Daulatabad: Just 13 kms from Aurangabad , standing on a pyramid - shaped hill, is this impressive fortress, once known as 'Devgiri'. Built in the 12th century by Bhillama, the king of the Yadav dynasty, it was named Daulatabad, the city of fortune, by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. The Sultan was so taken with this fortress, that he decided to shift his capital here. A 5 km massive wall, artificial scarping, spiked gates, dungeons and a variety of complicated defence systems rendered Daulatabad impregnable. The 30 metre high Chand Minar, built by the Bahmani rulers is another famous landmark of the area.

Khuldabad: Khuldabad, or heavenly abode, is a just a few kms away from Daulatabad, a walled city that is the Karbala town or holy shrine of the Deccan Muslims. It houses the tomb of Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal emperor. Before his demise, the emperor himself had the crenellated wall built around the town, which was at that time, an important centre.

Ghrishneshwar Temple: Half a kilometre from Ellora (30 kms) lies this beautiful temple, one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of India, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. The Ghrishneshwar temple, built by Rani Ahillyabai Holkar, a Maratha princess, is the most superb example of medieval temple architecture.

Pithalkora: Nestling within the Satmala range of the Sahyadris, 78 kms from Aurangabad is a group of 13 cave sanctuaries, both chaityas and viharas, that date back to the 2nd century BC. The intricate work on the sculptured facades in these caves, is definitely worth a visit.

Paithan: Situated 56 kms south of Aurangabad, is the ancient capital city of the Satvahanas, Paithan, which is renowned for its Paithani silk saris with exquisite zari borders. Today, it is also an important excavation site. Centuries ago, the famous Marathi poet - saint, Eknath lived here. The Jayakwadi dam here, is a haven for avid nature - lovers, especially those interested in avianfauna. A variety of resident and migratory birds can be sighted here. The best season for bird - watching is between October and March.

Another attraction of this area is the huge Gyaneshwar Udyan, Maharashtra's largest garden, built on the lines of the famous Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore, Pinjore in Haryana and the Shalimar in Kashmir.

Bani Begum Gardens: About 24 kms from Aurangabad are the elegant Bani Begum Gardens, at the centre of which is the tomb of Bani Begum, the consort of one of Aurangzeb's sons. These gardens built in various styles, equipped with massive domes, fountains and fluted pillars, are a fine specimen of the architecture of the time.




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