Aurangabad is not only a convenient point for visiting the remarkable Ajanta and Ellora Caves, but a historical destination of its own. The town is named after Aurangeb, the last of the Mughal Emperors. It was also the place where he buried his wife and built a mausoleum in her memory.

WHAT TO SEE:

AURANGABAD CAVES:
Excavated in three groups on a small hill 7 km. from the city, are the caves of Buddhist origin and comprise monasteries and chapels some of which are beautifully sculpted.

BIBI-KA-MAQBARA:
Literally, the wife’s tomb is 5 km from the city and built the memory of Dikras Banu begum, popularly known as Rabia Durrani, Aurangzeb’s wife. The monument is modeled on Taj Mahal, stands on 1, 37,000 sq. meters and was built between 1657 and1661.

PANCHKKI:
This is a pre- Mughal water-mill which was harnessed to turn large, grinding stones that cursed wheat into flour. The tomb of Baba Shah Musafir is nearby.

EXCURSION:

AJANTA:
Discovered accidentally in 1819 by a hunting party of British officers, the Ajanta caves are located in spectacular surroundings, a horseshoe shaped cliff on looking a deep gorge along which a mountain stream tumbled down and around the hills, thick jungles. The 30 caves are dated between 200 BC and 700AD and virtually trace the evolution of Buddhism in India. From of the caves, are Chaitya (prayer halls or chapels) and the remaining are viharas (monasteries). Most of the caves allow in natural light and ventilation.

The wall of the caves is covered with colorful paintings depicting the life and time of Buddha. The paintings were executed after a plaster of clay, cow-dung and rice husk were put on the rock walls and later smoothed down with coast of time. The colors and dyes used were vegetable or mineral based and some paintings still have their sheen.

ELLORA:
These 34 caves are dated between the 4th and 13th centuries and are not exclusively Buddhist but depict scenes from Jain and Hindu beliefs also. In fact, here the Buddhist caves are simple and austere. The Hindu temple carved between the 6th and 9th centuries are designed to surpass the Buddhist caves, as Hindu kings started a resurgence of the complex are 17 Hindu caves and one side are 12 Buddhist caves and on the other side are 5 Jain caves.

STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Full day excursion to Ajanta caves (106 km.) dating back to the 2nd century BC. The third rock hewn caves are adorned with Buddhist sculpture, and Frescoes portray in epic from the religious and secular life through eight centuries. Visiting Jain Temples, Fort Saib Mosque and Music Gallery.

Half day excursion to Ellora caves (29 kms.) which encompass 34 rocks cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. The most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shiva celestial abode, Kailash. It is the best example of Rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.

Half day city tour visiting the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, built by Aurangzeb as a Tomb for his wife, an imitation of the Taj Mahal at Agra, A Himroos factory where beautiful cotton and silk Fabrics are produced, Panchakki-A watermill within which there is a Tomb of a Muslim Saint.