TOP PLACES YOU MUST

VISIT IN AURANGABAD

Historical Marvels

A visit to Aurangabad is a mesmerising journey into India’s architectural and cultural past, with monuments that reflect the legacy of empires and spiritual traditions. Some of the best places to visit in Aurangabad include

1. Bibi Ka Maqbara

Located around 3 km from the city centre, Bibi Ka Maqbara was commissioned in 1660 by Aurangzeb's son, Prince Azam Shah, to commemorate his mother Dilras Banu Begum, posthumously known as Rabia-ul-Durrani. Often called the ‘Mini Taj of the Deccan’, it closely resembles the Taj Mahal in both design and structure. One of the largest monuments built during Aurangzeb’s reign, the mausoleum is set in a symmetrically planned Mughal Garden with fountains, water channels, and pavilions. The surrounding mountain ranges add to the beauty, and an archaeological museum nearby offers further historical context.

2. Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. Known for their intricate paintings and sculptures, these caves are among the finest examples of ancient Indian religious art. The interiors are adorned with depictions from the Jataka tales and figurines of the Buddha. A British officer rediscovered the caves in 1819 and has since recognised them as masterpieces of craftsmanship and spiritual profoundness.

3. Ellora Caves

About 30 km from the city are the Ellora Caves, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This archaeological site features 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Built between the 5th and 10th centuries, Ellora showcases the architectural expertise of the Rashtrakuta rulers. The Kailasa temple, carved from a single rock, is one of the most impressive highlights. The site reflects the spirit of religious tolerance in ancient India.

4. Daulatabad Fort

Once known as Devagiri, Daulatabad Fort served briefly as the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq planned to shift his empire’s capital to Daulatabad, but the experiment was unsuccessful due to the arid climate. Built on a 200-metre-high hill, the fort is known for its strategic design and defensive architecture. Its steep access routes, fortified walls, and maze-like passages made it one of the strongest fortresses of its time.

5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum, located near Nehru Bal Udyan, showcases artifacts from the Maratha Empire. The museum has six exhibition halls and features items such as a 500-year-old suit of armour, an antique Paithani saree, and a copy of the Quran handwritten by Aurangzeb. It offers a focused insight into the cultural and military heritage of the Marathas.

Natural Wonders

Aurangabad’s natural landscape is as intriguing as its historic landmarks. These locations are a striking contrast to the city’s architectural grandeur.

6. Salim Ali Lake

Located in the northern part of the city, near Delhi Gate and opposite Himayat Bagh, Salim Ali Lake is a peaceful retreat within urban bounds. Once known as Khiziri Talab during the Mughal period, the lake was later renamed in honour of the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali. Alongside the water body, you’ll find a small sanctuary and a landscaped garden, maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation. The setting is ideal for a morning stroll, especially during migratory seasons when birdlife flourishes.

7. Gautala Sanctuary

Roughly 65 kilometres from the city, Gautala Sanctuary is spread across 250 square kilometres in the Sahyadri hill ranges. Declared a protected area in 1986, the sanctuary lies at an elevation of 700 feet and supports a rich ecosystem, with thick vegetation that is home to a diverse wildlife population. Sloth bears, jungle cats, chinkaras, and barking deer roam its grounds, along with leopards, jackals, and nilgai. Bird life is equally compelling, with species like cranes, storks, spoonbills, peafowl, and partridges commonly seen.

8. Lonar Crater Lake

Though located in the Buldana district, Lonar Crater Lake is often accessed from Aurangabad due to better connectivity. This striking geological formation is the result of a meteorite impact that occurred nearly 50,000 years ago. The crater, spanning 1.83 kilometres in diameter and 150 metres deep, is among the largest of its kind. The lake that now fills this depression is both saline and alkaline, an unusual occurrence, shaped by the basaltic rock surrounding it. Formed during the Pleistocene Epoch, it remains the only hypervelocity impact crater found on basalt rock anywhere in the world.

Cultural and Spiritual Highlights

9. Grishneshwar Temple

Located near the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, marking it as a highly revered site for Lord Shiva devotees. Often referred to as Ghrneshwar or Dhushmeshwar, it holds the distinction of being the last Jyotirlinga, and also the smallest among them. Despite its size, the temple commands attention through its striking architectural detail.

The five-tiered shikhara rises above the sanctum, crafted in the traditional Hindu temple style with intricate stone carvings. The temple has undergone multiple reconstructions over time, with the present-day structure credited to Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, who rebuilt it in the 18th century. For many pilgrims, a visit to this temple completes the spiritual circuit of all twelve Jyotirlingas.

10. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, located near Killa Arrak in Aurangabad, is among the oldest mosques in the city and an enduring example of Mughal-era architecture. The structure is distinguished by its orderly layout: five rows of ten polygonal pillars support a system of nine arches, forming 27 uniform compartments, each topped by a domed vault. A wide open courtyard lies in front, bordered by open halls on three sides, and features a central tank that receives water from the historic Malik Amber canal.

While five of the mosque’s arches were built by Malik Ambar, the site was later expanded under the rule of Aurangzeb. Over the years, restoration work by the Archaeological Survey of India has helped retain its original form. Today, Jama Masjid continues to serve as a prominent place of worship. It welcomes visitors seeking solitude and a glimpse into the city’s layered history.

The weather in Aurangabad is best in the winter months from November to February. During this season, the weather stays comfortably cool, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C. Clear skies and crisp air make it ideal for a relaxed exploration, especially as many of the city’s landmarks are spread across open landscapes.

This period also aligns with the Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music, a cultural highlight for those drawn to the performing arts. The city, already rich in history, takes on an added colour during this event.

While monsoons can drape the region in greenery, they also limit outdoor movement and access to certain attractions. For those seeking to experience Aurangabad at its most accessible and scenic time, winter remains the season of choice.

Aurangabad is well connected by air, rail and road to many parts of the country. Here’s how you can get there:

By Air

Aurangabad Airport, located in Chikalthana, is around 10 km from the city centre. It operates regular flights to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore and Ahmedabad. For international travellers, the nearest option is Pune Airport, situated 230 km away. The road journey from Pune to Aurangabad takes approximately five hours.

By Train

Aurangabad Railway Station connects the city to several parts of India. Trains run frequently from cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Madurai, Bhopal, Bengaluru and Pune. The station is centrally located, with the main bus stand just 2 km away. Taxis and auto rickshaws are easily available for travel within the city.

By Road

Aurangabad is linked through an extensive network of State and National Highways. Regular bus services operate from nearby towns and cities, making road travel smooth and convenient.

Getting Around

For local commutes, visitors typically use auto rickshaws or taxis. Aurangabad Municipal Transport (AMT) buses cover most parts of the city efficiently. To visit nearby attractions like Ajanta and Ellora Caves or Daulatabad Fort, tourists can take advantage of special buses run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.

The city has embraced modernisation, yet never let go of its heritage. As a popular tourist destination, hotels in Aurangabad can influence how deeply you experience the city.

To truly absorb the spirit of Aurangabad, choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference. Among hotels in Aurangabad, Gateway brings this balance to life. Set in emerald gardens, Gateway Aurangabad’s calm surroundings echo the rhythm of the town. It’s a place where attentive service and modern comfort are thoughtfully combined, allowing space to pause between explorations.

With our kind hospitality and prime location, you get to see and explore the best of Aurangabad’s tourist places. Return from a day of discovery to a peaceful retreat that offers an immersive experience into the local historical culture. Learn about how Gateway Aurangabad can help you make the best of your time here.