Bibi Ka Maqbara (Tomb of the Lady) in Aurangabad

Bibi Ka Maqbara (Tomb of the Lady) is a tomb located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra also known as Tomb of Rabia Durani. Due to the strong resemblance, it is also called 'The Mini Taj of India' - the Dakkhani Taj (Taj of the Deccan). The layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to Taj Mahal in Agra (UP). Bibi Ka Maqbara has four towering minarets like Taj Mahal. It was built by Azam Shah, son of Aurangzeb, in 1678 in memory of his wife, Dilras Banu Begum (known as Rabia-ud-Daurani). It is about 110 km from Shirdi, about 210 km from Nasik, about 230 km from Pune and about 280 km from Mumbai.

Panoramic views of the site are simply amazing. After passing through the entrance a small tank is provided and a low profile screen wall leads to the main structure. The screened pathway has a series of fountains at its center. After climbing few stairs we reach the upper level. Soothing sunset can be enjoyed here. At the main place, there is a sanctum with the tomb of Dilras Banu Begum. An octagonal lattice-screen of white marble surrounds the raised plinth supporting Rabia Daurani's grave inside the tomb. The tips of its pillars are made of red stone.

A part of the song 'Jab Tak' from the movie 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story' was shot in Bibi Ka Maqbara and surrounding hills. Bibi Ka Maqbara has featured in a number of documentaries and short films, and movies. MTDC also organizes a fair every October as the 'Bibi Ka Maqbara festival'. For people who cannot visit Taj Mahal, this looks to be an decent replica of same. I loved the time with mom and Tanuj throughout the day. For sure, This is a nice place for taking photographs and selfie as well. :)

Recommendation: Certainly a must and worth visit for all tourists visiting Aurangabad. You can even adore the beauty of the place again and again. It was my second visit to this place. I have also added a memory 5 years back when this site was renovating. In my opinion if anybody wants to enjoy its magnificent view, spend 1-2 hours in the evening. Don't go with too much expectations with the Taj Mahal in mind, then you will not be disappointed. There is safe parking available near the attraction and its open until 9:30 pm. Good thing is it is opened till 9:30 pm, so while coming back from Aurangabad Fort, Ellora or Ajanta you can visit this place. Try to avoid visiting on weekends, as there is quite long queue even for tickets. 

Near by places of interest: 

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad 

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad 

Grishneshwar Jyotirling and Temple, Verul 

Daulatabad fort (Devagiri fort)

Sai Baba temple, Shirdi 

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Daulatabad Devagiri Fort - An Architectural Wonder!

If you like to time travel, then go to Daulatabad fort (Devagiri fort). You will get a lifetime travel experience here. During our one day trip, after visiting Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple, we moved to visit 'Daulatabad Fort'. It is also considered to be one of the seven wonders of Maharashtra and a developing tourist spot. Entry point is on the road itself, it can be easily accessed via bus or through cab, and lots of parking available. It is about 16 km of Aurangabad, about 230 km from Pune and about 280 km from Mumbai. 

The way the fort is built and the architecture is certainly worth admiring. Just get your ticket from outside window, and enjoy the fort. The fort is a place of extraordinary strength. It is situated on a hill top and gives breath taking views for the city from top. We just loved it. The Moon Minar (Chandminar) is a tower which can be seen from all around. It was originally covered with beautiful Persian glazed tiles. The fort has 7 gates in zigzag path. The only means of access to the top is by a narrow bridge, with passage for not more than two people abreast, and a long gallery, excavated in the rock, which has for the most part a very gradual upward slope. At the top, and at intervals on the slope, are specimens of massive old cannon facing out over the surrounding countryside. The cannon on the top was so mesmerizing, that we spent 15 minutes at that place. There are cannons which have signatures of Aurangzeb engaved on them. Also at the mid way, there is a cave entrance meant to confuse the enemies. 

The recommended weather to visit Daulatabad fort would be monsoons to experience the beauty surrounding the fort and will also help to climb the fort at ease. But if you are planning some other timings, better to avoid summer's afternoon. The fort gives you a great sight in the evenings. Now a days, the walkway is surrounded by nice green gardens, so it was a pleasant walk. Carry loads of water and don't forget to visit old Bharatmata temple and a 1000 years old Ganpati temple which is located on the fort itself. I just loved the time spent together with Tanuj and Mom, and then moved to Bibi Ka Makbara. 

Recommendation: Certainly a must and worth visit for all tourists visiting Aurangabad, particularly for those who have not visited this fort earlier. In my opinion if anybody wants to enjoy its magnificent view, he should spend atleast 4 hours. Since Daulatabad Fort lies on the route to Ellora caves and Grishneshwar temple, one can plan to visit this fort in the morning, visit Aurangzeb’s tomb, spend afternoon time at Ellora caves and visit Grishneshwar temple at early evening time. 

Near by places of interest: 

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad 

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad 

Sai Baba temple, Shirdi 

Grishneshwar Jyotirling and Temple, Verul 

Bibika Makbara (Mini Tajmahal), Aurangabad 

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Grishneshwar Temple and Jyotirlinga Aurangabad

Grishneshwar temple, sometimes referred to as the Ghrushmeshwar Jyotirlinga (linga of light) or Dhushmeshwar temple, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. This is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple in India. Ghrishneshwar Temple is one out of five Jyotirlingas situated in the state of Maharashtra. This pilgrimage site is located in Ellora (also called Verul), less than a kilometer from Ellora Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 30 km from the city of Aurangabad, about 250 km from Pune and about 300 km from Mumbai. Enjoy the drive from whatever way you are reaching Aurangabad. 

We got up at early morning 5:30 AM since we had to reach Aurangabad as per plan, and first in the list was to visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple visit with Tanuj and maa. Tanuj also had fun while driving our new Dzire. Here we reached entrance of Grishneshwar temple at around 12 at noon. This temple is presently an important and active pilgrimage site of the Hindus and attracts long lines of devotees daily. Anyone can enter the temple premises and its inner chambers, but to enter the sanctum sanctorum core (garbha-ghrya) of the temple, the local Hindu tradition demands that men must go bare chested. We were quite surprise to see it, and respected that. One can touch the jyotirlinga here and perform abhishek through Pandits/Purohits.

The Grishneshwar Temple was constructed by Ahilyabhai Holkar who also re-constructed the Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi, UP and the Vishnu Paada Temple at Gaya Bihar. There is a court hall inside which is built on 24 pillars. We watched few carvings summarizing various legends and mythologies of Shiva on these pillars. The feeling inside the Garbhagriha is simply amazing. The temple was quite peaceful and calm with very less crowd. As we visited on a weekday, so we had ample time inside Garbhagriha. There is a Nandikeshwara (Nandi bull) in the court hall. The temple houses carvings and sculptures of many Hindu gods and goddesses. 

The temple is made up of Red stone and looks artistic. Photography is not allowed inside temple premises, so we took few photographs from back side and outside areas. You need to keep all your belongings outside only. Better keep your mobile/cameras in your hotel room or vehicle or deposit in the locker which is at the side of the temple gates. We also had a glance at Shahaji Raje Samadhi which is located just besides the Temple. There is small market outside which sells items for worship and handicrafts at very nominal costs. It was one of most peaceful and less crowded jyotirlinga I have ever seen and know. After that we headed for Daulatabad Fort and then Bibi ka Makbara (Mini Tajmahal).

Near by places of interest: 

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad

Sai Baba temple, Shirdi

Daulatabad Fort, Aurangzeb Tomb, 

Bibika Makbara (Mini Tajmahal)

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