A. Ajanta
The paintings in the caves are marvelous. In fact, many of the paintings are damaged to quite a bit that seeing the paintings and imagining what it would be like some centuries back throws you off balance. It was very tough to control the dropping jaws to see the artistic value of the paintings.
The Attention to detail given by the painters are truly mind-boggling. The sheer scale of caves carved out of monoliths is just too good to be missed. The semi-finished caves in Ajanta gives an insight into how they might have constructed Top-Down than the conventional Bottom top.
The paintings have not been properly protected. If the original glory is retained 100 percent, they are on par with those in Louvre.
These caves are originally designed to be individually accessible from river. Now (some decades back), the Govt has connected the caves with each other that you can go from one to another without coming down.
B. Ellora
The Caves are carved out similar to Ajanta. The sculpture is just too good. Having witnessed exotic sculptures in Hindu temples, the ruins did not come as a major awe as in Ajanta. But the sheer scale of sculptures will make you open your mouth. Also, one advantage is you can have flash in your camera (unlike Ajanta) where you can compose good quality snap without fear of shaking.
The quality which striked me immediately is the versatility in styles. The buddist, Jain and Hindu sculptures co-exist and that highlights the principles of tolerance and harmonious existence in India several centuries back. Think about it.
C. Biwi Ka Muqbara
Located some 20Km from Aurangabad. This is the mini Tajmahal. Its not an “exact” replica though nevertheless a work of art in itself. The surrounding gardens are OK. The artwork in the ceiling and inside is just too much. The brasswork on the wooden doors highlights the amount of care taken to even trivial things. Nice place – Worth the visit.
If Taj Mahal is a bullet, this is a splendour. Cheap replica. Nevertheless has its own character.
D. Paithan Lake
This place paithan is 50 Kms from aurangabad. This is a BIG lake and a dam with the stupid security policy of no photography allowed. The concept of security in India will make you laugh. You will have unauthorized touts soliciting in secured area of airport but you will not be allowed to take snaps of a dam because you may plan to bomb it. Anyways.
The dam’s crest gates and hoists over the spillway is one hell of a sight. Lots of lawns nearby to make picnic.
E. Gyaneshwar temple
This is near Ellora caves. One of the 12 Jyothirlingas and this temple does not have anything exotic in architecture unlike temples in South and Gujarat. I remember my visit to “Periyakoil” in Tanjore in TamilNad and was just awed by it. This temple has only spiritual value to believers and nothing much for general visitors.
F. Dyaneshwar Gardens
This is near Paithan Lake. After being to Gardens in ooty and Bangalore, this is a sour place. The park is maintained like a Garbage can. No waters on the steps designed to take water. The lawns not mowed and viewing place has roof hanging precariously with 2 supports broken.
G. Daulatabad Fort
This fort should not be missed. This has some simple yet creative way of confusing the enemies and designed for safety. The tunnel of darkness is good and minarets and watch towers offer a great view. It seems the fort held out against the mighty Khilji for over a month. Good piece of Architecture worth the visit.
H. Panchaki
There is a small pond with a 200 year old Banyan tree on one side and a beautiful piece of engineering on the other. Water is transported from here to daulatabad fort using siphon mechanism. Using siphons for large scale water transportation in those days should have been an engineering marvel. There is a turbine which drives the grinder too.