ALSphere Foundation
Aurangabad is most famous for Ajanta Ellora caves. They are located around 99 km north of Aurangabad. Ajanta caves is closed on Monday and Ellora is closed on Tuesday, so plan your trip accordingly, keeping into consideration that the caves close by 5.30 pm.
Aurangabad is at a distance of approximately 325 kms from Mumbai and takes around 5.5 – 6 hrs to reach from Mumbai. We took the Mumbai- Kalyan-Nasik Road, and then Mumbai-Nagpur highway via Aurangabad.
UNESCO has designated Ajanta Ellora caves as World heritage sites. It is believed that the Ajanta caves have been built between the period 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. Ajanta caves are 29 in number and Ellora caves are 34 in number and spread around an area of 2 kms, and are located 15 km west of Aurangabad. These sculptures portray Hindu, Jain, Buddhism teachings and are a combination of Hindu and Jain temples. The Indian rulers of those times supported and sponsored the work at these hand-built caves.
These basaltic rock cut caves depict mesmerizing architecture and sculpture. These exemplary caves showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship, talent, hard work and determination of the ancient people. These monuments consist of splendid carvings, frescoes, murals, elaborate facades and interior walls. We spent an entire day visiting the caves. It is a fabulous experience to witness such grandeur constructed so many centuries back and preserved till date.
Don’t miss the Kailash temple which is the single most monolithic in the world. This complex has more sunlight exposure as it was excavated downward from a basaltic slope formation. The complex measures some (50 meters) long, (33 meters) wide, and (30 meters) high and has four levels, or stories. It contains numerous fixed sculptures, halls with inbuilt stairs, doorways, windows, and elaborately carved monoliths.
Bibi ka Maqbara-
Bibi ka Maqbara is a tomb in remembrance of Aurangzeb’s first wife, Dilras Begum, and is situated 3 kms from Aurangabad city. The structure of Bibi ka Maqbara somewhat resembles that of Taj at Agra, hence it is popularly known as the mini-Taj of the Deccan.
Located at a distance of 4 kms from Aurangabad railway station is Panchakki which is a water mill located at Baba Shah Musafir Dargah. It was setup with an aim to generate electricity using water brought down from a spring. The Panchakki watermill was used to grind grains for the pilgrims who visited the Dargah.
Exploring these caves gives a feeling of wonderment and awe. As we trudge along the caves and cover the vast area by foot, our body may feel tired at times, but our soul is in high spirits. Aurangabad trip was one of the most memorable, unforgettable, and mesmerizing experiences.
Anupama Kadwad
