Aurangabad Travel Guide

The capital city of the then Marathwada region it is a take-off point for tours to the famous stone-carved cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora. It is now also a major industrial centre of Maharashtra.

Sightseeing includes Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Khuldabad , the city of Paithan and Ghrishneshwar temple.

Places of attraction

Bibi Ka Maqbara: This is the monument for which Aurangabad is best known probably because it was obviously intended to rival the Taj Mahal which it imitates. It is the only example of Moghul architecture of its kind in the Deccan plateau. It was built in 1679 by Aurangzeb’s son in tribute to his mother Begum Rabia Durani Rabic-ud-Duvani.

Mention may also be made here of the Sunheri Mahal situated to the north of Bibi ka Maqbara. This is a notable building in the late Mughal style. It is of interest for the patches of old paintings and goldwork that adorn the walls.

Pan Chakki: A 17th century watermill that takes its name from the mill which used to grind grain for the pilgrims. The water distribution system built in 1695 was the engineering feat of Malik Ambar architect of Aurangabad city. The watermill is fed from a large rectangular reservoir. This has an artificial cascade on one side which supplies water to the north-west corner of the mill. Ceramic pipes then conduct water to the lower chamber of the mill rotating an iron fan that results in the movement of the grind stone in the upper chamber.

In 1624 a Sufi saint a spiritual guide to Aurangazeb was buried here. The gardens with its several fish tanks serve as his memorial.

Are you a travel agent? Register with us for leads and business opportunities.