1. Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad “The City of Fortune” also called as Devgiri. Daulatabad was built in 1187 by Yadava Dynasty. Later Muhammad Tughlak renamed it as “Daulatabad : the city of fortune”.
Just 15 km away from main city of Aurangabad, Daulatabad Fort is located. Often known as one of the “Seven Wonders of Maharashtra”, Daulatabad fort is the best example of powerful architecture. It’s built on a 200m high conical hill, surrounded by the greenery with architecture beauty and protection from enemies. The view after hiking about 700 odd steps up to the top is mesmerising, fascinating and irreplaceable. If you like trekking then you must visit Daulatabad Fort, reaching the top is the most challenging part for every trekker.
The one more reason to visit Daulatabad Fort is “Chand Minar” also called as Tower of the Moon located near the Fort.
Timing = 8am to 6pm
2. Bibi ka Maqbara
Bibi ka Maqbara (Tomb of Rabia) has similar architecture like “Taj Mahal”. A symbol of love and remembrance Bibi ka Maqbara is a beautiful place to visit in Aurangabad. Maqbara has a Charbagh styled garden and it sits pretty right in centre with the surrounding structure, having a water pool and 61 fountains. Located just 3km away from main city.
Timing = 8am to 8pm.
3. Jayakwadi Dam
The largest irrigation dam in Maharashtra and one of the largest earthen dams in Asia, the fascinating Jayakwadi dam is located on Godavari river at site of Jayakwadi village in Paithan taluka of Aurangabad. Watching the dam will make you feel like you are watching a real ocean with no end. Also visit the bird sanctuary near it and don’t forgot to buy famous “Paithani” for your lovely ladies from Paithan.
Timing = 10am to 6pm
4. Ajanta Caves
Located from just 107km away from Aurangabad, Ajanta caves is the most attractive place for foreign tourist’s. A group of around 32 Buddhist caves that are carved out of rocks, these caves date back to the 2nd century and is considered as the most brilliant form of ancient Indian art.
Since 1983, Ajanta caves has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the walls of caves there are paintings which recounts the life of Lord Buddha. From the architecture, shape, and form of the caves, it is pretty sure that the ancient Buddhist monks used these caves for studying, living and worship purposes. The murals, paintings, and carvings on the wall reveal many unknown facts about the way of living, the cultures and tradition.
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
5. Ellora Caves
Another famous tourist place to visit near Aurangabad is Ellora caves, the another powerful example of Indian architecture. Located around 29 km from the city. This chain of caves were built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the Buddhist clan and Yadav group of the Jains.
A must visit UNESCO World Heritage site in Maharashtra, this series of caves also showcases the perfection and epitome of the pre historic times of the Indian culture.
There are all 34 caves of which, 12 are Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
