Archive for the ‘Aurangabad’ Category
November 16th, 2011 | 
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Aurangabad city serves as the headquarters of the district of the same name. Located on the right bank of the Kham River, the city is visited by a large number of tourists every year. One of the major attractions of Aurangabad is that it serves as the gateway to the exotic caves of Ajanta and Ellora, two of the World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra. Apart from that, there are a number of other tourist places near the city that make excellent excursions from it. These excursion places, combined with the attractions of the Aurangabad city itself, make it so popular amongst visitors. Given below is information on the major excursions from Aurangabad.
Places Of Attractions
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated 5 km away from Aurangabad. Aurangazeb’s son, Prince Azam Shah built it in 1678 in the memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani. This mausoleum is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal. Despite the layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to Taj Mahal, somehow the architecture fails to produce the magic of the Taj. Hence, it is considered to be a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal.
Amjhar Sharif
Amjhar Sharif bears religious significance for being an important Islamic pilgrimage centre of Aurangabad. Located about 10 km away from Panchrukhia, on the Daudnagar-Gaya Road, Amjhar Sharif is abode of an ancient mazaar (grave) of a Muslim saint – Hazrat Saiyadana Mohammad Jilani Amjhari Quadri. Thousands of Muslims visit this pilgrimage center on the anniversary of the great saint, which is held in the first week of June. The holy hair of the saint is put on display on the occassion.
Aurangabad Caves
Aurangabad caves are just a few kilometers away from the famous monument of Bibi Ka Maqbara. These caves are believed to be excavated between 2nd and 6th century AD. Aurangabad caves are carved out of the hillside and are a fine piece of architecture. A major chunk of the caves in Aurangabad are Viharas. Total number of caves is twelve; out of which cave number 3 and 7 are the most fascinating ones. Cave number 1 to 5 are in the western group and caves from 6 to 10 are in the eastern group. Tantric influences are noticeable in Aurangabad caves.
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It was constructed after the completion of the Baradari by levying a contribution of a damri or quarter of a dub on all laborers employed.
The Damri Mahal which is close by was built after the completion of the Barra Darri. It is so named because it was constructed by levying a contribution of a ‘damri’ or the quarter of a dub, on an laborers employed on Barr Darri. An arcaded verandah projects in front like a portico, and contains five scolloped arches. Behind are ten rooms of varying sizes, arranged in a line. To the right are seven atom chambers with antechambers. The entrance is in the right corner. Close by, on a slightly higher level than the rest is another small but detached building. The roof is arched. There are also two cisterns, one in front of the verandah and another outside the building.
The Revenue Office building was known as the Damri Mahal. It was built after the completion of the ‘Barra Darri’. The building was built by imposing a donation of a damri which is equivalent to a quarter of a dub. The contribution was collected from all the labourers employed.
The front of the building has an arcaded verandah. This verandah just in front like a portico. The portico consists of 5 scalloped arches.
Behind the verandah there are 10 rooms of varying sizes. They are arranged in a line. There are 7 chambers and antechambers to the right. The roof is arched.
Situated just on the fringes of Aurangabad are the caves that were carved out during the 2nd to 6th century in Maharashtra. These caves are ten in number and have been shaped out of somewhat soft rock. Tantric Hinduism has been the inspiration of their architecture and iconography. Aurangabad Caves are to be found at two different locations, at a distance of a kilometer. These two locations are referred to as Western Group Caves (Cave 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (cave 6-10).
Western Group Caves
Regarding Western Group Caves, the architecture is absolutely fascinating. Majority of the caves are monasteries, excluding Cave 4 that is perhaps the oldest cave and represents the prayer hall of Hinayana phase amidst its ridged roof and stupa in the forefront. The monasteries essentially represent the early style of Buddhist monastery having an open court, encircled by open cells. Cave 3 is the masterpiece amongst all, with its beautifully carved pillars and sculptures depicting scenes from the Jatakas. Other caves are essentially monasteries, which usual have an open court encircled by open cells.
Eastern Group Caves
The Eastern Group Caves are no less than the former group in terms of design and architecture. Cave 6 is considerable for its amazing picturization of women, specially their hairstyles and ornamentation. Outside this cave, you can see amazing figure of both, Lord Ganesha and Buddha. Whereas Cave 7 is the most remarkable of all the caves in Aurangabad, principally for its sculptures that portray figures of women meagerly dressed and richly ornamented. It also indicates the augment of Tantric Buddhism during the period. A visit to Aurangabad Caves would give an insight into the rock-cut architecture of India.
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Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys. Lush flora. Cool, crisp mountain air. This is Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra’s most popular hill station, and once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj. |
| Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’ in Sanskrit. Indeed, the place is great and bountiful, rewarding the visitor with a mix of old-world charm, natural beauty and modernity. |
| A tour of Mahabaleshwar town and the surrounding countryside would take at least a couple of days as there is much to see and experience. The town bazaar is called Malcolm Peth after the then British Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm. It lies at the heart of Mahableshwar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds. |
| Mahabaleshwar has proper, motorable roads to every point worth visiting. So one could tour the place by car, jeep, or even horseback. There are many buildings and sites that take one back to the days of the Raj. There’s Mount Malcolm, the one-time residence of Governor Malcolm; Moraji Castle, where Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945; and the Mahabaleshwar Club. |
| As short drive from town is the beautiful Venna Lake, where one can go boating, fishing, and pony riding. Or indulge oneself at the entertainment center with its numerous food and game stalls. Near the lake, further down the road on the way to neighbouring Panchgani, are the great strawberry fields. |
| Mahabaleshwar is known for its numerous sightseeing points, each providing a unique perspective of the majestic hill range. En route to Babington Point is Dhom dam, which is a good place to take a break. Or one could visit Old Mahabaleshwar and the famous Panchganga Mandir, which is said to contain the springs of five rivers: Koyna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and the sacred Krishna River. There’s also the Mahabaleshwar Mandir, revered for its Swayambhu Lingam |
| Mahableshwar is a great holiday destination throughout the year, except for the monsoon months. During the late-June to mid-September period, torrential rains virtually shutdown this hill station, so travel is not advised at this time. |
SIGHTS
| Mount Malcolm |
| Built in 1829, this was one of the famous buildings of its time. |
| Holy Cross Church |
| The stained glass windows of this old Roman Catholic Church still retain their beauty. |
| Mahabaleshwar Club |
| Built in 1881, the Mahabaleshwar Club offers a peaceful retreat for those wanting to get away from it all. The Club offers many recreational facilities, including a badminton court and a mini golf course. Facilities are available to everyone at a very low fee. For those who prefer the quiet outdoors, there is a jogging track encircling the premises, edged with beautiful rose bushes. The Club also offers a clear view of Venna Lake below. Every year, Christmas is celebrated here with much fervour and pomp by the club members. |
| Pratapgad Fort |
| About 24 km. away from Mahabaleshwar lies Pratapgad, the pride of the Maratha Empire. Built in 1656, it is a maze of ponds, chambers and long dark walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a 100 meter fall! It was here that Afzal Khan, the mighty general of Bijapur, met his untimely death at the hands of Shivaji. Since Pratapgad lies slightly off the road to Mahabaleshwar, a visit to this historic monument is recommended in all travel itineraries |
| Mahabaleshwar has many points offering great views of flat-topped ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys. Lodwick Point, towering almost 1,240 meters above sea level, is one of the most visited Points and holds a monument in memory of General Lodwick Arthur’s Seat is well liked too for its great view of the Jor Valley. About a kilometer away lies Tiger’s Spring, and if you venture further down you’ll come to a ledge named The window – a point that’s famous for its mesmerizing view. |
| There are many locations offering pleasant views of the plains below: Wilson Point, Carnac Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Bombay Point, Falkland Point, and Kate Point are all well known |
| There are pleasant waterfalls also worth visiting, such as Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Falls and Lingmala Falls, the latter being the most impressive, cascading amost 600 ft from a cliff! |
| Another tourist attraction is the Sangam, or the confluence of the five rivers that flow over the Deccan Plateau. There are many old temples too, which become the focus of attention during the festive season. |
Aurangabad city is located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra in the western region of India. It is 403 km from Mumbai (Bombay). Surrounded by hills, the city is on the banks of the Kham River. Places to see in Aurangabad are :
Aurangabad Caves : Aurangabad Caves are artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.
Cave four of the Western Group Caves is the oldest cave. It is a Hinayana Chaitya with a ridged roof like the Karla Cave near Lonavala. The other four Western caves are viharas. Cave 3, the most fascinating cave of the Western Group, is supported by 12 finely carved columns. They show sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales.
Cave 6 belongs to the Eastern Group Caves, and shows very well preserved sculptures of women, which are notable for their exotic hairstyles and ornamentation. There is also a large Buddha figure and an idol of Ganesh located in this cave.
Cave 7 is the most interesting of the Aurangabad caves. Most impressive are the sculptures, figures of women which are scantily clad and ornately bejewelled. To the left of Cave 7 is a huge Bodhisattva praying for deliverance from the 8 dangers: fire, the sword of the enemy, chains, shipwreck, lions, snakes, mad elephant and demon (representing death).
Bibi-ka -Maqbara : It was built around 1657-1661, by the last of the six great Mughal Emperors, Aurangazeb, for his wife, Rabia Durrani. Aurangazeb’s mausoleum is far less ornamental, than Taj Mahal. The mausoleum stands in a square of 1,37,00 sq. meters. The monument is an excellent example of Persian Architecture. It’s more attractive at night, when it’s floodlit.
Panchkakki : Panchakki (water wheel) takes its name from the mill, which used to grind grain for the pilgrims. It also has the tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint. Dating back to the 17th century, this ingenious watermill was designed to generate energy via water, brought down from a spring on a mountain, located nearby. The energy generated was, further, used to turn the large grinding stones of the flourmill. In 1624, a Sufi saint who was much revered by Aurangzeb was buried here; the gardens and fish tanks serve as his memorial.