Aurangabad

Historic sites

Maharashtra

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History
Places to visit
How to reach

Did you know that in 2010, Aurangabad was declared as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra? This is so because it has come out as one of the best tourist destinations with its rich history, and cultural heritage.

As the name suggests, the city of Aurangabad got its name from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Since the beginning, it has been famous for various historical destinations like Ajanta and Ellora caves which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Apart from these caves, some interesting travel destinations of Aurganabad include Bibi-Ka-Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort.

Best Time to Visit Aurangabad

So, if you are planning a trip to Aurangabad, you should consider visiting this place during the months of October to March as during this time the climatic and weather conditions are very pleasant. You can also consider visiting Aurangabad during the monsoon season.

History of Aurangabad

The history of Aurangabad dates back to 1610. This was the year when it was founded by the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, Malik Ambar.

Aurangabad was founded on the site of a village known as Kharki. In 1653, when Aurangzeb was still a prince and was appointed as the viceroy of Deccan for the second time, he made Fatehnagar his capital city and named it Aurangabad.

The city of Aurangabad is sometimes also referred to as Khujista Bunyad by the Chroniclers of Aurangzeb's reign.

Major Attractions in and Around Aurangabad

1. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are quite ancient and were built between 2nd century BC and 650 CE. Due to their historical significance, the caves have come out as one of the best historical monuments of India. They specifically house some of the most beautiful paintings which depict the enchanting rich Indian culture.

2. Bibi Ka Maqbara

The Bibi Ka Maqbara is yet another interesting place to visit and explore for the sheer magnificence of its history. It was built in 1661 by Aurangzeb in the memory of his wife. If you like to read about Indian history then this tourist attraction in Aurangabad is a must-visit.

3. Aurangabad Caves

This place is located 20km away from Aurangabad. The Aurangabad caves date back between 6th and the 8th century and must not be particularly confused with Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These have been carved out of the Soft Basalt Rock. Interestingly, these caves were mostly used to be Buddhist Viharas back in the day.

4. Siddharth Garden

These are beautiful gardens which feature a very wide variety of trees and shrubs. This garden also features a small aquarium, and the zoo here is quite a popular tourist destination to visit.

How to Reach Aurangabad

Aurangabad is an intriguing travel destination filled with various historical travel getaways. It is located at a distance of 1,248, 368, 1,698, 932 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach Aurangabad by the following means of public transportation.

By Air

If planning to travel by air, then you should deboard at Aurangabad Airport (IXU). It is situated about 11 km from Aurangabad Railway Station thus, it won’t be a problem if you may want to board a train for travelling further. The airport has overall good connectivity with other cities so, as you deboard your flight, take some means of local transportation to reach your destination.

List of flights available from different Indian cities to Aurangabad

By Train

Aurangabad has been well connected with other cities via train networks. Depending upon your location, you can consider deboarding at Aurangabad (AWB), Rotegaon (RGO), or Chikalthan (CTH). All these stations have considerable connectivity with other Indian cities. So, once you deboard at the station, consider taking some means of public transport to travel further.

By Road

From the nearby cities and regions, Aurangabad is well connected to other Indian cities by a network of easily accessible and motorable roads. You can take interstate/private buses to reach here. Otherwise, if it suits your budget, you can also travel by your own vehicle or hire a taxi.

From Nashik - 194 km via Nashik-Shirdi Road
From Mumbai - 362 km via NH160
From Pune - 236 km via Pune-Ahmednagar Highway

Frequently Asked Questions about Aurangabad

Q. What are the top places to visit in Aurangabad?
A. Some of the top places to visit in Aurangabad include the

Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Daultabad Fort
Panchakki

Q. What are the top things to do in Aurangabad?
A. Some of the top things to do in Aurangabad include visiting the Ajanta and Ellora caves, exploring the Bibi Ka Maqbara, visiting the Daultabad Fort, and visiting the Panchakki.

Q. What is the best time to visit Aurangabad?
A, So, if you are planning a trip to Aurangabad, you should consider visiting this place during the months of October to March as during this time the climatic.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here