Aurangabad is one of the important cities of Maharashtra and Central India. Aurangabad is a historic city that traces its origins to the early Buddhist era of 200 BC. The City is the gateway to the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves and the temple town of Shirdi. Besides these important places of tourist interest, Maharashtra, that’s covered by SCR, also has some beautiful hill resorts and famous temples.

Places of interest in Aurangabad

Aurangabad Caves
Aurangabad Caves are artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.

Panchakki
An engineering feat of the time is the Panchakki, or the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flour mill and grind grain for the pilgrims.

Daulatabad Fort
Famous for its temporary status as the capital of India, Daulatabad Fort is one of the oldest and impregnable forts of India. Constructed in 1187 AD by the Yadavas, the fort became the center of political activity under the reign of Mod-bin-Tughlaq in the 14th century.

Excursions

Bani Begam Gardens - 24 kms. from Aurangabad, you can find the tomb of Bani Begam - companion to one of Aurganzeb's sons. It lies amidst sprawling landscaped gardens, interspersed with fluted pillars, elegant domes and aesthetic fountains - showcasing the splendid architecture of the times.

Ajanta - A few hours drive from Aurangabad is Ajanta, home to the greatest cave temples of ancient India. 30 rock cut caves, dating back to 200 BC, enthrall the visitors with spectacular Buddhist paintings, narrating Buddhist stories.

Ellora - Not too far away from Aurangabad are the Ellora temples. Known for their sculptural detail, the caves of Ellora house Hindu, Buddhist and Jain deities side be side. The Kailashnath temple, hewed out of a single mountain is a salute to the architectural magnificence of a bygone era.Visitors in December can catch the Ellora Festival.

How to Reach Aurangabad?

By Air - Aurangabad airport is conveniently located 10km from the city.
By Rail - Aurangabad is well connected to Mumbai and other cities.
By Road - There are several luxury and state run bus services that ply between Mumbai and Aurangabad and the Ajanta/Ellora Caves.