As I had to try and sort out train tickets again today, I thought that I’d have a ‘lazy’ day…well lazy it was not. I went to the following sights in Aurangabad:
Panchakki
This garden complex literally means ‘Water Wheel’ and it takes its name from the hydro-mill that, in its day, was considered a feat of engineering! Driven by water carried through pipes under the ground from a river 6km away, it was originally used to grind grain for pilgrims.
Bibi-qu-Maqbara
Built by Azam Khan in 1679 as a mausoleum for his mother Rabia-ud-Daurani, this sight is widely known as the ‘poor mans Taj’. It has a very similar look about it to the Taj and even has the bench in front for you to pose! It is much less grand and most of the building is finished in Lime Mortar rather than Marble. Apparently the prince wanted to create the whole thing in Marble but was thwarted by his frugal father who opposed him using state money for the purpose.
Aurangabad Caves
They clearly aren’t as amazing as Ajanta or Ellora but do a pretty good job of making you impressed! Carved out of the hillside in the 6th or 7th Century AD, the 10 caves are all Buddhist and in some of the carvings are pretty arty and risque, featuring some carvings of lovers in interesting positions!
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