Bibi Ka Maqbara Aurangabad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Bibi Ka Maqbara Aurangabad

Also known as the poor man's Taj, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful Mughal monument situated just 5 km from Auragabad in the state of Maharashtra. The monument is a cheap imitation of the great Taj Mahal and is the mausoleum for Aurangzeb's first wife Rabia-ud-Durrani. The structure was built in 1679 by Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah in the memory of his mother (Bibi). An archaeological museum located just behind the mausoleum houses a rare collection of artifacts and articles of personal use from the times of the Mughal era. 

Construction of Bibi Ka Maqbara Bibi Ka Maqbara 
is a beautiful monument built of sandstone and plastered walls. The use of sandstone and plaster in the construction was made mainly to cut down the costs unlike its north Indian rival Taj Mahal which is built entirely of white marble. Designed by Ustad Attah Ullah of Persia, the structure was made on the lines of the Taj Mahal, however it fails to rise up to expectation and the intricate carvings and other beautiful art work as seen on the Taj is somewhat missing on the Bibi Ka Maqbara. However, leaving all comparisons aside, the Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the finest of Mughal constructions which was built during the end of Mughal rule in India.

Grishneshwar Aurangabad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Grishneshwar Aurangabad

Grishneshwar is one of the ancient pilgrim destinations with all the purities and calmness of an Indian village. The religiously important Grishneshwar village is located in the close vicinities of Ellora and Daulatabad near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Grishneshwar is the abode of one of the holy 12 Jyotirlingas, holiest and ancient Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple.Grishneshwar is also known as Kusumeswar, Ghushmeswara, or Grushmeswara, all of the names are related legendary stories of the origin of Grishneshwar. The village offers unpolluted environment for a rejuvenating stay for spiritual enlightenment. 

The village offers serene atmosphere for empowering the mind through the visit of holiest Jyotirlinga. The present village offers many accommodation facilities to the enthusiastic pilgrims for a hassle free temple visit.

Daulatabad Fort Aurangabad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Daulatabad Fort Aurangabad

Daulatabad is situated around 13 kms away from Aurangabad. This place is known for its majestic fortress which was build in 12th century on top of a hill. The Daulatabad fort emerges dramatically over 600 ft above the Deccan plain. It is one of the world's best preserved forts of medieval times and also one of the few impregnable forts in Maharashtra with excellent architecture. The city was named Daulatabad 'The city of fortune', by Mohammed bin Tughluq, the sultan of Delhi. 

The Daulatabad fort is situated on top of a high hill, encircled by thick walls, spiked gates, steep slide ways and a deep trench. The fort has a coiled network of secret, quizzical and subsurface passages. 

Situated on a hill and surrounded by a 40 ft. deep trench with mechanical drawbridges and crocodiles, this fascinating fort becomes impossible for intruders to approach. Along with these, a strong 5 kms long wall and complex series of defenses makes Daulatabad fort one the most secure forts.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Aurangabad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Ajanta and Ellora Caves Aurangabad

Aurangabad is home to the World Heritage Site - the Ajanta & Ellora Caves. A cluster of 29 rock-cut caves at Ajanta which date back to the 2nd century BC is a site of great historic importance. The cave walls are adorned with beautiful paintings, sculptures & fresco's which are believed to be masterpieces of the Buddhist religious art which are reminiscent of the ones found in the caves at Sigiriya in Sri Lanka.

The Ellora Cave temples are an epitome of Deccan rock-cut architecture. Over a 2 km long stretch of caves where monks of different religions carved out sculptures with remarkable attention to detail is a spectacle in itself. The largest monolithic here is the Kailasa Temple in Cave 16 - which took 17,000 laborers, 150 years to complete.

Aurangabad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Aurangabad

Aurangabad Founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, Aurangabad was then known as "Khidki" meaning window. The city served the real purpose of its ancient name as the Mughals could look into the Deccan through it. 

Later in 1953 the city was renamed as Aurangabad when Aurangazeb took over the Deccan kingdom. Aurangabad is most famous for its historical monuments and caves. The most renowned tourists' attraction of Aurangabad is Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, built in memory of Aurangazeb's wife, Begum Rabia Durani. 

Among others there are Aurangabad Caves, Panchakki, Himroo Factory, Darwazas, Daulatabad Fort, Khuldabad, Shirdi, Grihneshwar Temple, Paithan, Ajanata and Ellora Caves, and History Museum of Marathwada University.