Mike Chowla
India:

Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara

Tourists flock to Aurangabad because its proximity to the Ajanta and Ellora caves. In addition to the famous caves, many tourists visit Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara. The Daulatabad Fort feels like its a mountain fortress straight out of the Lord of Rings. The fort has multiple layers of walls and protections as it progresses up the hillside.

The entrance into the upper levels of the fort is through a narrow, completely dark and winding passage. Before the modern area, the passage was only way into the fort. The passage made it difficult and dangerous for invaders since defenders could easily attack the intruders as they progressed through the passage. Today the passage is filled only with bats and their stench. In addition to winding passages, the fort is protected steep cliffs with a moat below that can only be crossed by a narrow drawbridge.

In addition to the fort, Aurangabad has the Bibi Ka Maqbara which is a smaller version of the famous Taj Mahal. While not in the same league as the Taj Mahal, the Bibi Ka Maqbara worth the visit. Its connection to the original is unmistakable.

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