Aurangabad Caves
Hidden in the hills just outside of the city are a cluster of caves probably excavated in the early sixth century. There are Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. Some of the chaitya halls here are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulating of the Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne. (More updates on Ajanta, Ellora )
Excursions
Daulatabad
This fortress with an amazing history started as an old Hindu stronghold that was captured and plundered in the 13th century. Made the second capital of the Delhi Sultanate a hundred years later, Daulatabad was held as a fine fortress by successive dynasties in the Deccan. Dominated by a great conical hill, Daulatabad commanded a natural pass; artificial scarping made it impregnable. The Chand Minar, a 30 m. high minaret with three circular galleries, looked down over the approach from the north and east and had a defensive as well as religious role in this fortress.
Khuldabad
A few kilometres from Daulatabad is the austere, plastered masonry monument that commemorates the memory of Aurangazeb who directed that his tomb should be the simplest possible.
Ghrishneshwar Temple
Less than half a kilometre from Ellora is the Ghrishneshwar Temple; one of the 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra.
Pithalkora
78 kms from Aurangabad, on the ancient trade route linking Ajanta and Ellora and progressing to the coast, is a group of 13 cave sanctuaries -- chaityas and viharas -- dating back to the second century B.C. with additions in the fifth and sixth centuries. The beautiful sculptured facade of the great vihara (cave 4) still impresses though it has largely crumbled away. The relief work in Pithalkora is richer and more elaborate, the carving more precise, than at other early sites.
Paithan
The ancient city and pilgrimage centre of Paithan is situated on the banks of the Godavari, 56 kms. south of Aurangabad. The Marathi poet-saint Ekanath lived here and several centuries ago Paithan was famous as a seat of learning. It is also well-known for the beautiful 'Pathanis' -- silk sarees with intricate zari borders.
Of special interest to nature lovers are the gardens around the Jayak Wadi Dam nearby where observation points enable you to watch resident and migratory birds.
Getting there
The Deccan city of Aurangabad is a convenient base for visiting its ancient environs. It is accessible by air, rail and road from Bombay & Delhi.
By Air: Aurangabad airport is 10km. from the city and is airlinked directly to Delhi and Bombay.
By Rail: Aurangabad is a section on the Manmad - Kachiguda line on SCR. Passengers from Bombay and Delhi change at Manmad railway Junction, 114km. away from Aurangabad.
Bombay-Aurangabad (via Manmad) 375km. Delhi-Aurangabad (via Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, Bhusawal, Manmad) 1395km.
Jalgaon, a railhead on CR, is only 59 kms. from Ajanta.
By Road: Bombay-Aurangabad is 388km. (via Mumbai) Bombay-Aurangabad is 400km. (via Pune). Delhi-Aurangabad is 1323km. (via Mathura, Agra, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Indore, Dhule, Jalgaon, Ajanta).
S.T. buses run from Bombay, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik & Dhule to Aurangabad, and from Jalgaon to Ajanta. MTDC operates daily bus services and conducted tours from Bombay to Aurangabad by luxury coach.
Information: Courtesy Government of India
