Ellora Caves & Around Aurangabad...well, around Aurangabad...

[smittenbyu]

On the second day we were there, we rented a car and driver, and the uncle we stayed with gave us a list of places we should see during the day. We were thinking to head out to Ellora Caves first, but somehow last minute the list reversed and we ended up at the caves last. In hindsight, it might have been good thing because we would have spent the whole day there and not see anything else, but yet wish we had gotten to the caves earlier.

Anyhow our first stop was Panchakki. From under the banyan tree:


The mill:


And then we headed to Bibi Ka Maqbara. It looked like the simplified Taj Mahal!



And then saw Aurangazeb's tomb.


And then onto Daulatabad Fort. We didn't though climb all the way to the top as we were conserving energy for Ellora Caves.



The fort way up above...






Where Aurangazeb was imprisoned...


On the way we did a slight detour and went up a hill to see Balaji temple in Mhaismal


And the view from above


And Ellora-Ghrishneshwar Temple was beautiful. Had a lot of people but yet so peaceful. I really enjoyed this one. It was spiritually uplifting!


Before reaching Ellora Caves, we drove to another smaller temple where under the tree we had our packed lunches. And finally we reached Ellora Caves around 3:20pm...

to be continued...

Comments

[inspirethoughts.livejournal.com]

What significance did the mill have? Was it a very old one? Just curious since you did not mention anything beside it. :)

And then saw Aurangazeb's tomb (the one who built the Taj Mahal).

Pardon my correction, but I thought Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan. Isn't it! Am I mis-reading history or your note?

Who is Ghrishneshwar? Is he an avtar of Lord Shiva? Or is it a place name?

[smittenbyu]

the mill - it ground up the grains using the energy created from the water fountain. The energy from the watermill created enough energy to supply ground up grain for the whole village without any need for manpower! :)

you are right... Aurangazeb was not the one... not sure how that came to my head typing it up (made the correction).

It's where one of the many famous lingam's located. This one is only the base of the lingam. I think Ghrishneshwar is the place name.

[inspirethoughts.livejournal.com]

Wow that is some mill! I never knew we had such modern equipment there. Cool!

Thanks for not feeling offended of my correction.

Oh I C...cool...

[smittenbyu]

I know! I think we got complacent after a time when we were so innovative.

oh i wouldn't get offended for this! I am thankful you caught the error and allowed me to correct myself! :)

[inspirethoughts.livejournal.com]

I am glad about it. :)