Himayat Baugh Aurangabad

Himayat Bagh is a 17th-century garden that now houses the Fruit Research Station and Nursery, which is a part of the Marathwada Agricultural University. It is located near Delhi Gate in Rauza Bagh area of Aurangabad. It is a sprawling complex spread over 300 acres (1.2 km2), naturally green and in the olden days it was known as the Mughal garden.

Mughal Era

In Aurangzeb's time, Khizri talao extended the whole length of the northern wall, (extending from present day Salim Ali Lake till Begumpura / Makbara) but the exhalation and dampness proved unhealthy and Aurangzeb ordered the portion immediately in front of his palace (Kila-e-Ark) to be filled in and converted into fields.

This reclaimed portion was later developed into Mughal garden, (now known as Himayat Bagh) by one of the officials of Aurangzeb's court, with many fruit bearing trees of different varieties for the royal court and its officials.

Barra Darri

Himayat Bagh also houses the Barra Darri which was erected by Ivaz Khan. A covered aqueduct passes over one of the buildings and in the olden day’s water descended in a shower into an oblong cistern below containing several fountains. A marvelous feat of engineering that involved an underground water chamber; it created a natural air-conditioning that cooled the entire area when in operation. It is now inoperative, but the system still exists and is worth a study. Barra Darri now houses the office of Fruit Research Station.

Present Period

The Himayat Bagh is a tourist attraction in itself because of its greenery and cool environment. Visitors can have a look at various plants and trees in the nursery, on which research is being conducted.

Visitors are able to buy plants that are grafted by experienced local malis (gardeners) in the gardens. There are saplings from Tamarind to Mango, and one can see the saplings and then see how the tree looks when it is fully grown.

Getting There

Himayat Bagh is located about 4 kilometers from the city center, so the journey should take around 15-20 minutes by car or rickshaw and slightly longer by bus. Once you reach the garden, you can explore the area on foot. Himayat Bagh is a popular tourist attraction in Aurangabad and is known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and historic structures.

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