My husband and I are history buffs. We can both send hours discussing various historical monuments, legends, and events like there’s no tomorrow. And since our regular jobs don’t interact directly with our penchant for history, more than often, we find ourselves indulging our inner history nerd around monuments in various parts of India.

This weekend was no exception. This time we went on a vacation to Aurangabad in Maharashtra, a city known for its onus on richly historical tourist attractions. We like our vacations un-rushed and soaking in the culture of the place has an exclusive flavor of its own. So we had planned our stay at a homestay. And it was more of a blessing since it turned out to be the perfect place to relax and moreover, we had hosts who were more than ready to help.

The first place that we visited was the Bibi Ka Maqbara. It is the mausoleum of the Moghul ruler Aurangzeb’s wife, who was known as Rabbia Ud Durrani. The architectural style of the place has often been described as being very similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra. And this is how it earned the nickname ‘The Mini Taj of the Deccan’. The mausoleum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and acts as a central point to a structure that consists of pavilions and wide pathways and ponds that have been meticulously planned and aesthetically and precisely structured. Exploring the scenic area was an utter joy. And, just behind the burial ground was an archaeological museum that we further explored.

Aurangabad is also known as “The City of Gates” due to the fifty-two historical gates in the city, each of which has a story behind it and is linked to a historical figure. However, currently, only four of the main gates and some of the subordinate gates still stands. But ruins are as exciting to those who love history as an intact structure or monument is – if not more. So we had a grand time exploring and examining everything in sight! The Delhi Gate, which is the most majestic gate there, was undoubtedly most people’s favorite. But my husband and I found ourselves more partial towards the Badhkal Gate, which is also known as the Victory Gate. The original and eye-catching architectural design simply caught our attention.

Most of us have heard about historians and archaeologists gushing about how architecture and construction knowledge was incredible in the older civilizations and societies. But although you do appreciate the architecture, in the end it seems more artistic than of scientific knowledge to the untrained eye – for beauty seems to have been a more predominant concern in the designs. However, Panchakki gives you a direct look at the level of scientific and technological and structural planning that existed at that time: For it is also known as the “Water Mill”, which was built to generate renewable energy using the force from the water that flowed from a mountain spring.

Aurangabad has an incredible presence since it has retained the best of its history, which made our trip to this place all the more fulfilling and a great one.