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This has helped in increasing the popularity of its locally produced traditional textiles and handicraft items too. The Aurangabad Caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries. The walls of the caves have interesting illustrations from the Jataka stories. The Bibi-ka-Maqbara is a tomb built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife Rabia-ud-Daurani Begum. Panchakki is known for its watermill, which is fed by an underground channel from a source located 6 km away in the mountains.
The Himroo Factory manufactures traditional himroo fabrics besides Paithani saris, handloom shawls and other textiles material. Killa Arrack is a citadel built by Aurangzeb in 1692. The Jama Masjid, also built by Aurangzeb, is a low building with minarets and a broad band carved with Koranic inscriptions. The Kali Masjid, built in 1600, is another important monument of Aurangabad. The Shah Ganj Mosque built in 1720 is located in the market square of the old city. The Chauk Masjid is a five-dome mosque built by Shayista Khan, uncle of Aurangzeb in 1665. The Lal Masjid is located in the old city area of Aurangabad.
Aurangabad Caves:
Bibi-ka-Maqbara :- Bibi-ka-Maqbara is a tomb that bears some resemblance with the Taj Mahal. This Maqbara attracts the tourists due to its wonderful architecture and historical importance. It is a mausoleum built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife Rabia-ud-Daurani Begum. Built at the centre of the garden, the marble used here is not as fine as that of Taj Mahal. Besides Bibi-ka-Maqbara, there are some other monuments of related historical importance. The entry into the Maqbara may cost you an entry ticket of a negligible amount.
Panchakki :- The word Panchakki literally means water mill. It is another major attraction of Aurangabad. The mill gets its share of water that travels through an underground channel from a source which is 6 km away in the mountains. The water is released on to the wheel creating an enthralling waterfall. The place also has a garden and fountains with fish-filled tanks enhancing the beauty of the entire area. Panchakki also has a tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint who was spiritual adviser to Aurangzeb.
Himroo Factory :- The Himroo Factory is another tourist attraction of Aurangabad. The traditional Himroo fabric which is a blend of cotton and silk is famous for its quality. You can also find here famous Paithani saris, traditional handloom shawls and other textiles material of Himroo fabric and silver threads. Interestingly, the designs and patterns made on these fabrics are inspired by Ajanta frescoes.
Killa Arrack :- The citadel built by Aurangzeb in 1692 is mostly in ruins now. At its prime, however, the citadel was capital of Aurangzeb where over 50 kings and princes attended his court. The Killa lies between the Delhi and Mecca Gates of the city.
Jama Masjid :- The Masjid built by Aurangzeb is centred in a grove of trees in Killa Arrack. It is a low building with minarets and a broad band carved with Koranic inscriptions written through the length of the facade.
Kali Masjid :- The Kali Masjid built in 1600 is another important monument of Aurangabad. Situated in the old city, it is a six-pillared stone mosque built by Malik Amber, an Abyssinian slave who became Prime Minister (Wazir) to the king of Ahmadnagar.
Shah Ganj Mosque :- The mosque located in the market square of the old city was built in 1720. It has shops on its three sides.
Chauk Masjid :- This five-dome mosque was built by Shayista Khan, the uncle of Aurangzeb in 1665.
Lal Masjid :- Built in 1655, Lal Masjid, as the name suggests, is in red-painted basalt. The mosque is again located in the old city area of Aurangabad.
Aurangabad Excursions:
Ajanta :- Famous for its caves, Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. Recognised as the World Heritage site today, it was discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depict the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD.
Ellora :- Ellora is one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India. Just 30 kilometres Northwest of Aurangabad, Ellora is easily accessible from the nearby major towns. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.
Daulatabad Fort :- Daulatabad fort is located just 13 kilometres from Aurangabad en route Ellora. Easily accessible from the major towns nearby, the fort was built during the 12th century. Due to its uncommon location on a pyramid shaped hill, this impressive fortress attracts the attention of all. According to the locals here, the Daulatabad fortress was earlier known as 'Devgiri'. It was built by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty. Later the name of the entire place was changed to Daulatabad by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. Apart from this, a 5 km massive wall surrounding the fort, spiked
gates of the fortress and the 30 metre high Chand Minar built by the Bahmani rulers also attract a number of tourists to this place every year.
Shirdi:- Approximately 144 kilometres from Aurangabad, Shirdi is a tourist destination considered holy by the Hindus. A large number of tourists come here all through the year to visit the shrine of Sidhi Sai Baba. Moreover, there are some more holy shrines closely related to Sai Baba here. Easily accessible from the nearby towns, Shirdi is an important excursion destination from Aurangabad.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS:
During February/March Mahashivratri is enthusiastically celebrated in the temple of Ghrishneshwara. The temple is situated near Ellora.
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