I was pretty much excited for my first solo trip so I decided to have a 1 day trip to Aurangabad in Maharashtra as it had many things for a traveler like Ajanta and Ellora caves, Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and many more. It was a day trip so completing all the things was not possible. If you ever want to explore Aurangabad you must give at least 2-3 days. So I had done my homework on the places to visit.
Train – Tapovan Express from Thane 6:50 am
Stop – Aurangabad 1.15 pm
I boarded the train on time. Luckily, the guy next to me was a local to Aurangabad and he shared with me many things that helped me in my journey. It’s good when you talk with a stranger for a few hours and then he becomes your friend at least for a while. My new friend had come to drop me on the auto stand. I had a quick lunch and from the railway station, I took an auto to the Central Bus Station for my first visit to Ellora Caves. I took a local bus to Ellora (also known as Vellore) it took me around 1 hr to reach the caves (cost = 40rs). On the way to Ellora, I got to see the Daulatabad fort and Chand Minar the fort was massive and built-in the 14th century.
I reached Ellora and with me, one foreigner also got out of the bus. I approach him and asked if he needs any guidance. We both headed towards the main gate and got our tickets (cost = 30rs). Mark was a solo traveler who came from Israel to explore India, he had been traveling since days and had been in some parts of South India and will be going till north. His journey was a motivation for a beginner like me. He helped me in taking some snaps and then he was on his way to explore the caves. Ellora is considered as one of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are over 100 caves out of which 34 are open for the public. The main center of attraction was Cave-16, the Kailasha Temple which is made from a single monolithic rock. I was amazed by seeing the artwork and captured various on my phone. It was a treat for the one who has an interest in history as these ancient monuments had many things to say. I walk around all the caves one by one and it was beauty at its best. It was 5 pm in the clock and I had done with Ellora caves I took a local auto back to the city.
It was an hour journey with all the attractive sculptures slideshow was flashing in my mind. I didn’t get to see Panchakki and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj museum due to time constraints but I will surely visit again for this. I reached the city and took an auto to Bibi ka Maqbara (cost = 60rs) and got to see the tomb before sunset. It was built in the 16th century and resembles the famous Taj Mahal. I had a pleasant walk around the monument and captured many photos.
After spending some good time I decided to take some rest and head back to the city. I was tired but it was worth it. Now it was time to have some good food, I got in one of the restaurant and had my dinner, the waiter inquired about me and was amazed to hear that I came solo from Mumbai to travel and also received good hospitality. I then walked towards Railway station to board my train back to Mumbai (cost = 230). I reached around 6 am at thane in the morning from where a day before I started my journey. So it was a great first experience traveling solo, meeting new people, and exploring new places.