Aurangabad is a city that preserves a rich cultural heritage. Located in the northern part of Maharashtra, Aurangabad is located at a distance of 375 kms from Mumbai. Aurangabad is better known as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who ruled the country from the place till his death, is credited of building many architectural gems that still adorn the landscape of this historical city of Maharashtra. In fact, Aurangabad gets its name from Aurangzeb itself. Aurangabad is also famous for the hand woven brocades of gold and silver known as Himroo.

» Bibi Ka Maqbara

This is the monument for which Aurangabad is best known, probably because it was obviously intended to rival the Taj Mahal, which it imitates. The comparison with the Agra monument has unfortunately somewhat denigrated the Aurangabad tomb which in itself displays a worthwhile architectural design, with much distinguished surface ornamentation in the late Mughal style.

Pan Chakki is the name of an indegenuous watermill built by Malik Ambar in the year 1695. The water mill was designed to generate energy from water brought down from a spring on a mountain. A beautiful garden and fish tank around the place serve as a memorial to Malik Ambar, a Sufi saint much respected by Aurangzeb.

The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are located at some distance from Aurangabad. But tourists can access the caves from Aurangabad only. The magnificent caves, treasures of ancient Indian art forms, have been declared as World Heritage sites. The caves have exquisitely carved out images from Hindu epics and Jataka tales. The three religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism have laid claim to the caves.