Aurangabad Holiday

Aurangabad is a city located in the state of Maharastra. It was named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is the prized possessor of a number of monuments of historical importance. It remained the powerful seat of the Mughal empire during the reign of Aurangzeb. The entire city has earned International recognition because of its Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aurangabad has also been a witness to the ups and downs of several dynasties of the bygone eras like: Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas. Every stone of the caves is steeped in history and has a story to narrate. The various monuments present here attracts the tourists from distant lands all through the year.

Eye Candies
Ajanta & Ellora Caves : The caves of Ajanta & Ellora exhibit the true Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta due to their artistic legacy are the major source of attraction for the tourists from all over. The caves here are not natural caves but are rather man-made temples that have been cut in to a massive granite hillside. The caves at Ajanta & Ellora were constructed long time back by early Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks who used to stay and worship in these caves.
Bibi -Ka-Maqbara :This monument in Aurangabad is very famous among the tourists. It is the mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's queen built by his son in 1679. The mausoleum seems to be a replica of the Taj Mahal and demonstrates a fine example of Mughal architecture.

Pan Chakki : This watermill was built in the 17th century and was used to grind grains for the pilgrims. The watermill was designed to generate energy through water. The water used, was brought down from a spring on a mountain which used to located nearby. The Pan Chakki was built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The dead body of a Sufi saint dear to Aurangzeb also lies buried here near the Pan Chakki.

Daulatabad : Located at about 13 kms from Aurangabad lies on the pyramid shaped hill this magnificent fortress also known as 'Devgiri'. The fortress was built in the 12th century by Bhillama, the king of the Yadav dynasty. However the fortress got its name from the then Sultan of Delhi, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. The fortress is equipped with several defence systems that has made Daulatabad impregnable.

Bani Begum Gardens : The gardens of Bani Begum lies at about 24 kms from Aurangabad. At the centre of the gardens lies the tomb of Bani Begum. The gardens present a variety and a great style. They are at the same time adorned with massive domes, fountains and fluted pillars.

Dining
There are a good number of palate pleasing restaurants in the city of Aurangabad. The restaurants are expert in serving quality food to the tourists. One can find a variety of cuisine available in these eating joints. Some of the famous ones are:

• 56 Bhog
• Angeethi
• Biryani House
• Castle Inn
• China Town
• Darbar
• Chanakya
• Foodlovers

Accommodation
Aurangabad has no dearth of fine accommodation options for the visitors from distant lands. Some of the famous hotels of Aurangabad are:

• 5 Star
• WelcomHotel Rama International
• Ambassador Ajanta
• Taj Residency
• 3 Star
• Hotel Aurangabad
• Hotel President Park

Shopping Fever
The city of Aurangabad is rich in art and culture and therefore offers an immense scope of shopping to the tourists. Aurangabad in Maharastra is mostly famous for fabrics, silver, old coins and semi-precious stones. The 'Paithani Sil Sarees', 'the silk Himru' and' Mashru Shawls 'of the city are very popular and prove to be the essential buys when in Aurangabad. The variety of silver jewellery made out of stone is one of the hot favourites of many. The intricate silver inlay craft as patronized by the Mughals still is alive in Aurangabad.

How To Reach
Aurangabad is easily accessible by rail, road and air. The city is directly connected to Delhi and Mumbai by air. The Aurangabad Airport is situated 10 km east of the city. Aurangabad can be reached by rail from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.There are two trains that depart from Mumbai daily- the Tapovan Express and the Devgiri Express. Aurangabad is well connected with other major cities of the state by a good network of roads. There are several luxury and state run buses that take the tourists to Mumbai, Aurangabad and the Ajanta & Ellora Caves.