Aurangabad, situated in Maharashtra, India, is a city steeped in history and culture. Founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, the prime minister of the Ahmadnagar sultanate, it originally bore the name Khadki. Over time, it transformed into a populous city under Malik Ambar’s architectural vision, before being renamed Aurangabad by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1653. Today, it serves as the administrative hub of the Aurangabad district and the Marathwada region, and is recognized as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra due to its rich heritage and numerous monuments.
The city is a gateway to exploring some of India’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These ancient caves are renowned for their stunning murals and sculptures that date back to Buddhist times. Another iconic site is the Bibi ka Maqbara, a marble monument styled after the Taj Mahal, which adds to the city’s historical allure. The Panchakki, known for its medieval water mill, and the 52 gates scattered around the city, enhance Aurangabad’s architectural diversity and historical significance.
Aurangabad is also a cultural hub, famous for its unique Himroo textile, which is a blend of silk and locally grown cotton, and the exquisite Paithani silk saris. The Shivaji Maharaj Museum adds to the city’s cultural tapestry by showcasing Maratha history through artifacts like war weapons and coins. Known as the “City of Gates,” its numerous surviving gates mark the cityscape, offering a glimpse into its past as a fortified city. Aurangabad’s blend of history, architecture, and culture makes it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Aurangabad is home to fascinating sites like the Grishneshwar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, and Bibi ka Maqbara, a stunning mausoleum resembling the Taj Mahal. The city also boasts the ancient Ajanta and Aurangabad Caves, filled with beautiful Buddhist sculptures and paintings, and the scenic Daulatabad Fort, offering breathtaking views. For a relaxing day, visit the lush Siddharth Garden and Zoo, a popular picnic spot.
Grishneshwar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Ellora and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Also known as Ghrneshwar or Dhushmeshwar Temple, this temple in Aurangabad is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site. Grishneshwar is the smallest of the Jyotirlingas and is considered the last or 12th Jyotirlinga of India. Everyone is welcome to visit Grishneshwar Temple, but men need to be bare-chested to enter the Garbhagriha, the main sanctum housing the Shiva Linga. This is one of the few Jyotirlingas in India where devotees can touch the Shiva Linga with their bare hands.
Bibi ka Maqbara is a beautiful mausoleum that looks a lot like the Taj Mahal. It was built in 1661 in memory of Rabia-ul-Daurani, also known as Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This stunning structure was dedicated to their son, Azam Shah, born in 1653, and commemorates Rabia-ul-Daurani, who passed away in 1657.
About 99 km from Aurangabad are the Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. These caves showcase Buddhist culture and stories through various sculptures and paintings, including tales from the Jatakas. Ajanta Caves consist of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 650 CE. These caves are renowned for their beautiful paintings and sculptures, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage. Initially used as a retreat by Buddhist monks, the caves are a serene and breathtaking sight. The main cave designs are called ‘Chaityagrihas’ and ‘viharas,’ featuring figures of Lord Buddha and scenes from the Jataka tales. Rediscovered by a British officer in 1819, the caves had been forgotten for many years.
Siddharth Garden is a beautifully landscaped park and zoo located about 3 km from the Aurangabad railway station and 4 km from Bibi ka Maqbara. It’s a popular picnic spot for locals and is especially crowded in the evenings and on weekends. The park is a favorite among joggers, nature lovers, and photographers.
Aurangabad offers a range of comfortable hotels for visitors. There are casual options like a 3-star hotel conveniently located 6 km from the historic Aurangabad Caves and 8 km from the train station. Another informal 3-star hotel is situated close to the Mumbai Kolkata Highway and key city landmarks. For a more upscale stay, a 4-star hotel is near Mukundwadi Railway Station and Aurangabad Airport. Another 4-star business hotel is located less than 1 km from the railway station and close to the iconic Bibi Ka Maqbara.
On a street with businesses, this casual hotel is 6 km from Aurangabad Caves featuring 6th-century Buddhist stupas and shrines, and 8 km from Aurangabad train station.
₹2,334
3 Star Hotel
Set less than a kilometre from the Mumbai Kolkata Highway, this informal hotel is 3 km from the 17th-century Delhi Gate and 4 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum.
₹2,873
3 Star Hotel
Set 2.1 km from Mukundwadi Railway Station, this straightforward hotel is 3.8 km from Aurangabad Airport and 12 km from Aurangabad Caves.
₹3,583
4 Star Hotel
Less than 1 km from Aurangabad railway station, this polished business hotel flanked by palm trees is also 9 minutes’ walk from Deogiri Institute of Engineering and Management Studies.
₹2,679
4 Star Hotel
Set along a main road, this relaxed hotel is 9 minutes’ walk from Aurangabad bus station, and a 12-minute walk from Siddharth Garden and Zoo.
₹1,892
3 Star Hotel
Good hotel good staff good amenities avilable, good service of the management. Great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, dining and getting around.
₹1,540
2 Star Hotel
In an expansive building complex surrounded by trees, this casual hotel is 8 km from both Aurangabad train station and the Panchakki monument.
₹2,263
3 Star Hotel
Set along a bustling commercial street, this modest hotel in a low-rise building is a 12-minute walk from Aurangabad train station.
₹3,359
3 Star Hotel
Ambiance, food quality, service, every thing excellent slightly costly.
₹200–400
A Multi-Cuisine A.C. Pure Veg Restaurant with Two Banquet Halls- JADE and ONYX. We Serve Indian,Continental,Italian, Oriental,Chinese Cuisine.
₹200–600
This Hotel is well known Restaurant brand for its specialty of delicious, vegetarian thali. The high quality food can also be ordered at home within the city.
₹200–400
Looking for a unique and stylish dining experience that combines delicious vegetarian Indian and Chinese cuisine with a tranquil outdoor setting.
₹200–600
Aurangabad is easily accessible by air, train, and road. The airport connects to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Udaipur, with daily flights available. International flights currently serve the Middle East, with plans to expand to East Asia for better access to the Ajanta caves. For international travelers, Mumbai’s airport is a good option. By train, Aurangabad’s railhead on the Secunderabad-Manmad section connects to cities like Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, as well as many other destinations. The city is also well-connected by road, with National Highway 211 linking it to various cities in Maharashtra and beyond. Regular buses operate on this route, and the busy National Highway offers excellent road connectivity to places like Pune, Jalna, Ahmednagar, Beed, Nagpur, and Mumbai. The express highway from Nagpur to Mumbai is under construction, promising even better access in the future. The central bus station and CIDCO bus station are the main hubs for bus services in Aurangabad.
Aurangabad has its own Rail head on the Secunderabad-Manmad section of South Central Railway in Indian Railways Nanded Division.
Aurangabad Airport is well connected to all major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Udaipur.
The major cities of Maharashtra and other states are continually connected by buses to Aurangabad.
Aurangabad is a popular tourist destination with excellent road connectivity to major cities within Maharashtra and beyond. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) offers a range of bus services including air-conditioned Volvos, semi-luxury, and regular buses to cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, and Nagpur.
Starting at Only 6.30₹/KM
In Aurangabad, cab services are readily available with options for both self-drive and chauffeur-driven vehicles. Major rental networks cater to the needs of both tourists and locals, making it convenient to explore the city or travel for business.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Auto rickshaws in Aurangabad are metered, reducing the likelihood of fare disputes and overcharging. The basic fare starts at around INR 10, making it an economical option for short trips within the city. Night charges apply, with fares increasing to one and a half times the standard rate during late hours, ensuring that rickshaw services are available around the clock.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 23.Rs
For those looking for short-term vehicle rentals, Aurangabad offers easy car rental services that can be booked for half a day or a full day. This flexibility allows visitors to plan their travel according to their schedule and preference.
Starting at only ₹1499.
The best time to visit Aurangabad is from November to February, during the winter season. The weather is pleasant with clear skies and cool temperatures, providing a lovely holiday experience. Since most tourist attractions in Aurangabad are outdoors, it’s wise to avoid the monsoon season, which can severely limit sightseeing activities. The winter months make exploring the city’s rich history and beautiful monuments much more enjoyable.
Additionally, October to February is ideal for visiting Aurangabad due to the comfortable weather, perfect for sightseeing. During this period, the city also hosts the Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music, which is a delight for art lovers. This festival adds a cultural charm to the trip, making winter the perfect time to experience both the natural and artistic beauty of Aurangabad.
The Distance of Aurangabad to Mumbai is (340.3 km) via Samruddhi Mahamarg
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The Distance of Aurangabad to Delhi is (1,216.1 km) via NE 4
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The Distance of Aurangabad To Bangalore is (925.7 km) via NH 52 and NH50
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The Distance of Aurangabad to Chennai is (1,199.0 km) via NH16
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Aurangabad, nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, India, boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage. Established in 1610 by Malik Ambar under the name Khadki, it flourished under his architectural vision and was later renamed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Today, it serves as the administrative center of its district and Marathwada, earning the title of Maharashtra’s Tourism Capital. Its rich tapestry of monuments includes the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, known for their stunning murals and sculptures. The city also showcases the Bibi ka Maqbara, mirroring the Taj Mahal’s grandeur, and numerous historic gates that sketch its ancient fortified landscape.
Aurangabad is not just a historical trove but also a cultural nucleus, famous for its Himroo textile—a fine blend of silk and local cotton—and the luxurious Paithani silk saris. Attractions like the Shivaji Maharaj Museum enrich visitors’ understanding of the Maratha empire through an impressive collection of artifacts. Each corner of the city reflects its storied past, intertwined with the present, making it a compelling destination for those intrigued by history and architecture. The 52 gates scattered around the city, remnants of its days as a fortified town, continue to stand as testaments to its rich historical significance.
For visitors, Aurangabad offers a gateway to some of India’s most cherished landmarks. From the spiritual ambiance of the Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, to the architectural splendor of Daulatabad Fort, there’s much to explore. The serene Buddhist heritage of the Ajanta and Aurangabad Caves invites awe with their ancient artworks. For a more leisurely experience, the Siddharth Garden and Zoo provides a lush retreat. Each site not only enriches the visitor’s experience but also connects them deeper to India’s multifaceted cultural canvas, making Aurangabad a unique blend of the old and the new, ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
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