Named after the great Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, Aurangabad takes pride in flaunting some popular attractions of India like Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The caves epitomize the brilliance of Indian rock-cut architecture. These caves’ history is still unknown, but the precision is evident. 52 gates encircle the city, each narrating a different tale. Hence, Aurangabad is also called “The City of Gates”. The replica of the Taj Mahal, Bibi ka Maqbara, is another major Aurangabad city tourist place that pulls large crowds. 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.
Keep reading the Aurangabad tour guide to know how to reach, the best time to visit, shopping places, places of stay, and much more to plan your Aurangabad tour efficiently.
Aurangabad Tourism
The major aspect of Aurangabad Tourism is the renowned and spectacular Ajanta and Ellora Caves. They are the most cherished part of the city due to their historical and architectural significance. Historians and tourists visit Aurangabad just to see them in large numbers every year. Along with them, there are Bibi Ka Maqbara and Kailash Temple, which hold cultural and historical importance as well. Palaces, tombs, and parks make up most of Aurangabad's tourist attractions, attracting people from far and wide.
The city has a range of handicraft items and metal goods that can be great souvenirs. If you are on a Maharashtra tour, Aurangabad is a must-visit. The city has such a rich past that it invites many history buffs. It was once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and that’s how it got its name.
Why visit Aurangabad?
Aurangabad is one of the most famous and sought-after tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Dotted 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.
Languages Spoken in Aurangabad
People living in Aurangabad mainly speak Marathi, Hindi, English, and Urdu.
Where is Aurangabad Located?
Aurangabad is a hilly upland terrain in the Deccan Traps in the west center of Maharashtra state. It is the fifth-largest populous urban area in Maharashtra.
Places to Visit in Aurangabad
Through the Aurangabad tourist places list, 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. Here is a list of the top tourist attractions in Aurangabad that you must see for an unforgettable vacation:
- 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. The area around the renowned Aurangabad Maharashtra tourist place - Ajanta and Ellora ancient caves - is a 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.
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°C to 33 °C, offering a great exploration experience of tourist places in Aurangabad Maharashtra.
How to Reach Aurangabad
Aurangabad is the largest city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. This city has quick access to India and the rest of the world. In Aurangabad, all forms of transportation, including air, train, and road, are available for your convenience. Aurangabad Airport connects the city to major parts of India like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Pune, and Nagpur. Aurangabad Railway Station has great connectivity with Delhi, Shirdi, Mumbai, Pune, Madurai, Chennai, etc. From the airport and train station, buses and cabs are available. Buses can be booked to Central Bus Station or CIDCO Bus Station, the major ones in Aurangabad.
How to Get Around Aurangabad?
Buses and cabs are the best ways to explore the local areas in and around Aurangabad. They are available throughout the city and are quite affordable, especially buses.
How many days are required for Aurangabad?
A minimum of 4 days are required for the trip to Aurangabad. A whole day is required for the Ellora caves, and other days can be utilized to visit major Aurangabad tourist places and other experiences.
Accommodation in Aurangabad
Looking for places to stay in Aurangabad is not something to worry about, as there are several budget-friendly and luxury accommodations, 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 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
Make a stopover at Aurangabad markets 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, 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.
Travel Tips for 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, so 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.
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Be careful of thieves and take safety measures to protect your wallet.
