Named after the great Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, Aurangabad takes pride in flaunting some really popular attractions of India like Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The caves epitomize the brilliance of Indian rock-cut architecture. Much of these caves’ history is still unknown, but the precision is evident. The city is encircled with 52 gates, each narrating a different tale; this gave Aurangabad another name, “The City of Gates”. The replica of Taj Mahal, Bibi ka Maqbara is yet another tourist attraction of the city. It is the tomb of Aurangzeb’s Wife, commissioned by his son.
Speaking of Aurangzeb, he chose to be buried in the “Valley of Saints,” Khuldabad. It is a revered area of Aurangabad and has the dargahs of many famous Islamic saints, like Zar Zari Zar Baksh, Shaikh Zain-ud-din Shirazi, and Shaikh Burhan ud-din Gharib Chisti. Also known for silk and cotton textiles, Aurangabad is emerging as one of the most developed cities in India.
Why visit Aurangabad?
Aurangabad is one of the most famous and sought-after tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Jotted with an abundance of ancient and historical monuments, this quaint city wears the rustic charm of the past and still holds on to its roots. A visit to this historic city will familiarize you with the many different places to visit in Aurangabad and give you a lively glimpse of its golden past.
Regarding tourism, the tourist places in Aurangabad, with their history and brilliance, attract tourists from almost all corners of the country. The overwhelming crowd, the diverse options for the tourists, and the impressive ambiance around Aurangabad make it the tourism hub in Maharashtra.
How to reach Aurangabad?
Aurangabad is the largest city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. This city has quick access to all of India and the rest of the world. In Aurangabad, all forms of transportation, including air, train, and road, are available for your convenience.
Best time to visit Aurangabad
The ideal months to visit Aurangabad are October to March since the weather is good, and you can take advantage of the best sights of the surrounding lush flora. The region has a semiarid climate, with annual mean temperatures that range from 17 to 33 °C.
Places to visit in Aurangabad
Here is a list of the top tourist attractions in Aurangabad that you must see for an unforgettable vacation. In addition, you can gain a lot of insight into Aurangabad's history and traditions by visiting some of these locations that exhibit magnificent Mughal architecture and have considerable religious significance.
- Ajanta & Ellora Caves
- Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Daulatabad Fort
- Grishneshwar Temple
- Pitalkhora Caves
- Siddharth Garden and Zoo
- Shivaji Maharaj Museum
- Goga Baba Hill
- Sunheri Mahal
Things to do in Aurangabad
From exploring prehistoric caves to visiting old temples, there are so many things to do in Aurangabad that you might wish to make a side trip soon after your initial visit. The area around Ajanta and Ellora's ancient caves is Maharashtra's treasure trove. It also conceals some incredibly magnificent historical structures, in addition to these UNESCO world heritage sites.
- Have fun at H2O Waterpark
- Explore the Shrimant Chatrapati Shivaji Museum.
- Relish Aurangabadi foods.
- Witness Bibi-Ka-Maqbara.
- Spend a day at the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary.
How many days are required for Aurangabad?
Four days are required for the trip to Aurangabad because a whole day is required for the Ellora caves.
Accommodation in Aurangabad
Where to stay in Aurangabad is not something to worry about as there are several budget-friendly and luxury places to stay in Aurangabad, including guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Some of the famous places of accommodation in Aurangabad are:
- Welcomhotel Rama International
- Lemon Tree Hotel, Aurangabad
- Vivanta Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- The Ambassador Ajanta
Where to eat in Aurangabad
The Mughal tradition of slow-cooking dishes is continued in Aurangabad cuisine (often over several hours). The cuisine incorporates both Mughal and Hyderabadi culinary styles, which rely on extensive garnishing to enhance flavor and aesthetic appeal. Since Aurangabad is a part of Maharashtra, it also adopts several cooking methods and recipes from that state, like the use of powdered spices to give meats and vegetables a rich flavor.
- Bhoj Thali Restaurant
- Tandoor Restaurant & Bar
- Green Leaf Vegetarian Cuisine
- Saleem Tea House
- Spice Veg Restaurant
Shopping in Aurangabad
A stopover can be made at Aurangabad to purchase Himroo shawls, Paithani sarees, or fabrics like Mashru and Kimkhab. Some well-known shopping locations in the city's center are the Paithani Weaving Center, Gul Mandi, Connaught Shopping Market, Nirula Bazaar, and Himroo Factory. If you want to take some excellent silks and shawls home with you, you must stop by Connaught Shopping Market. The Himroo Factory, one of the top tourist destinations in Aurangabad, is a great place to buy popular Himroo weaves, paithani sarees, handloom shawls, and much more.
Tips for traveling to Aurangabad
- Please book your hotel in advance. Hotel owners may hike arrival prices.
- Always have a bottle of water with you.
- You will have to pack a lot of winter wear because of the cold. On the other hand, summers are hot and therefore cotton clothes will work.
- Carry sunglasses, scarves, and sunscreen lotion with you during summer visits. In the winter, keep a moisturizer with you.
- Try the local cuisine and street food of the city.
- Be careful of thieves and take safety measures to protect your wallet.
