Oct 22, 2009

Aura of Aurangabad

Well, trying to post this using the email option. Let me see if this works. If it does, it surely means a lottery to me, if not for the readers. ;)

Let me first test the image by adding this. A small rangoli I made for Diwali given the shortage of time since we were leaving for Aurangabad right after the morning oil bath and the rituals.


Post Diwali, we had a nice 4-day trip to the city of Aurangabad (of which 2 was spent in driving to and fro).
It took us 6 hrs drive from Mumbai to Aurangabad via the Pune route. We reached in the evening and just chilled out at the hotel. I must add that the Lemon Tree hotel where we were put up is fantastic. For the price of 2750 per night, they serve buffet breakfast as well and allow the usage of the swimming pool. The speciality of Lemon Tree Hotel is the fresh lemon fragrance that lingers always. They also have a uniqueness that there are almost 2000 jokes printed and framed onto the walls across the hotel. It was fun reading some weird ones.
Day 1 we covered Ajanta and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Ajanta needs no introduction. I was in awe looking at the Ajanta Ellora caves though they were in sorry state. I only wish our government was more serious in preserving the national heritage. One of the world heritage, the paintings and sculptures easily can be called the zenith in arts of all times. Maybe we, with our crumbling houses and dull paintings should look back and learn a thing or two. The 30 caves kept us busy for 2 hrs.
Bibi ka maqbara - the poor imitation of Taj was a case study of its own kind. The similarity and differences between the two were striking out. Heres a snap taken by my hubby! He was so engrossed in focussing on the tip of the maqbara that he missed the top of my poor girl !!!! Here she stands headless.

Day 2 found us in Ellora. Again the caves are too good to be missed. Divided into the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain caves, these mainly comprise of a more developed form of sculpture as compared to Ajanta. Kailash temple in cave no 16 is the highlight.
We missed going to Daulatabad fort. Oct heat was the deterrent. But people planning to visit Aurangabad must go there.
We also visited Panchakki - the water mill ( I did not find it impressive). We tried rushing to Paithan to see the silk weavers at work but alas, the factories close by 3 it seems. So, we had to return all the way back.
Even though the mornings and noons were packed, evenings gave us some relaxing times and left us with nothing much to do. Luckily, there was Fame multiplex right next to the hotel and yes, you guessed right. We saw 1 film each on both the free evenings ;) - Blue and All the best. Blue was a huge disappointment while All the best was too good and a riot! My tummy ached with too much laughter.
On the whole, a good break it was. And here I am, back to waiting for the next one :(

14 comments:

Smita October 22, 2009 at 7:49 PM  

Am glad that you finally made this trip :-) it must have been a major change for you!!!!

You already know how surprised I was to hear that you had watched movie even in this trip :)

And that snap of ur daughter though is good but is hilarious!!! Am sure you are happy to have a fodder to tease your husband for a long time ;-)

Reema October 22, 2009 at 8:45 PM  

ahh I too went there during this summer vacation
http://opinionsandexpressions.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/summer-vacation-trip-part-1/

vimmuuu October 23, 2009 at 3:04 AM  

ahaaa....a trip and a post !!! Kalakkiren !!! :D :D :D :D

Arent cameras allowed inside the caves ? or were so awe-struck that you didnt take any pictures?? :D :D

couchpapaya October 23, 2009 at 8:07 AM  

the rangoli is beautiful!! i havnt forgotten someone promising to explain the water rangoli, u know :) i've been to the caves as a little kid and almost everything i saw is forgotten, i really must visit there again. lol at ur daughter's pic, that makbara really looks so much like the taj. i wasnt even aware of it's existence!!

Smita October 23, 2009 at 9:12 AM  

P, I can explain the Water Rangoli, have learned it from her ;-)

BK Chowla, October 23, 2009 at 10:18 AM  

Rangoli is very nice.
I have visited Aurangabad regularly and have stayed at the Ambassador Hotel.

Just Like That October 23, 2009 at 4:50 PM  

LOL at the pic of the headless holidayer! :-D Ages since we went on a holiday like this.... looks like you guys had FUN. And yeah, I need to see All The Best too.

Dreamer October 24, 2009 at 7:36 AM  

Bibi ka Maqbara does look eerily Taj-like. The headless pic is priceless! Sounds like a great holiday especially since you manged to squeeze in a couple of movies in too :)

aMus October 26, 2009 at 1:23 PM  

nice rangoli...aurangabad sounds fun..my inlaws and that side ke poora khandaan live near aurangabad..i remember going to the caves just after marriage, but then understandably i don't recall much ;)

should go now and refresh my memory...

its been ages since i saw a hindi movie, ...BAWL!!!!

doctoratlarge October 28, 2009 at 12:32 AM  

I would have liked to have you post a few of the better jokes you read at the Lemon Tree hotel.

And I will take your advice - All the Best to me!

Kay October 28, 2009 at 2:21 PM  

Aurangabad was where I had my first real street ice-gola. nice post.

Mamma mia! Me a mamma? October 30, 2009 at 1:08 AM  

Lovely rangoli! And you say that it was rushed? Wow!

SOunds like a much-needed break! We all need them from time to time; if only to bond with family and to rejuvenate.

Ajanta and Ellore...so on my list of must sees!

Vee November 3, 2009 at 2:20 AM  

Aae Lo... Ye Kab Hua? Chalo Badhiya Hai, Hua Tabhi Toh Post Aaya.

Mere Ko Dekhane Ka Hai Bibi-Ka-Maqbara Ek Baar. Not So Keen On Ajant Ellora.

So It Was A Success. (Email Option). Now No Excuses.

WhatsInAName December 7, 2009 at 3:13 PM  

Friends,
Sorry for not replying earlier. I cherish your comments and please do not feel otherwise. No net access in office made life friendless. I hope the access I just got is here to stay!
Thanks once again :D

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