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Aurangabad: The gateway to India’s ancient treasures

Aurangabad: The gateway to India’s ancient treasures

The arrival by air into Aurangabad gives the impression of this being a rather unremarkable destination; a bustling city surrounded by hot and dusty arid land. How looks can be deceptive! Aurangabad is the base from which to explore many of India’s ancient treasures – the famous Ellora and Ajanta Caves and the mighty Daulatabad Fort. Once a major Mughal centre, as the gateway to the Deccan, Aurangabad got its modern name from the last great ruler, Aurangzeb, whose modest tomb is another site well worth visiting, nestled deep within the Muslim quarter of the city.

Having explored the many famous forts of Rajasthan, I thought I had seen it all. However Daulatabad is like something out of a film or a fairy-tale; the epitome of the mediaeval battleground with industrial size cannons, fake doors and booby traps, all towered over by the impressive Chand Minar, or ‘Moon Tower.’ The views over the surrounding hills are splendid and local tourists add splashes of colour to the landscape, while friendly monkeys pose for photos on crumbling courtyard walls.

Daulatabad 4
Daulatabad 1
Daulatabad 3
Daulatabad 2
We visited the Ellora caves as they opened, at sunrise, with not a soul for company apart from a few temple monkeys. First on the list was the show-stopping Kailasa Temple, a marvel of architecture and carving – the entire temple ‘structure’ was actually carved out of the rock by dedicated Hindu artists between the 8th – 9th centuries. Kailasa has to be one of the most impressive temples in India. To have it completely to yourself (a rare feat) we recommend staying at the simple but clean Hotel Kailas which faces the hotel complex – this will mean you arrive hours before the crowds coming from Aurangabad.

Ellora 1
Ellora 3
Ellora 4
The Ellora Cave complex comprises 33 different cave temples, and are Hindu, Jain and Buddhist. We had a wonderful experience in Cave 10, Vishwakarma, where our guide explained how the Buddhist monks carved the rock in certain ways to create atmospheric acoustics – along with an audio example!



Although the Ellora cave complex is undeniably impressive, for my Ajanta was the crown jewel of the sightseeing we did while in Aurangabad, and actually the entire trip. Sculpture, including ancient sculpture, is prevalent nearly everywhere you go in India. However, what Ajanta offers, other than a stunning location and impressive rock carving, is an array of some of the most beautiful historic Indian paintings. Historians believe that India’s harsh climate is to blame for the lack of painting dating from ancient times. This makes the Ajanta cave complex, protected by nature for nearly a thousand years, a rare wonder. Colourful scenes in multiples caves show both religious scenes but also fantastic snapshots of daily life – demonstrating that human nature hasn’t changed an awful lot in over a millennium. We approached the complex form the viewing point which I would recommend to everyone as the location of the caves, carved out of cliffs along the bend in a river, and is as impressive as that which lies within it.

Ajanta 2  (1)
Ajanta 3
Ajanta 4
The Vivanta by Taj is a leafy lush base from which to explore this cultural rich area – we loved the green lawns, expansive poolside and airy marble corridors. Aurangabad was a perfect place to end our cultural touring on a real high – this is the place to come for show stopping historical sites, when you think you’ve seen the best that India has to offer.

Vivanta By Taj
For more information or to start planning your tailor-made holiday to India, please get in touch with us:

info@ampersandtravel.com   /  +44 (0) 207 819 9770



Client Testimonials

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

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