Aurangabad, also known as the City of Gates, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The city lies in Maharashtra and falls under the Aurangabad district, which attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its history, architecture, and natural beauty. There are tons of attractions in Aurangabad that shouldn’t be missed, including the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Panchakki, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, and more. Here are 20 top tourist places you should check out during your next trip to Aurangabad!
How to Reach Aurangabad?
By Train: Railheads nearest to the city are at Aurangabad Junction. There are rail connections between the city and Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Besides, the city has trains connecting to Nizamabad, Nagpur, Shirdi, Visakhapatnam, Nanded, Parli, Nasik, Amritsar, Kurnool, Pune, Ambala, Kakinada, Renigunta, Madurai, Gwalior, Vadodara, Bhopal, Narsapur, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Okha, and Rajkot.
By Air: With direct air connections to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur, Aurangabad airport is conveniently located, around 10 km east of the city. Besides Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Udaipur, Pune, Jaipur, and Nagpur, Aurangabad’s Chikkalthana Airport has good connections to Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Udaipur.
By Road: A good network of roads and highways connects Aurangabad to other cities. Frequent state and private buses connect every neighbouring city.
Top 20 Aurangabad tourist places you must visit
1) Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Source: Pinterest
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Aurangabad. They are both reachable by bus or taxi from the city centre. The Ajanta Caves are a set of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that date back to the 2nd century BCE, while the Ellora Caves are a set of 34 Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut cave temples that date back to the 6th century CE.
Admission is Rs 10 per person for the Ajanta Caves and Rs 25 per person for the Ellora Caves. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate. Aurangabad railway stations provide the closest transportation service. It takes 45 minutes to reach Ellora caves, while it takes 1.5 hours to reach Ajanta caves. In just six or seven hours, you can travel from Mumbai to Aurangabad.
See also: Top 15 places to visit in Maharashtra
2) Bibi Ka Maqbara
Source: Pinterest
The Bibi Ka Maqbara is a must-see for anyone visiting Aurangabad. It is located about 5km from the city centre and can be reached by bus or taxi. The tomb was built in 1660 in memory of Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife, Dilras Banu Begum. The architecture is similar to that of the Taj Mahal, and it is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. It is located about 3 km from the city centre.
Bibi ka Maqbara is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on all days. For Indians, the entry fee is Rs 10, while for foreigners, it is Rs 250.
3) Daulatabad Fort
Source: Pinterest
Devagiri Fort, also known as Devagiri Fort, is perched about 200 metres above sea level on a conical hill 200 metres high. This ancient fortification was built during the 12th century and is undeniably one of the most popular places to visit in Maharashtra’.
The city of Daulatabad is located 15 km from Aurangabad, which is well connected to all major cities by road. Chikalthana is the nearest airport to Aurangabad, 12 kilometres away. People can visit the Daulatabad Fort from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day. It may cost between Rs 10 and 100 to enter this fort.
4) Grishneshwar Temple
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Just one kilometre away from Ellora caves, this ancient temple is considered a significant shrine among Hindus and one of the leading Aurangabad attractions. The Grishneshwar Temple is believed to be the 12th of the ‘Jyotirlingas’ on earth. According to legend, the hot spring inside the temple’s sanctum purifies the soul and heart.
There are 24 kilometres between Aurangabad (Station) and Grishneshwar Temple on the road; the distance is 29.1 kilometres on the rail.
5) Pitalkhora Caves
Source: Pinterest
It is one of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture in India to be found in the Pitalkhora Caves, which date back to the 2nd century BC. The cave monuments are made of basalt rock, which is highly susceptible to weather, and so most of them have been severely damaged over time.
Located around 40 km from Ellora caves and 80 km from Aurangabad, it is close to both. Alongside the steep stairs to reach the waterfall is a waterfall.
6) Siddharth Garden and Zoo
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A major crowd puller during weekends and evenings, Siddharth Garden & Zoo is located just 3 km from Aurangabad Railway Station. There are several wild animals & reptiles at the zoo, including crocodiles, hyenas, tigers, lions, snakes, foxes, and many more.
There is a fee for entry to the garden and zoo: Rs 20 for the garden and Rs 50 for the zoo
7) Shivaji Maharaj Museum
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A variety of visuals and displays illustrate the glorious reign of the most powerful Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at the Shivaji Maharaj Museum. A total of six exhibition galleries display weapons and other war artefacts used during Shivaji Maharaj’s reign.
A distance of 17.5 kilometres is covered in 32 minutes. Entry fees are Rs 100 for adults and INR 30 for children between 11 AM and 7 PM on any day.
8) Goga Baba Hill
Source: Wikimedia
Due to its serene environment, Goga Baba Hill is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Aurangabad for couples. To enjoy the breathtaking views of the entire city, one has to trek to the top of the hill. There is a small shrine at Goga Baba Hill, adding to the ambience of this hill station near Thane.
A distance of 4.4 kilometres is covered in 14 minutes via Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road.
9) Sunheri Mahal
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The palace consists of two floors and reflects the purest form of royal Indian architecture. An Aurangabad sightseeing trip is incomplete without a visit to this palace and its beautifully manicured gardens and arches at its entryway. It is located approximately 6 kilometres from the Aurangabad Railway Station.
Sunheri Mahal in Aurangabad offers a variety of shows from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission fee is 10 rupees for Indians and 100 rupees for foreigners.
10) Gul Mandi
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Known for its Himroo shawls and beautiful sarees, Gulmandi is one of the most famous bazaars in Aurangabad. Fabrics with intricate designs and cloth materials are popular on the market. In Aurangabad, it is one of the largest markets that is a favourite haunt for shopaholics.
The location is Shahgunj, Aurangabad and the hours are from 7 am to 10 pm.
11) Bani Begum Garden
Source: Wikimedia
The Bani Begum Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Aurangabad. The garden was built in 1695 by Prince Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb. The garden is named after his mother, Bani Begum. The garden is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and is full of fountains, flowers, and trees. Visitors can also see the tomb of Prince Azam Shah in the garden.
12) Panchakki
Source: Pinterest
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Aurangabad is the Panchakki or water mill. The Panchakki was built in 1695 to honour the memory of a Sufi saint, and it is said that the mill has never stopped running since it was first built. From Aurangabad to Panchgani, the fastest way is by cab to Shirdi, then by bus to Panchgani, which takes 7h 21m.
Indian tourists pay Rs 5 per head to enter the Panchakki, while foreigners pay Rs 100 per head. Children under 5 years of age are free. The Panchakki water mill is open for visitors from 7 am to 9 pm.
13) Khuldabad
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Khuldabad, which is known as the valley of saints, was visited by several Sufi saints in the 14th century. There are numerous important historic monuments in this ancient holy city, such as Aurangzeb’s Tomb, the Dargah of Zari Zar Baksh, and the shrines of Shaikh Burhan Uddin Gharib Chisti and Shaikh Zain-ud-din Shirazi.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are located 3 km from Khuldabad, a small town located near Aurangabad.
14) Salim Ali Lake
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Bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy this lake, which is famous for its migratory birds and is located in the heart of Aurangabad. There is a well-maintained bird sanctuary adjacent to this stunning lake.
You can reach Salim Ali Lake in eight minutes (2.6 kilometres) via Aurangabad Road, Dr Ambedkar Road, Mumbai – Kolkata Highway, Station Road, and Maulana Azad Research Centre Road.
15) Bhadra Maruti
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It is one of only three temples in India where Lord Hanuman is seen in the sleeping posture, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and located in Khuldabad. According to legend, Khuldabad’s ruler, Bhadravati, was known in ancient times as Bhadravati.
You can reach here via bus or taxi from Aurangabad city centre. Also, trains take 21h 3m and cost Rs1,100 -Rs 3,400 to reach Bhadra Maruti Temple from New Delhi.
16) Himroo Factory
Source: Pinterest
Visit the Himroo Factory in Aurangabad for a unique and authentic experience of hand weaving and buying handicrafts of Aurangabad. The factory is almost 150 years old and still promotes traditional weaving methods.
By Aurangpura Road, it takes approximately six minutes (1.4 kilometres) to reach Himroo Factory.
17) Dargah of Pir Ismail
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This monument is dedicated to Pir Ismail, who was a tutor for a Mughal ruler named Aurangzeb. It will transport you back to the ancient times of the Mughal era. An intricate style is used to construct the royal entrance, which has a large archway, a portico and a dome.
It is located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, at the Dargah of Pir Ismail.
18) Killa Arak
Source: Pinterest
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s throne room is among the most famous features of Killa Arak. Nadarkhani for the musicians, the durbar hall, and Jumma Masjid make this palace one of the most popular places to visit in Aurangabad because they were built on Aurangzeb’s orders.
Chikkalthana Airport is located 10km from Aurangabad and 10km from the city. There are convenient connections to Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Delhi from the airport. To reach Ajanta caves, people can fly to Aurangabad and hire a cab or take a bus.
19) Jayakwadi Dam
Source: Wikipedia
One of the largest irrigation projects in Maharashtra, it irrigates the drought-prone Marathwada region and supplies water to industries. Aurangabad’s main attraction site is Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary, which is situated in the surrounding area of this dam across the Godavari River.
During the week, visitors can visit Jayakwadi Dam between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Jayakwadi Dam does not charge an entry fee. Aurangabad is about 60 kilometres away from Jayakwadi Dam.
20) Aurangabad Caves
Source: Pinterest
12 Buddhist shrines carved out of soft Basalt rock date back to the 6th and 8th centuries. The top of the hill offers panoramic views of the city and serenity. It is the perfect place for heritage lovers to get close to the city’s heritage.
The closest transportation service is the Aurangabad railway station. There is only a 45-minute drive between Ellora and Ajanta, while Ellora is 1.5 hours away. In just six or seven hours, you can travel from Mumbai to Aurangabad.
Check out: Know about Aurangabad pin code
FAQs
In what way is Aurangabad famous?
The ancient caves, forts, and historical monuments of Aurangabad make it a popular tourist destination.
What is the most convenient way to get from Ellora to Aurangabad?
From Aurangabad to Ellora, one can either hire a taxi or take the state-run bus. To reach Ellora quickly, you can also take a train from Jalgaon Station.
How long will it take to explore Ajanta and Ellora caves?
It is possible to cover Ajanta and Ellora caves in a day. It takes time to explore all the 30 rock monuments of Ajanta and the 34 caves of Ellora.
When is the most suitable time to visit Aurangabad?
From October to March, Aurangabad remains pleasant and green, making it the best time to visit.
Where are some of the best places to visit in Aurangabad?
In Aurangabad, there are several top attractions to visit, including the Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, the Daulatabad Fort, the Grishneshwar Temple, and the Pitalkhora Caves, as well as the Siddharth Garden and Zoo.
How can I spend my time in Aurangabad?
Visit the monuments, explore the cuisine, capture the beauty of forts, and immerse yourself in the history of the region.
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