, detailed versions of Bodhisattvas especially ‘Padmapani’. So you can go deep into the history and enjoy here the most.

4. SONEHRI MAHAL: A place not on my list, just because I never heard/read about it and due to lack of time, didn’t want to spend my time somewhere which could have been skipped or get waste. This faded ‘golden palace’ as the name says is a two storeyed building that has now been converted into a museum. The museum displays variety of past Indian historical coins, artefacts, antique items, coins, religious and cultural significant paintings sculptures and statues too. I would say and give it a thumbs up to all who would love to learn more and more about the history plus this might not be the best but certainly a must visit.

Swip to your right!

5. PANCHAKKI: This is a small place and it is basically a water mill. To specify more, it is a traditional and old water mill (medieval architecture) that was used to generate energy from the water at the time when the machines we use today was just a dream then. Swipe right to see the images!

6. CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MUSEUM: The museum is named on behalf of the famous warrior of Marathas (a historical clan) - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is extremely popular in this state. The museum has six big halls full of weapons. One of the famous pieces includes a 500 year old chain suit and a copy of Quran (Holy book of Islam) wriiten by Aurangzeb (Mughal Ruler) himself. I was also fascinated by the collection of good old coins and the display of original Himroo shawls here. Himroo is a local clothing grown and gained massive popularity among the people and still is considered as a local art. The fabric is made from cotton and silk and the local women can be seen wearing them in sarees and shawls in the city!