Housing more middle class, but still as many beggars.
Why did we come here to a blisteringly hot inland area, well there are world heritage site caves in Aurangabad, Ellora & Ajanta.
The temple above was carved out of one piece of basalt abound 1100 ad and is quite a spectacle.
Inside the erotic carvings are of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati along with elephants for intelligence and lions for strength. The guide was very thorough, and gave us so much info in the 3 hours we were there that I just hoped he wouldn't ask us questions at the end! This is difficult to explain but as this was carved from top to bottom and back to front they must have been excellent craftsmen, doing the whiole thing in reverse.
Inside the erotic carvings are of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati along with elephants for intelligence and lions for strength. The guide was very thorough, and gave us so much info in the 3 hours we were there that I just hoped he wouldn't ask us questions at the end! This is difficult to explain but as this was carved from top to bottom and back to front they must have been excellent craftsmen, doing the whiole thing in reverse.There were some very aggressive bumble bees the size of butterflies that took a liking to my hair, but the guide and himself said don't worry, they'll leave you alone - whilst backing off at a rate of knots.
The late summer and lack of flowers and pollen made them angry - apparently. 
After our day sight seeing we went out for dinner at the Tandoor which was excellent but were a bit disappointed that today was a dry day - no alcohol served as it was Shivas wedding day! Yikes we haven't had a beverage for 3 days!!!! Weve both got cravings, himself for bacon and beans,a pint of cider, me for roast Lamb all the veg and mint sauce and a blue Saphire Gin & Schweppes tonic, ice and slice ahhhh.
This was built by the Buddhists and depicts Lord Buddha seated inside the ribs of an elephant! Our guide chanted for us and asked us to feel the vibes.
Lord Shiva on elephant
The temple was last lived in 1100 ad, then a holy war ensued and the Muslims came and took over the area.
Aurangabad is more Muslim than anywhere else we've been and feels more like Iran than India. Local men and women wearing robes and the burka. You could have heard a pin drop when a group of German tourists turned up in cut off micro shorts - very distasteful - the men here don't see bare legs and shoulders until they get married.
Next blog will tell more on the Dry Days
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