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.
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