Aurangabad - The City of Gates
Did you know that in 2010, Aurangabad was declared the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra? This is so because it has become 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 then, it has been famous for various historical destinations like the Ajanta and Ellora caves, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Apart from these caves, some interesting travel destinations of Aurangabad include Bibi-Ka-Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort.
History of Aurangabad
Aurangabad's history dates back to 1610, the year 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 the famous Aurangabad tourist places that are quite ancient and were built between the 2nd century BC and 650 CE. Due to their historical significance, the caves have become one of the best historical monuments of India. They specifically house some of the most beautiful paintings depicting 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 20 km away from Aurangabad. The Aurangabad caves date between the 6th and 8th centuries and must be distinct from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These have been carved out of the Soft Basalt Rock. Interestingly, these caves were mainly used as Buddhist Viharas back in the day.
4. Siddharth Garden
These beautiful gardens feature a wide variety of trees and shrubs. This garden also features a small aquarium, and the zoo is a popular tourist destination.
Things to Do in Aurangabad
- Heritage Walks – Explore the city’s historic gates and old Mughal-era structures.
- Cave Exploration – Visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves for breathtaking ancient art.
- Shopping – Buy famous Himroo and Paithani sarees, and handcrafted Bidriware.
- Local Cuisine – Try Naan Qalia, Mughlai dishes, and Maharashtrian street food.
- Trekking – Climb to Daulatabad Fort for stunning panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March (Winter) – Best time for sightseeing with pleasant weather.
- June to September (Monsoon) – Good for nature lovers; Ajanta & Ellora caves look stunning.
- April to June (Summer) – Can be very hot, not ideal for travel.
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 during the months of October to March, as the climate is more favorable then.
Q. Where is Aurangabad?
A. Aurangabad is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
