A replica of the Taj Mahal, the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is the only example of Moghul architecture of its kind in the Deccan plateau. The Bibi-Ka-Maqbara was built in 1679 by Emperor Aurangazeb's son, as a tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durani. It is the finest Mughal monument in the South and is called the Taj of the Deccan due to its close resemblance to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Nestled in an inner fold of the Sahyadri hills, 100 km from Aurangabad lie the world-famous rock-hewn caves of Ajanta. These 30 caves, arranged in the shape of a mammoth horseshoe date back to the 2nd century B.C. Discovered in 1819, by a group of British army officers, these fabulous temples took around 600 years to create. Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta, once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders features several 'chaityas' (chapels) and 'viharas' (monasteries). The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures of Buddha's life are renowned worldwide for being the earliest and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art.
A 17th century water-mill that takes its name from the mill which used to grind grain for the pilgrims and disciples of saints as well as for troops of the garrison. A mountain spring about eight kilometres away provides the water which powers the mill using a maze of cleverly set underground earthen pipes.
The almost-forgotten caves of Aurangabad lie just outside the city. Excavated between the 2nd and 6th Century A.D, they reflect Tantric influences in their iconography and architectural design. In all there are nine caves, which are mainly viharas (monasteries). The most interesting among these are Cave Nos. 3 and 7. The former is supported by 12 highly ornate columns and has sculptures depicting scenes from the legendary 'Jataka' tales. Cave 7 with its detailed figures of bejewelled women also has a dominating sculpture of a 'Bodhisattva' praying for deliverance.
This 18th Century temple, with its beautiful architecture and carvings, is located just half a kilometre from the Ellora Caves (30 km from Aurangabad). The temple is one of the five 'Jyotirlingas' in Maharashtra where Lord Shiva is worshipped. While you are here, another place worth visiting is the Holkar Temple nearby.
