Aurangabad is one of the best tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Its collection of Mughal architectural structures, artful temples and forts will take you back in time beckoning to their mysterious features. The main crowd-pullers are Ajanta and Ellora Caves which are also listed as UNESCO World heritage sites. The city is also famous for boasting the replica of Taj Mahal viz. Bibi ka Maqbara. With so many awe-inspiring monuments, the city is pure magic.
These are quintessential monolithic cave temples and the most prominent landmark of the city. Also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, visit these caves to see the unbelievably carved and decorated temples. Get around the in-house monasteries and temples that will show you impeccable incised paintings, sculptures and more. The main highlights are giant sculptures in Ajanta Caves and Kailasa temple in Ellora Caves.
Another exemplary cave structure in the city is Aurangabad Caves. Visit this famous historic site featuring a group of 12 caves. Built during the 6th and 7th century, these are divided into three groups: Northern, Eastern and Western. The noteworthy works are Hinayana style stupa, Mahayana artwork and Vajrayana goddess. Interestingly, these are one of the few caves in India that bear carvings of Buddhist deities of the Tantra tradition.
Panchakki, meaning water mill, is a fine example of medieval engineering. The structure was originally built to generate energy from the water of the spring. It is located near Mahmud Darwaza which is one of the 52 gates of Aurangabad. Also visit the closely located tomb of a Sufi Saint, Baba Shah Musafir. It is a complex housing a mosque, a madrassa, a kacheri, a minister's house, a Sarai and houses for zenanas.
Nicknamed as 'Dakkhani Taj' (Taj of Deccan), it is an exquisite imitation of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Similarly, this mausoleum was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, in memory of his first wife, Dilras Banu Begum. It is the biggest of all structures made by Aurangzeb. The splendid features like Char Bagh, latticework, minarets, etc will remind you of Taj.
Enjoy a ride to the past by visiting this 11th-century fort constructed by first Yadava King. It is one of the noteworthy forts of Maharashtra located on the road from Aurangabad to Ellora. Resting atop a conical hill at 200 m height, the interesting features you should not miss include the Mahakot, Hathi Haud (water tank) and the Royal Bath.
By Air – Aurangabad Airport is the nearest airport that offers regular domestic flights.
By Rail – Aurangabad Railway Station connects it to all parts of the country.
By Road – It has well-maintained National Highways and roads that extend to all major cities.
MarcoFrance1965
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE !
I just came back from a 12 days Rajasthan tour. It was just myself and my 14 year olde daughter. I found Caper surfing the web and had non suggestion from friends and had never read comments or reviews about it. Totally "blind-choice". I was very lucky. The organization was really excellent. The agent that followed us, Mr. Praveen Juyal did a great job. I decided our itinerary and he punctually gave me suggestions on the best management of my choices. The hotel choice was fine and confirmed expectations. We had tour guides in every site seeing location and they were all extremely professional, very punctual and really kind and polite.
But I must say that what made the trip even better was our driver; Mr. Deshraj.
One of those persons that you really wish you could meet once in your life. Not only an excellent driver but always helpful, respectful and friendly. He explained us many things about Indian life along the journey and sometimes stopped for short breaks in beautiful places on the road that were not even mentioned in the guide books. My only regret is that at the end of the trip I didn't have much money left and I left a tip probably not adeguate for the kind of service but I will definitely send him try to sort this maybe in a next trip. Thank you very much Caper and Deshraj.
Dreamer802943
A Memorable Trip
We recently concluded a 12 day driving tour of New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan with Caper Travel. It was most enjoyable !! The logistics arrangements were excellent - from tour planning , hotel selection , vehicle condition to driver. Mr Alok handled the planning, and Mr Vikram was our Tempo driver throughout the journey. Mr Vikram was very helpful , accommodating and patient throughout the tour, despite long hours of driving on the roads ( not to mention India traffic}. We would not hesitate to recommend Caper to our fellow travellers who are thinking of visiting India. Thank You Caper !
goochie33, London, United Kingdom
Golden triangle goa and mumbia
Just come back from an amazing 2 week trip to India. First we done the golden triangle which we chose to do the train trip from Delhi to Agra a must you have to do if not just for the experience. All the cities were wonderful but be prepared to see lots of temple one seems to run into another but wow the taj was my highlight along with the Hindu temple in Delhi. The driving the cows the dogs are everywhere are all an experience. Goa was beautiful we stayed at the taj exotica. In mumbia we done a city tour and ended our trip in the taj for afternoon tea another must. It is a exhilarating trip but one I will never forget. From booking with Manika to all the drivers and guides they were always there to meet us from the airport and hotels on time. They really looked after us thank you all.
Aileen M
Wonderful trip
We have just returned from our first trip to India and we must say it was absolutely fascinating. The itinerary was first class and covered everything we could have wished for. On arrival we were met by a very nice rep and driver who took us to our hotel and sorted out the necessary paperwork with us. We had our driver Vishan for our time in the north and he was terrific, kept the vehicle spotless and kept us supplied with water. We then flew to the south of India and met up with our driver Suhdeer who again was very nice and very informative about things as we drove along. The guides we had on all our trips were excellent and again very informative.
The only down side to it all was that in our package we paid for the drivers accommodation, food and allowance only to find out that the drivers don’t receive this money and if they want accommodation they have to pay for it themselves. We ended up paying one of our drivers an amount for the nights that we had him for him to get somewhere to sleep and food as we were concerned that if he slept in his car he wouldn’t be rested enough to take on the next day driving for 4-5 hours.
All in all Caper Travel are excellent in their planning and can’t fault them for that.
Urquiola, New York City, New York
Caper travel
Recently traveled to India on a private guided tour with Caper Travel. Ms. Mumtaz Khan worked with me on arranging my itinerary.
She was always available to answer all my concerns immediately. On my arrival in Delhi I was welcome with warm smile at the airport by a young gentleman name Kapol Joshi . My experience with the company was amazing and I would highly recommend to anyone traveling to India.
I would also like to mention the personal attention I received at Amritsar by Aman Shara and his lovely wife who welcomed me and my son to their home
and soon to open their beautiful hotel.