Aurangabad Caves

Aurangabad


Architecturally speaking, the Aurangabad Caves aren’t a patch on Ellora or Ajanta, but they do shed light on early Buddhist architecture and make for a quiet and peaceful outing. Carved out of the hillside in the 6th or 7th century AD, the 10 caves, comprising two groups 1km apart (retain your ticket for entry into both sets), are all Buddhist.

Cave 7, with its sculptures of scantily clad lovers in suggestive positions, is a perennial favourite.

The caves are about 2km north of Bibi-qa-Maqbara. A return autorickshaw from the mausoleum shouldn’t cost more than ₹250, including waiting time.


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1. Bibi-qa-Maqbara

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4. Daulatabad Fort

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5. Alamgir Dargah

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Emperor Aurangzeb, the last of the Mughal greats, is entombed in the courtyard of this simple (and somewhat unwelcoming) shrine. Despite matching the…

6. Cave 2

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Cave 2 is notable for its ornate pillars and the imposing seated Buddha, which faces the setting sun.

7. Cave 5

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Cave 5 is the largest vihara in this group, at 18m wide and 36m long; the rows of stone benches hint that it may once have been an assembly hall.

8. Cave 1

11.13 MILES

Cave 1, the simplest vihara, may have been a granary.