The next destination of the Deccan odyssey is
Aurangabad. The Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, founded Aurangabad.
Aurangabad is home to the world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora,
along with the fortress of Daulatabad. After breakfast on board the
train, you will be driven to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad. The
Daulatabad fort was built in the medieval period and was impregnable in
its day. Take a walk around the ruins, which narrate you the history of
this massive fort.
Your next sojourn is the World Heritage Site, the Ellora Caves. The
Ellora caves are the epitome of Indian rock cut cave architecture. The
Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves at Ellora are among the finest in India.
There are 34 caves at Ellora, comprising of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu
cave temples and monasteries. All the structures at Ellora were built
between the 5th and the 10th century. The Buddhist caves belong to the
Vajrayana sect of the Mahayana School. The caves include 'viharas'
(monasteries) and 'Chaityas' (chapels) where the monks used to worship.
The Hindu caves lie at the center of the group. The most famous of the
Ellora rock cut structures is the Kailasanatha Temple (8th century).
Enjoy your lunch at Aurangabad with live cultural programme and later
head for the Shivaji Museum, which houses weapons and antiques belonging
to the times of the great Maratha Empire. Another major attraction at
Aurangabad is the Aurangabad Caves. These caves date back to the
Vakataka and the Kalachuri dynasties. One more important historical
place at Aurangabad is Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, built by the Mughal emperor,
Aurangzeb. The Bibi-ka-Maqbara is a replica of the Taj Mahal. You can
also try your hands at shopping for Paithani and Himroo. After a great
day of sightseeing, its time for you to get back on the Deccan Odyssey
and head for another beautiful destination!


