Around Aurangabad Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Aurangabad

• Ajanta
• Daulatabad
• Ellora
• Ghrishneshwar
• Khuldabad
• Paithan
• Pitalkhora Caves 

Ajanta

Ajanta is world renowned for the rock-cut Buddhist caves, dating from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. There are about 30 caves nestling in a Panoramic gorge amidst Sahyadri ranges in the form of a gigantic Ajanta Caves horseshoe. This treasure house of art and architecture was discovered in 1819, by a group of British oficers. Today, Ajanta has been designated as a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO. The caves were once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders and comprises of Chaitya halls or shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas or monasteries, used by monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. The frescoes in 5 caves ard some of the sculptures are considered to be among the greatest achievements of lridian artists. The nearest convenient railhead for Ajanta is at Jalgaon (58 kms.).

Daulatabad (13kms.)

The huge hilltop fort here has been described as 'the most impregnable fort ever constructed'. It was earlier known as Devgiri and is said to be constructed by the Yadava Kings in 1338. There are several historical antiquities within the fort.

Ellora(30kms.)

The rock-cut cave temples of Ellora nestles amidst the Chandragiri hills and have been designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In all there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (600 - 875 A.D.), 5 caves of Jain faith (800 - 1000 A.D.) and 22 caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, which were recently discovered. The caves were excavated between 5th and llth century and are adorned with splendid sculptures. The Kailasa temple (cave 16) has been hewn out of a single rock and is considered to be the most gigantic monolithic rock cut temple in the world.

Ghrishneshwar : The sacred site is just half kilometre from Ellora and enshrines one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Khuldabad (3 kms.) : It is the Karbala town or holy shrine of Deccan Muslims. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was buried here.

Paithan (56kms.)

The pilgrim site on the banks of river Godavari is the birthplace of the Marathi poet-saint, Eknath. Several temples dot this pilgrim centre. The Dnyaneshwar Udyan located nearby is laid out on the lines of Mysore's Vrindavan Gardens and is perhaps the largest garden of Maharashtra. The town is also famous forzan work sarees, known as Paithanis.

Pitalkhora Caves (78 kms.)

The 13 rock-cut caves at Satmala ranges were excavated between 2nd century B.C. and 5th century A.D. and are said to be the oldest cave temples in India.