Little Taj Mahal - Bibi Ka Maqbara
Beautiful monument near Aurangabad
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum (tomb) in the city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra, which is strikingly reminiscent of the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. It is known as the „Mini Taj Mahal“ because of its form, although it is smaller and made of less noble materials. This very beautiful monument dates back to the 17th century and is very easily accessible from the city of Aurangabad
On the way from Elora
The Mini Taj Mahal is located basically at the northern end of Aurangabad, but if you drive towards it from Ellora, you will be driving through agricultural countryside and therefore a lot of different carts on the road.
Ox-drawn cart
Even today, you can often see a cart pulled by a pair of oxen in India.
Entrance to the premises
Be careful, there is only a ticket check here, you buy them and a few dozen meters next to them
First view of the mausoleum
The monument has a classic Mughal style with a large central dome and four minarets at the corners, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. However, the real Taj Mahal has a significantly larger central building. Unfortunately, the fountains were not working during our visit
Mini Taj Mahal in all its glory
Anyway, even though it is smaller than the original and not entirely made of marble, it is definitely worth a visit.
Retrospect
Looking back at the entrance – you definitely won't enjoy much shade here, so the tour is slightly challenging in the Indian heat.
In the mausoleum
The tomb itself is quite deep below the surface and people throw money at it from above. The dome itself is much larger up close than it appeared from afar.
Gardens
The gardens are quite extensive, but only a minimum of people walk here, because there is no shade here either and they are just as parched in the dry season.
