Gandhi Teerth

Located in Jain Hills, Jalgaon, Gandhi Teerth is a 65,000 sq ft complex that comprises research centres and museums centred on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Flanked by a mango orchard and many serene walkways, the complex has been beautifully landscaped. The sprawling gardens are spread across 300 acre and offer a great escape from the hustle-bustle of the city. Guests can also find rooms at a residential complex within the premise. The institution is home to a thematic, state-of-the-art ‘Gandhi ji ki Khoj’ museum. It includes various interactive multimedia presentations for visitors who can gain a lot of insight into the Indian Independence struggle as well as information about the philosophical beliefs and life of the Father of the Nation. The Gandhi Teerth is also home to the GIRI, or the Gandhi International Research Institute. This is the academic arm of the institute, which is responsible for awarding degrees, certificates and facilitating world-class research in Gandhi studies. The premises is home to the discussions and meetings of the Gandhi think-tank, which is geared towards bringing about a seamless blending of the principles of Gandhi with the contemporary policy and political challenges and attitudes. An archive of the publications on and by Gandhiji is also a part of the premises. It has also
started an initiative called Gandhinomics, which works towards creating rural development and outreach programmes on the basis of Gandhian ideology. Some of the exciting technological features of the premises include sections that are equipped with touch screens, bioscopes, digital books, 3-D mapping and animation. There is also a hyper realistic statue of Gandhiji, which spins in real time. It is part of the 2.5 hours guided tour of the museum that the visitors can enjoy.  

Gandhi Teerth

Shopping

A wide range of regional handicrafts makes Aurangabad a shopper’s paradise. One can buy unique styles and crafts like Himroo shawls that have an extra layer of loose silk weft, which makes them so soft that they almost feel like silk. Some popular Himroo items that you can buy are shawls, pillowcases, jackets, bed sheets, coats and curtains. A Paithani saree is a treat if you're in Aurangabad. A luxurious weave, it has the distinction of looking exactly the same on both sides, including the border and the pallu. The time taken to create a saree is about a month or two and involves careful coordination of hand, foot and eye. While one colour thread is used length-wise, another colour is used width-wise. This step enables the saree to reflect light off it and display a beautiful colour play. In fact, it appears as it the saree is almost changing its colour. A unique handmade paper that is manufactured in the village of Kaghzipura is also a must-buy. This art of paper-making is said to be about 700 years old, dating back to the times of Muhammad Tughalaq, the Sultan of Delhi. Another attraction is bidriware and one can buy many articles like plates, bowls, vases, ashtrays, jewellery etc., which are made with gold and silver thread inlaid in copper.

Shopping

Himroo Factory

The locals have patronised the Himroo factory for about a century and a half and visit to this regional landmark will certainly make it obvious why that is so. Himroo is traditionally a weaving technique indigenous to Persia. Now, the Himroo Factory showroom is one of the best places in the city for blouses, coats, cloaks, Paithani sarees, handloom shawls, bedcovers and furnishings created in the indigenous style. 

Himroo Factory

Soneri Mahal

Located at the foothills of the Aurangabad Caves, this palace was built by a Bundelkhand chief, who accompanied Mughal emperor Aurangzeb into the Deccan region. It was built between 1651 and 1653 AD and converted into a museum in 1979. Prominent exhibits include remnants from regional palaces, antiques, coins, ancient pottery, paintings, reliefs and sculptures found during local excavations.

Soneri Mahal

Siddharth Garden And Zoo

A great place for a day trip or a family outing is the Siddharth Garden and Zoo. Lush green sprawling gardens and a well-maintained zoo are the main attractions here. The zoo is home to a number of interesting animals, chief of which is the white tiger. It also boasts a decent display of various species of fish. A particular highlight of the garden is a toy train that finds favour with kids.

Siddharth Garden And Zoo