Ellora Caves : (Distance – 15 km):The famous rock cut caves temples of Ellora depict the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths, and were constructed between the 5^th and 8^th centuries A.D. Of particular interest are the architectural marvel of the monolithic Kailasa temple, the Buddhist Vishvakarma chaitya and vihara, the famous Jain cave number 32 famous for a magnificent Yakshi statue and ceiling paintings. Every December, MTDC organises the Ellora festival of music and dance at the Kailasa Temple. The Ellora Caves have been declared a World Heritage site.

Daulatabad Fort : ( Distance – 7 km ):Originally the mountainous Deogiri fortress, it was an old Hindu stronghold, finally captured and plundered by deceit in the 13^th century. Made the capital of the Delhi Sultanate a 100 years later by Tughlaq, it was the prime fortress of many successive dynasties in the Deccan. Daulatabad is famous for it’s series of trick defences, secret escape routes, etc. Important monuments within the fort include the Jami Masjid – now the Bharat Mata Mandir, the Chand Minar, Elephant Tank and Chini Mahal or Chinese Palace.

Khuldabad : ( Distance – 14 km ):At the holy village of Khuldabad or Abode of Eternity is located the tomb of the last great Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb. His simple tomb remains an eloquent testament to the staunch faith and spartan lifestyle of this pious Muslim ruler. As per his 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."

Ghrishneshwar Temple : ( Distance – 18 km ): Worshippers of Shiva flock to the Ghrishneshwar Temple, of particular importance since it enshrines a jyotirlinga. This particular aspect of the god’s luminous energy is manifested in only 12 temples. Ghrishneshwar was built in the 18^th century of spotted red sandstone. Decorative friezes and sculpture depict a pantheon of Indian gods including Bhrama, Vishnu, Ganesh, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, celestial beings, and even Maratha heroes.

Bibi ka Maqbara : ( Distance – 6 km ):It is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. Due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Frequent visitors are flights of chattering parrots ( The Maqbara can be viewed from the gardens of The Meadows ).

Panchakki : ( Distance – 4 km ):An intriguing water mill, the Panchakki is famous for its underground water channel which traverses more than 8 kms to its source away in the mountains. The channel culminates in a mesmerising ‘artificial’ waterfall that powers the mill. The beauty of the mosque housed in the inner enclosure is enhanced by a series of ‘dancing’ water fountains.

Shani Shignapur : ( Distance – 68 km ):The village is famed for its temple dedicated to Shani – the planet Saturn. More remarkable however is that there are no locks on any of the doors in the village be it residential or commercial, including the bank. Local legends claim that the village is ‘protected’ and no thief can cross its borders without dying. Sceptics please note that the village has remained theft – free in recorded history.

Pariyon ka Talab : ( Distance – 60 km ):Translated to mean ‘Fairies’ Lake’, it is a large lake with steps all along its western shore and a stage like platform which bears great resemblance to the ancient roman amphitheatre. On the banks is also a temple of Shiva with its own colourful history.

Paithan : ( Distance – 56 km ):The ancient city and pilgrim centre of Paithan is situated on the banks of the Godavari. Today it is famous for the beautiful ‘Paithanis’ – woven silk sarees with intricate zari borders. A visit to the weavers’ workshop is fascinating and you can order a customised saree as well. A trip to the garden at the Jayakwadi dam with its dancing fountains and special observation points for bird watching is also an option.

Pithalkora : ( Distance – 78 km ):Located on the ancient trade route, at Pithalkora are 13 cave sanctuaries dating back to the 2^nd century B.C., with additions in the 5^th and 6^th centuries. The relief work in Pithalkora is richer, more elaborate and the carving more precise than at early sites.