Nature and Wildlife in Aurangabad

Gautala wildlife 

Gautala wildlife sanctuary of Gautala is situated in the Kannad Taluka. Occupying a large area of over 200 sq. km., it is a popular destination among wildlife lovers from Aurangabad and the towns around. Particularly famous for leopards, Gautala is home to several species of birds and animals. A trek during the day through the small rivulets branching through the forest and along a small river is the popular way of enjoying this naturally beautiful, as well as thrilling place. Apart from leopards, this forest has sloth bears, barking deer, wolves, blue bucks and more than 225 species of resident as well as migratory birds, such as cranes, ibis, storks, quails, jungle fowl and partridges. The Forest Department has built watch towers at different points, which can be used as you wait and watch for the animals to come to the water. 

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Salim Ali Sarovar (lake), popularly known as Salim Ali Talab, is located near Delhi Gate, opposite Himayat Bagh in the northern part of the city. During the Mughal period, it was known as Khiziri Talab, but was later renamed after the great ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali. It also has a Bird Sanctuary and a garden maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation. 

Ajanta Forest Area

Ajanta Forest Area The 'No Pollution' zone created by the Government in the year 2002 has left some footprints in the fragile forest area that has come up as a reserve forest. The result is a pristine, verdant and picturesque Ajanta forest, a view of which can be best admired on the 4 kms journey from the Ajanta T-point to the caves.

Bani Begum Bagh

Bani Begum Bagh is a tranquil garden located about 24 kms from Aurangabad. The garden is known for its lush green appearance and comforting atmosphere. It got its name from the tomb of Bani Begum, the wife of Aurangzeb's son, which is located in the middle of the garden. The garden has been constructed in various styles. Massive domes, fountains and fluted pillars can be seen here.

The Siddharth Garden & Zoo 

The Siddharth Garden is situated in the heart of the city, near the Station Road. The garden is spread over a large area and abounds with greenery. The Siddharth Garden, one of the most popular outdoor recreational centres in Aurangabad, has a small aquarium in the garden. Large areas of grass flanked by shrubs and trees are great spots for picnics, and enjoying a variety of games with family and friends.

Khuldabad Knuldabad

Kuldabad or Khultabad, is a city and a Taluka of Aurangabad District. Initially, it was known as Rauza, meaning 'Garden of Paradise'. It is also known as the Valley of Saints, or the Abode of Eternity, because in the 14th century, several Sufi saints chose to reside here. The dargah of Zar Zari Zar Baksh, Shaikh Burhan ud-din Gharib Chisti and Shaikh Zain-ud-din Shirazi, along with the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and his trusted general Qamar-ud-din Khan, Asaf Jah I, the first Nizam of Hyderabad, are located in this town. As per Aurangzeb's instructions, the tomb was built only with the few rupees he had earned by stitching cloth caps. On his tombstone is inscribed in elegant Persian calligraphy: "No marble sheets should shield me from the sky as I lie there one with the earth."

Pratisthan (Paithan) 

Paithan is located 56 kms south of present-day Aurangabad on the Godavari River. Paithan was the home of the great Maharashtrian Saint Eknath, whose 'Samadhi" (shrine) can be found there. Every year, people flock to this little town during the time of 'Paithan Yatra', also known as Nath Shashti. The town is famous today mainly for its sarees – the beautiful Paithani silk sarees that sport intricately embroidered gold or silver borders. Known the world over as a poem hand-woven in silk and gold, Paithani sarees are for those with discerning and refined tastes.

Daulatabad 

situated around 13 kms from Aurangabad, Daulatabad is known for its majestic fortress, built in the 12th century on top of a hill. Standing dramatically over 600 ft. high above the Deccan plain, it is one of the world's best preserved forts from medieval times and also one of the few impregnable forts in Maharashtra. Formerly, the fort served as headquarters of the Yadava rulers and the area was known as Devgiri or the 'Hill of Gods." Later, it was renamed Daulatabad -The City of Fortune' - by Mohammed bin Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi. Surrounded by triple rows of colossal walls, spiked gates, steep slide-ways and a deep trench, Daulatabad Fort is an excellent example of the extraordinary military and defence system that flourished ages ago. 

The 40-ft deep trench around the fort and 5-km long walls made it impossible for enemies to intrude. Daulatabad Fort is renowned for its outstanding architecture, and the most noteworthy monuments inside include the Bharatmata Mandir, Chand Minar, Elephant Tank and 'Chini Mahal" or Chinese Palace. The Royal Palaces impress guests with their spacious halls, pavilions and courtyards. One's visit is not complete without seeing the amazing ram-headed Kila Shikan ('Fort Breaker') cannon, which has its name inscribed on it in Persian.

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