Image Credits : Aur Rang Abad
Image Credits : Ms Sarah Welch
Image Credits : Rashmi.parab
Image Credits : Aak.jain54
Image Credits : Niks887
Image Credits : Sanket901
Aurangabad, a famous tourist place in Maharashtra, is blessed with ancient caves, holiness, culture, and beauty. It allures a heap of international and national tourists every year. Known as a perfect weekend getaway in Maharashtra, Aurangabad is a picturesque and medieval city that can be explored well with family or friends.
Aurangabad is also known as “City of Gates” because there were nearly 52 gates in the city historically. Aurangabad is also the main production center of artistic silk fabrics and cotton textiles. While Aurangabad is heading towards globalization and industrial growth, it preserves most of its heritage, charms, traditions, and glory still. The city promises all its travelers a thrilling holiday experience. You can view many great structures in Aurangabad that are famous for their Mughal Architecture.
The original city’s name was Khadki. It was made the capital city by Malik Ambar. He was the Murtaza Nizam Shah II’s Prime Minister. Khadki soon grew in an imposing and populous city within a decade. In 1626, Malik Ambar died and was succeeded by Fateh Khan, his son. He changed the name of the city from Khadki to Fatehnagar. In 1633, the imperial troops who were the Nizam Shahi dominions captured the Daulatabad Fort. So, Fatehnagar also came under the Mughals possession. Aurangzeb, the Mughal Prince was appointed as the Deccan’s Viceroy for the 2nd time in 1653. He made this city his capital and gave the new name of Aurangabad to it. In 1724, Nizam al-Mulk of Mughals and a Turkic general, Asif Jah in the Deccan area, chose to separate from the collapsing Mughal Empire, with an aim to find his dynasty and chose to make Aurangabad the capital. Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II, his successor and son, transferred the capital to Hyderabad from Aurangabad in 1763. Maratha rule took over this city in 1795after the victory of Maratha in Kharda Battle. The Maratha ruled over this city for 8 years only and then the city was under Nizam of Hyderabad’s rule. The British East India Company gave protection to them after the victory of the British is the War of Anglo-Maratha. The city was famous as Aurungabad under the British Raj.
During the Raj of British, Aurangabad was Hyderabad Princely State’s part. After the Independence of India, it became a part of the Hyderabad state until 1956. However, it became the part of the Bombay state in 1956 and part of Maharashtra in 1960.
The city is a convergence of many different cultures. It was ruled by Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu dynasties over the years. All these dynasties have added something new and great to the city. This city’s culture is influenced heavily by Hyderabad’s culture. Its old city retains charms and flavor of the Hyderabad’s Muslim Culture. Its great influence is reflected in both the cuisine and language of the locals.
Have an enthralling vacation by visiting the following places in Aurangabad that are really worth visiting. These places to visit in Aurangabad hold religious significance and even remarkable Mughal architecture that will offer you a vision in the heritage and history of Aurangabad.
Picnic: Aurangabad has a great picnic spot known as the Siddharth Garden and Zoo. Whether you are on a trip with family or friends, this place is sure to attract you with many reptiles and wild animals. The statue of Buddha and a musical fountain in the center of this park makes it unique.
Bird Watching: If you are a keen bird watcher or a nature enthusiast, Aurangabad offers a great opportunity for you to do the same for you. The Salem Ali Lake in Aurangabad is popular for migratory birds. This remarkable lake boasts of a very well-maintained and famous bird sanctuary. It welcomes nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and photographers alike.
Shopping: Aurangabad has a wonderful one-stop market, Connaught Place. For all your shopping spree, it’s one of the best and busiest markets. Another popular bazaar in Aurangabad is the Gul Mandi, well-known for beautiful sarees and Himroo shawls. It has become the favorite haunt for every shopaholic.
Caves Visit: Aurangabad is famous for many caves that boast of the Mughal Architecture. For heritage lovers, visiting them is a must to get closer to the city’s heritage.
Aurangabad is located at a distance of 181 km from Nashik, 108 km from Shirdi, 232 km from Pune, and 350 km from Mumbai. Aurangabad is well connected by all the neighboring cities by road. The main railway station of Aurangabad is the Aurangabad Railway Station under the Nanded railway division. The Aurangabad Airport serves the city well.
So, take a wise decision and plan a tour to Aurangabad right away. Enjoy your holidays in Aurangabad!