Deccan Odyssey (Day by Day) Tour
Day 06 : Aurangabad (Monday)
Next
morning traveling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past,
you travel way back in time to Aurangabad. Founded by Aurangzeb, Aurangabad's
heritage is rich and varied.
After breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the majestic fortress
of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its day, it still stands tall and proud.
Walk around the ruins, which tell you extraordinary stories of bravery and valour.
Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves. Just 30 kms. From Aurangabad the
historical Ellora caves is now a World Heritage Site. The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist
caves at Ellora are among the finest in India. Lying on the ancient trade route,
the caves are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who used the route.
Abandoned and forgotten for a few centuries, the 34 caves were cut out of volcanic
rocks of the Deccan trap. 12 are Buddhist (600 to 700 AD), 17 Hindus (800 -
1000 AD) and five Jain(1000 - 1300 AD). The Buddhist caves belong to the Vajrayana
sect of the Mahayana School. The caves include 'viharas' (monasteries) and 'chaityas'
(chapels) where the monks worshipped. The Hindu caves lie in the center of the
group. The most famous of them being the Kailasanatha Temple (8th century).
It is the most famous magnificent of all the rock-cut structures at Ellora.
Completely open to the elements, it is the only building that was begun from
the top. The Jain caves, less grand in comparison to the other are richly carved
with lotus, elephant, lions and 'tirthankaras' of Lord Mahavira. They offer
an aura of peace and simplicity.
Come back to Aurangabad for luch at the Taj hotel with live cultural entertainment.
Next stop is the Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha
Empire. Just beyond the city, lies the Aurangabad Caves with highly ornate and
strikingly detailed sculptures and architecture. Dating from the Vakataka and
the succeeding Kalachuri dynasties (2nd and 6th centuries AD), these 10 caves,
five in each group are also a World Heritage Site.
Move on to the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a tribute of the Emperor's son to his mother.
A replica of Taj Mahal, the fairy tale maqbara stands out as the only piece
of Moghul architecture on the Deccan Plateau. Spend some time browsing through
Paithani and Himroo showrooms for a perfect memorabilia.
Soon, it's time to go back to the station for a mouth-watering feast in the
train and then to travel even further back in time.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
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Deccan Odyssey (Day by Day) Tour
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