The Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves

If the Ajanta Caves weren't amazing enough, closer to Aurangabad are the younger (5th to 7th centuries) Ellora Caves built by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains. The centerpiece is Kailash Temple, an enormous Hindu temple built to resemble the home of Lord Shiva. It's carved out of a single rock and features remarkable details, including the sacred bull Nandi, elephants, stories from the Ramayana.

Yea, amazing. A giant chunk of the mountain hand-removed to leave behind this massive temple.

Heading in, revealing the temple in a courtyard.

More views of the complex, from ground level and then up a couple of stories. Plenty of room to take in such a large structure/sculpture.
Elegant elephant detail along the back of the temple.

More details, smaller temples on the roof and intricate wall carvings. The temple goes on and on...

A final, awe-inspiring view from the back, looking out.

Bibi Ka Maqbara (Mini Taj)

Hello Mini Taj. Of course, we've seen the big boy, Taj Mahal. And stopped by to pet the little one, the Baby Taj. Now, collect all three and see the Mini Taj!

Officially known as Bibi Ka Maqbara, the Mughal mausoleum is located in Aurangabad, about six hours northeast of Mumbai. There's a connection to the Taj Mahal as the mother-in-law of the woman buried in this tomb, is buried at the Taj. Got it?

The other connection is the blatant architectural imitation, and not a flattering one. Hey, it's hard to come after a legend, no matter how weakly you make the attempt. To be fair, the Mughal who built the mini Taj wasn't really interested in architecture. "When are you going to build me a mausoleum like my mother in-law's? When?" his wife probably nagged.

Here you go.

Hey, pose a few Americans in front and it looks like the Taj Mahal.

Get closer and the material details and lack of upkeep start to give the place away. The mausoleum is falling apart. Unlike the real Taj, which is completely covered in marble, this shack only used the nice stone for select sections. In the photo on the right, marble is only used for about the first four feet of height.

Inside the Bibi Ka Magbara, an unusual design of a center opening, looking down into the tomb. Today it seems to be a giant wishing well.

Going local with a group of cute kids for the classic, symmetrical pose.