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Aurangabad Caves, Aurangabad Overview
Aurangabad Caves are situated 10 km away from the central city of Aurangabad and comprises of 12 rock-cut caves. These caves constitute of Buddhist Viharas which dates back to the 6th and 8th century. These caves should not be confused with the Ajanta and Ellora Caves as they were built during different time periods and are situated at different locations.
The caves are carved out of smooth basalt rock and is considered to be one of the best work of ancient architecture in India. The most attractive aspect of Aurangabad Caves is the artificially carved sculptures. If you love history, art and culture then this is a must-visit place for you. You can also visit other nearby interesting places such as Soneri Mahal and Bibi-ka-Maqqbra. There is also an option of trekking around Aurangabad Caves.
In order to preserve the rich heritage of the past, these caves are now under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. The caves are divided into three distinct sections as per their location. Caves marked from 1 to 5 fall into the first section and are situated near to the entrance of the complex. The second group constitutes of caves marked from 6 to 9 and the third section comprises of caves marked from 10 to 12. The first two groups of caves are situated 500 m away from each other and the last group is situated towards the eastern end of the complex.
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History of Aurangabad Caves
The carvings and sculptures in Aurangabad caves depict the prominence of Tantric Buddhism in those times. In cave number 6 there is a sculpture of a woman wearing ornaments and with an unusual hairstyle. There is also an enormous statue of Lord Buddha installed in the cave. In cave number 7, there are figures of women who are inadequately clad and are wearing ornaments. These symbolize the rise of Tantric Buddhism during this period.
Architecture of Aurangabad Cave
Aurangabad Caves is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Maharashtra. A lot of foreigners also travel to Aurangabad to explore the historic beauty of the caves. You will be fascinated by the excellent ancient craftsmanship and engineering involved in building this cave. Till date it is difficult to replicate such architectural work and to think of the efforts that were put in constructing these caves during those times is simply awe-inspiring. Unfortunately, few caves are incomplete and it is assumed that ancient people had to immediately evacuate the region due to some natural calamity or a foreign invasion.
You should climb to the top of the caves in order to witness a picturesque panoramic view of the surroundings. If you are fond of trekking then you should carry out a short trek around the hilly terrain of Aurangabad Caves. There is also a statue of Hindu Gods and Goddess installed in the caves including Lord Ganesha and Durga. The location in and around the caves are suitable for capturing beautiful pictures and hence, do not forget to carry a good camera.
Best Time To Visit Aurangabad caves
Winter months are the best time to visit the Aurangabad Caves. Make your bookings anytime between the months of November and February because the weather around this time of the year is cool and pleasant with low humidity.
Tips for Visiting Aurangabad caves
1. You need to climb a steep slope in order to reach the caves so wear good footwear and comfortable clothes.
2. If you want to enrich your knowledge about the caves then it is advisable to hire a guide. The guide will provide you with a detailed and interesting explanation of the iconography and history of the caves.
How to Reach Aurangabad Caves?
Aurangabad caves are situated at a distance of about 20 km from Aurangabad city. The local transport is well-developed in Aurangabad and hence, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the place.
The city is well-connected to nearby major cities such as Mumbai and Pune with both private and state bus services. Bibi-ka-Maqbara is also located 2km away from the caves and you can take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to reach the mausoleum.
The nearest railway station from Aurangabad caves is Aurangabad Railway Station and the caves are around 8-9 km far from the railway station. From here, you can take a local bus to reach the caves.
