Aurangabad

The city of Daulatabad was once the capital of Muhammad bin-Tughlaq when he shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. The name Daulatabad or the city of wealth was given by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The city was named as Devagiri before Tughlaq shifted his entire population from Delhi to Daulatabad. This shift was one of the most gruesome city transfers ever as people who refused to leave Delhi were tortured and even murdered. Eventually, the city was abandoned due to scarcity of water and Tughlaq was forced to shift base back to Delhi. Some Muslims who came with Muhammad bin Tughlaq referred to stay back in Daulatabad. This explains the unique demography of the city.

Devagiri Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad Timings: 8:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M (all days are open)

Devagiri Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad Entry Fees: INR 5 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreign nationals.

Maharashtra is a place where you will find wonderful art pieces, some are hundreds of years old!

One such famous collection of art pieces is the Ellora caves in Aurangabad. Located near Aurangabad, the caves of Ellora are a fine specimen of architecture, containing sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain belief systems.

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Timings: 8:00 A.M to 5:30 P.M.

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Entry Fees: INR 40 for Indian nationals and INR 600 for foreign nationals

Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad is a beautiful mausoleum built for Dilras Begum, the first and beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Bibi ka Maqbara is also known as the Tomb of the Lady. This is one of the largest structures to have been built during Aurangzeb's reign. Bibi ka Maqbara is the only Mughal architecture in the southern part of India. It is an architectural wonder boasts of intricate designs, carved motifs, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Bibi ka Maqbara AurangabadTimings: 8:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M (opens for all days)

Bibi ka Maqbara AurangabadEntry Fees: INR 15 for Indian nationals and INR 200 for foreign nationals

Ajanta caves are a group of 30 spellbinding Buddhist caves that have colorful paintings, murals, and sculptures associated with the life of Buddha. All these caves are carved out of a horseshoe-shaped rock face mountainous region overlooking Wagora River. Ajanta caves were hidden by thick forests and were unknown to the world for 1000 years till John Smith, a young British officer, spotted the caves accidentally during a hunting expedition. Along with paintings and sculptures of Buddha, there were several sensuous representations of famous princes, princesses, animals, palaces, jewelry, lovemaking and life. These caves were used as a retreat by the Buddhist monks and they have prayer halls (chaitya Griha) and monasteries (Vihara).

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad Timings: 9.00 A.M to 5.00 P.M. (open for all days)

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad Entry Fees: INR 40 for Indian nationals and INR 600 for foreign nationals.