Aurangabad, which was named the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra by the Maharashtra government in 2010, is a well-known tourist destination that welcomes travellers with a rich tapestry of sights and sounds. In the 17th century AD, the city was known as the former capital of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The town serves as a base for visiting the world-famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the fort of Daulatabad, which is known for its formidable defence systems, the Aurangzeb and Bibi-Ka-Maqbara Mausoleums, and Grishneshwar Temple, one of India’s only 12 Shiva Jyotirlingas.
Temples like as the Jyothirlinga Grishneshwar temple and the Bhadra Maruti Temple, each of which have their own legends and myths, may be found in Aurangabad. Aurangabad, which is known for its arts and crafts, particularly silk, offers a plethora of marketplaces where you can purchase a variety of local handicrafts, unusual gems, shawls, and, of course, the region’s famous paithani silk sarees.
Aurangabad
Places to Visit
Besides all the tourist attractions in Aurangabad, there are a number of shopping destinations and food hubs that you must visit when you are there!
1. Bibi Ka Maqbara
If you still think only Taj Mahal is the ultimate symbol of love, you must visit ‘Bibi Ka Maqbara’, one of the historic places that must be visited while in Aurangabad called the. Though not as huge and popular like the Taj, this historic monument also symbolize the love of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for his wife DilrasBanu Begum.
Built on an elevated platform, it is guarded by four minarets along its four corners and can be reached by a series of steps from three different sides. Studded with exquisite marbles and ornamented with intricate designs, carvings and showcasing the immortal love, this ancient monument truly deserves a visit while you are planning to cover all the major places to visit in Aurangabad.
2. Ellora Caves
Architectural brilliance of a bygone era, Ellora Caves is also among the not to miss places to visit near Aurangabad. Located around 29 km from the city center, this chain of caves were built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the Buddhist clan and Yadav group of the Jains.
A must visit UNESCO World Heritage site in Maharashtra, this series of caves also showcases the perfection and epitome of the pre historic times of the Indian culture. With detailed and intricate carvings, the caves are now given distinct numbers.
Among all these, the Vishwakarma; cave number 10, Dashavatara; cave number 15, Kailasanatha Temple; cave number 16, Rameshvara; cave number 21 and IndraSabha; cave number 32, are the most prominent and sought after in the Ellora Cave. The glimpses of a bygone era, the diverse history, architectural brilliance and the grandeur of this chain of caves make it one of the most popular tourist places near Aurangabad.
3. Lonar Crater Lake
Around 3 hours from Aurangabad, the Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district of Maharashtra is also among the important places to visit near Aurangabad. A study point of several geologists, ecologists, archaeologists, naturalist, astronomers, and aspiring students, this lake was created due to the impact of a meteor that is known to be the largest of its kind.
Huge mass and velocity of the meteor, after it hit the ground, created a saline soda lake that measures around 1.2 km in diameter and 137 m in depth. Though in the beginning, the origin of this fascinating lake was believed to be due to a volcanic eruption, later studies on the Lonar Crater Lake confirmed that it is the impact of a meteor that created it.
Oval in shape, it is surrounded by a series of low lying hills and lush greeneries. In addition to the amazing outlook of the lake, the surrounding also adds to its captivating beauty and charm.
4. Tulja Bhavani Temple
Around 268 km from the city limits, is the city of Tuljapur in the Osmanabad district of Maharashtra. Located in this city, the Tuljapur Bhavani Temple is one of the holiest and sacred temples dedicated to Goddess Bhavani; it also makes it to the list of important places to visit near Aurangabad.
Built during the 12 century CE, this temple is considered a holy pilgrimage by the Hindus and is regularly visited by the devotees. The architecture of the temple showcases the intricate work form of Hemadpanti style of the early Indian era. With two large gates called the ‘mahadwars’, the entry to the main courtyard of the Tulja Bhavani Temple offers the glimpses of the KalloTirtha.
Gomukh Tirtha within the temple serves as the source of the holy water and ahead of this lies the Siddivinayaka Temple, and after crossing few more temples and gates, you can reach the main room of the temple where the Goddess is seated opposite to Lord Shankara.
5. Goga Baba Hill
A short hike to Goga Baba Hill will reward you with panoramic views of Aurangabad city. Famous among trekkers, photographers, devotees and nature lovers, this hilltop undoubtedly makes for one of the best places to visit in Aurangabad.
One can pay their respects to lord at the temple located on the foothills of the Goga Baba Hill as well as at a small temple at the top of the hill. Spend some time in the company of nature and enjoy the serenity that surrounds you.
Watch the sun go down as it leaves behind the colourful hues which is truly a sight to behold and capture. The tranquility of this place will leave you spellbound and you would definitely wish to come back to this place.
6. Khuldabad
If you are interested to learn about the history of Sufism in India, Khuldabad would be an apt choice. Located at a short distance from Aurangabad, Khuldabad is a place of historical and spiritual significance.
Also fondly called Valley of Saints, this town in Maharashtra was once chosen as abode by numerous Sufi saints. Most importantly, this is the place where the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb breathed his last.
An unpretentious tomb of the emperor along with the tomb of his spiritual guide and the great Sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti is one of the most frequented attractions in the town. Besides, Kailasa Temple and Government Botanical garden are also popular choices among sightseers visiting Khuldabad.
7. Aurangabad Caves
These 12 rock cut Bhuddhist shrines date back to the 6th and 8th century and are carved out of soft Basalt rock. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top and enjoy the serenity of the place. If you are a heritage lover, then this place is perfect for you to get close to the heritage of the city. Now under the protection of the Archeological Survey Of India, the caves are divided into separate groups and you can find artificially cut beautiful sculptures that the centre of attraction at this place and also one of the best tourist places in Aurangabad.
Add these places to visit in Aurangabad to your bucket list if you wish to explore the fine artistry and royal magnificence of the Mughal architecture. Besides visiting these attractions in Aurangabad, there are lots of places for entertainment and shopping as well that you can enjoy your holiday in Maharashtra.
Best time to visit Aurangabad
The greatest time to visit Aurangabad is during the winter months, from November to February. Winters are beautiful, with bright skies and freezing temperatures, providing for a wonderful vacation. Because the majority of the city’s tourist attractions are outside, it’s better to avoid the monsoons, which severely limit sightseeing opportunities.
How to Reach Aurangabad
Aurangabad, as one of India’s most popular tourist sites, is well connected by road, rail, and air to neighbouring cities as well as major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Through Mumbai or Pune, international flights connect Aurangabad with cities all over the world. Roads to and from the city are well-developed, and multiple trains travel through the city due to its central location.
By Road: By road, Aurangabad is easily accessible from Nagpur, Mumbai, and Pune. The Maharashtra government operates daily AC buses from Mumbai and Pune to Aurangabad, as well as a number of private bus companies. On this route, sleeper buses are also common. Taxis are readily available in all adjacent cities and can be booked on the spot for a fair fare. Driving to Aurangabad is extremely convenient due to the high quality of the roads, which are currently connected to major cities via National Highways 211 and 160. To accommodate the growing number of tourists, a new Nagpur-Aurangabad-Mumbai express motorway is being built.
By Train: Aurangabad is located in the Indian Railways’ South-Central Zone and is well connected by train to Mumbai, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Pune, Nagpur, and Shirdi. The fast Aurangabad Janshatabdi Express is one of the most regular and comfortable express trains from Mumbai.
By Local Transport: Aurangabad has a well-developed public transportation system that includes intra-city buses, autorickshaws, and taxis. The ATM (Aurangabad Municipal Transport) buses run on a regular basis and are reasonably priced. However, hiring a metered autorickshaw or a taxi within Aurangabad is the most convenient mode of transportation.