Ellora

Ellora can be divided into three groups and roughly three periods: Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. In the seventh century A.D. the focus shifted to Ellora, some seventy-five miles away, where another set of caves was created from living rock. Here, not only Buddhism, but Hinduism and the Jain faith inspired the four centuries of arduous labors needed to create these elaborate excavations.. The Buddhist and Jain caves are ornately carved, but are relatively calm, while the Hindu caves seem to burst with divine energy.

Ajanta

Famous for its caves, Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. Recognised as the World Heritage site today, it was discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depict the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD.

Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad fort is located just 13 kilometres from Aurangabad en route Ellora. Made the capital of the Delhi Sultanate a 100 years later by Tughlaq, it was the prime fortress of many successive dynasties in the Deccan. Daulatabad is famous for it’s series of trick defences, secret escape routes. it was an old Hindu stronghold, finally captured and plundered by deceit in the 13^th century. Easily accessible from the major towns nearby, the fort was built during the 12th century. Due to its uncommon location on a pyramid shaped hill, this impressive fortress attracts the attention of all. the Daulatabad fortress was earlier known as 'Devgiri'. It was built by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty. Later the name of the entire place was changed to Daulatabad by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi.

Lonar

At Lonar is one of the world’s 5 largest craters, formed by the impact of a meteorite nearly 50,000 years ago. The surface diameter of the crater is nearly 1.75 kms, and its depth is nearly 132 metres. Its base has formed a beautiful lake . On the shores of the lake are temples built in the 12^th – 13^th century. Probably from the meteorite make the lake water very salty while freshwater springs abound at the crater’s edge.

Shirdi

Approximately 144 kilometres from Aurangabad, Shirdi is a tourist destination considered holy by the Hindus. A large number of tourists come here all through the year to visit the shrine of Sidhi Sai Baba. Moreover, there are some more holy shrines closely related to Sai Baba here. Easily accessible from the nearby towns, Shirdi is an important excursion destination from Aurangabad

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