Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here.
Aurangabad city in West-Central Maharashtra is in Western India. It is in a hilly upland region on the Kaum River. The city, originally known as Khadki, was founded by Malik Ambar in 1610. It was renamed by Aurangzeb, who built the BibiKaMaqbara tomb near the city as a replica of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Aurangabad remained the headquarters of the independent Nizams (rulers), but it declined when the capital was moved to Hyderabad in the Hyderabad princely state. With the dissolution of the princely state in 1948, Aurangabad was included in Hyderabad state in newly independent India. It later became part of Bombay State (1956-60) before that state was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Bibi ka Maqbara
Situated about 3 KM from the city is BibiKaMaqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is a replica of the Taj Mahal at Agra, and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions.
Ellora and Ajanta Caves
The world-famous Ellora and Ajanta Caves are situated at 29 KM and 107 KM respectively from Aurangabad city and come within the Aurangabad district. The Ellora Caves consist of 34 caves built between the 5th and 10th century CE under the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. They represent the essence of Indian rock-cut architecture. The Ajanta Caves includes 30 rock-cut caves around a gorge, built by the Satavahana, Vakataka and Chalukya dynasties between the 2ndand 5thcentury CE. Both the Ellora and Ajanta Caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Siddharth Garden and Zoo
This is a park and zoo situated near the central bus station in Aurangabad. It is popular amongst the touristssince it is the only zoo in the Marathwada region. There are various types of animals and birds. The name of “Siddhartha” has been kept on the name of Gautama Buddha.
Panchakki (water mill)
Located near the Dargah complex of Baba Shah Musafir, this is a 17th-century watermill situated at a distance of 1 KM from the city. An intriguing water mill, the Panchakki is famous for its underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 KM to its source away in the mountains. The channel leads to an artificial waterfall that powers the mill.
Grishneshwar
Grishneshwar, which is known as Ghushmeshwar too, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is twelfth Jyotirlinga, the sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is located 11 KM from Daulatabad Fort, near Aurangabad. The temple is located near Ellora Caves.
Daulatabad Fort
The Daulatabad Fort also known as Devgiri Fort is located about 15 KM northwest of Aurangabad was one of the most powerful forts during the medieval period. Built in the 12th century CE by the Yadava Dynasty, it is a citadel that was never conquered by any military force. The British called it the “Best fort of India.”