Overview
About Aurangabad
Aurangabad, officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is a historic city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra and the base for two of India's greatest treasures: the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and between them they span roughly a thousand years of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art carved directly into the volcanic rock of the Deccan.
The city itself takes its name from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who made it his base in the Deccan. Its best-known monument, Bibi Ka Maqbara, was built for his wife and is often called the Taj of the Deccan. The city was once ringed by many gates, several of which still stand, and the surrounding landscape is dotted with forts, Sufi shrines and old water systems such as the Panchakki.
Aurangabad is also known for crafts with deep roots in the region. Himroo weaving, a blend of cotton and silk, and the luxurious Paithani saree from nearby Paithan are both associated with the area. With good road, rail and air links, the city makes a comfortable base for two or three days of cave exploration and heritage sightseeing.
- Ajanta Caves
- Ellora Caves
- Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Daulatabad Fort
- Himroo and Paithani weaves
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Aurangabad
Caves & Monuments
Ellora Caves
About 30 km from the city, this group of rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves includes the Kailasa Temple, a complete temple carved from a single mass of rock from the top down.
Ajanta Caves
A horseshoe of Buddhist caves cut into a gorge above the Waghora river, about 100 km away, famous for ancient murals depicting the Jataka tales and graceful sculptures.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
A 17th-century mausoleum built by Aurangzeb's son in memory of his mother, closely modelled on the Taj Mahal.
Aurangabad Caves
A smaller group of Buddhist caves on the hills just north of the city, quieter than Ajanta and Ellora and good for sunset views.
Forts
Daulatabad Fort
A formidable hill fort on the road to Ellora, with moats, a dark tunnel passage and the Chand Minar. The climb to the top is steep but rewarding.
Heritage Sites
Panchakki
A historic water mill near a Sufi shrine, powered by water brought through underground channels from the hills.
Khuldabad
A small town near Ellora with several Sufi shrines and the simple open-air grave of Emperor Aurangzeb.
Temples
Grishneshwar Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, located close to the Ellora Caves and built in a carved red-stone style.
Nearby Excursions
Paithan
An ancient town on the Godavari, about 55 km south, known for the Paithani saree and its weaving workshops.
Lonar Crater
A lake formed in a meteorite impact crater, around 150 km away. It makes a long but unusual day trip.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Aurangabad
- 1
Spend a full day at Ajanta
Take time to see the painted caves slowly and let your eyes adjust, as lighting inside is kept low to protect the fragile murals.
- 2
Combine Ellora with Daulatabad and Grishneshwar
These three sit along the same road, making an easy and rewarding full-day circuit.
- 3
Climb Daulatabad Fort
Go early in the morning to tackle the stone steps and passages before the day heats up.
- 4
See Himroo and Paithani weaving
Visit weaving workshops in the city and in Paithan to see the looms and buy directly from artisans.
- 5
Watch the sunset at Bibi Ka Maqbara
The monument looks especially soft in late-afternoon light, with the hills behind it.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Aurangabad
The best time to visit Aurangabad is October to March (and the monsoon for green landscapes). Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to May
22°C to 40°C
Hot and dry. Visit caves early, as the rock courtyards at Ellora and the walk at Ajanta can be exhausting in the afternoon heat.
Monsoon
June to September
21°C to 32°C
Moderate rain turns the Deccan plateau green and waterfalls appear around Ajanta and Ellora. A lovely time for photographs, though paths can be slippery.
Winter
October to February
11°C to 30°C
The most comfortable season for long days of sightseeing, with pleasant days and cool nights.
Getting there
How to Reach Aurangabad
By Air
Aurangabad Airport at Chikalthana, about 10 km from the city centre, has domestic flights from cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.
By Rail
Aurangabad railway station, now named Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, has direct trains from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Nanded. For Ajanta, Jalgaon station is closer and is on the main Mumbai–Delhi line.
By Road
Aurangabad is about 235 km from Pune and about 335 km from Mumbai, and the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway has made the drive from Mumbai faster. Ellora is about 30 km away and Ajanta about 100 km; taxis and MSRTC buses run to both.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Aurangabad
Naan qalia
The city's signature dish: a spicy mutton curry served with large tandoori naan, rooted in Mughal army kitchens.
Tahri
A one-pot rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables and spices, popular in the old city.
Misal pav
Spicy sprouted-bean curry topped with farsan and onions, eaten with soft pav across Maharashtra.
Marathwada thali
A wholesome meal with jowar or bajra bhakri, thecha, pithla and seasonal vegetables.
Puran poli
Sweet flatbread stuffed with jaggery and lentils, often made during festivals.
What to Buy in Aurangabad
- Himroo shawls and fabrics
- Paithani sarees from Paithan
- Bidriware metal craft
- Stone and replica cave sculptures from local shops
Travel Tips for Aurangabad
- Check weekly closures before planning: Ajanta is usually closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays.
- Do not use flash photography inside the painted caves at Ajanta.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as both cave sites involve a lot of walking and some steps.
- Keep Ajanta for its own day, since the drive each way takes a few hours.
FAQs
Aurangabad Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Aurangabad?
October to March is the best time to visit Aurangabad for comfortable sightseeing. The monsoon months are also rewarding, as the countryside around the caves turns green.
How many days are enough for Aurangabad?
Plan two to three days: one for Ajanta, one for Ellora, Daulatabad and Grishneshwar, and some time for Bibi Ka Maqbara and the city sights.
What is Aurangabad famous for?
Aurangabad is famous as the gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, and for Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Himroo shawls and Paithani sarees.
Is Aurangabad now called Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar?
Yes. The city has been officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, though many people and maps still use the name Aurangabad.
How far are Ajanta and Ellora from Aurangabad?
Ellora is about 30 km from the city and Ajanta about 100 km, so they are usually visited on separate days.
Which day are Ajanta and Ellora closed?
Ajanta is usually closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so it is worth confirming before you plan your days.
