City of Gates

Etched deep into its earthen palette are centuries of culture and history — legends of many a king, queen and warrior. When one thinks of Aurangabad, one instantly envisions the gateway to the 2000-year-old Ajanta-Ellora Caves. Just a glimpse of the magnificent site speaks volumes about the centuries of artistic splendor ensconced here. The 34 caves, encompassing shrines, monasteries and temples, are almost like a giant series of ancient anthologies, printed and illustrated with thousands of inscriptions and carvings that recount the rich legacy of Aurangabad. The Ellora Caves are also home to the Kailash Temple, the world’s largest monolithic sculpture, carved from a single rock!

Named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the historical city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra is also known for paithani saris, the Taj Mahal-like Bibi-ka-Maqbara, grandiose temples and the Lonar Crater. The Lonar Crater, an astrobleme supposedly caused by a meteor crash that took place on Earth about 50,000 years ago. It’s said to be the third-largest meteor crater on the planet!