Aurangabad, designated as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra by the Government in 2010, beckons travelers with a captivating blend of sights and sounds. The city derives its name from its historical association as the former capital of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb during the 17th century AD. Today, it has evolved into a renowned tourist hub, offering a plethora of attractions to explore.
The Bibi ka Maqbara, a stunning mausoleum, bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Taj Mahal. It stands as a tribute to Rabia-Ul-Daurani, also known as Dilras Banu Begum, who was the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1661, Aurangzeb undertook the construction of this magnificent edifice in honor of his late wife's memory. Interestingly, the mausoleum is officially attributed to his son, Azam Shah, who was born in 1653, as a way to commemorate Rabia-Ul-Daurani, who passed away in 1657. The Bibi ka Maqbara showcases exquisite architecture and stands as a symbol of enduring love and respect, drawing visitors from far and wide to witness its grandeur.
The Ajanta Caves comprise a captivating set of three rock-cut Buddhist caves that date back to the period between the 2nd century BC and 650 CE. These caves hold a place of great prestige among India's monuments, as they are adorned with an abundance of stunning paintings and sculptures, depicting the rich cultural heritage of the country. Originally used as a tranquil retreat by Buddhist monks, the caves exude the serene essence of Buddhism through their simple yet awe-inspiring sculptures. The caves primarily feature two basic designs known as 'Chaityagrihas' and 'viharas.' Within these caves, visitors can marvel at the figurines of Lord Buddha and witness captivating scenes from traditional Jataka tales. Once secluded in heavily forested surroundings, the caves eventually faded from social consciousness until they were rediscovered by a British hunting officer in 1819.
The Ellora Caves form a fascinating rock-cut cave complex with inscriptions dating from the 6th century CE onwards. Situated in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra, India, this site boasts over 100 caves, all meticulously carved from the basalt cliffs in the Charanandri Hills. Among these caves, 34 are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the rich religious diversity of ancient India. In recognition of their exceptional architecture and historical significance, the Ellora Caves earned a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. This prestigious designation cements their importance as a cultural treasure, attracting visitors from far and wide to marvel at the ancient artistry and religious diversity embodied in these magnificent rock-cut caves. The Kailasha or Kailashanatha Temple stands as a true wonder of ancient architecture, located within cave 16 of the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It holds the distinction of being the largest monolithic rock-cut structure in the world, carved entirely from a single basalt rock sourced from the Charanandri Hills.
Expanding over a vast expanse, Siddharth Garden impresses visitors with its well-designed layout and lush green landscapes, encompassing both a park and a zoo. Conveniently situated approximately 3 kilometers away from Aurangabad railway station and 4 kilometers from the renowned tourist attraction, Bibi ka Maqbara, the garden offers easy accessibility to travelers and locals alike. Siddharth Garden is a beloved picnic destination for the residents of Aurangabad, drawing numerous visitors to its serene ambiance. The park entices joggers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, who revel in the beauty of its surroundings. As the sun sets, the garden comes alive with activity, particularly on weekends, when it becomes a bustling hub for people seeking relaxation and enjoyment in the lap of nature.
Situated in Ellora and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grishneshwar Temple is one of the revered 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Also known as Ghrneshwar or Dhushmeshwar Temple, this sacred shrine in Aurangabad is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds immense importance as a significant pilgrimage destination. Among the twelve Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar is the smallest and holds the position of being the last, the 12th Jyotirlinga in India. The temple welcomes all visitors, but upon entering the Garbhagriha (the main sanctum housing the Shiva Linga), men are required to be bare-chested as a mark of respect. One unique feature of this temple is that devotees are allowed to touch the Shiva Linga with their bare hands, which is a privilege not common in all the Jyotirlingas across India. The Grishneshwar Temple offers a spiritually enriching experience, drawing devotees and travelers alike to seek blessings and immerse themselves in its sacred ambiance.
The breathtaking Aurangabad Caves, primarily Buddhist Viharas, now enjoy the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. These caves are categorized into three distinct groups based on their location: the First group encompasses Cave 1 to Cave 5, the Second group comprises Cave 6 to Cave 9, and the Third group includes Cave 10 to Cave 12. The first two caves are situated approximately 500 meters apart, while the third cave lies a bit further to the east. The main highlight of the Aurangabad Caves lies in their remarkable sculptures, skillfully carved from the rock. Caves I and III of Aurangabad, along with the final caves at Ajanta, demonstrate striking parallels, indicating their coexistence during ancient times. These sculptures are a captivating testament to the artistry and cultural heritage of the era, leaving visitors in awe of the artistic achievements of the past.
Situated 15 km away from Aurangabad's main city, Daulatabad Fort stands as an ancient stronghold majestically emerging from lush green surroundings. Revered as one of the 'seven wonders of Maharashtra,' this architectural masterpiece is said to date back to the 12th century. Also known as Devgiri Fort, its most captivating feature is its strategic location, offering a mesmerizing panoramic view of the entire city from its zenith.
To reach the summit, one must ascend approximately 750 steps, but the effort is well worth it as the view from above is truly awe-inspiring. The breathtaking sight of the city spread out below is a rewarding sight that leaves visitors spellbound. Daulatabad Fort is a testament to the rich historical heritage of the region and provides an unforgettable experience for those who venture to explore its grandeur.
Maharashtra
Aurangabad
Pulao, Biryani, Tahri, and Naan Qalia are all must-try delicacies in Aurangabad.
Marathi is widely spoken in Aurangabad but tourists can communicate with locals in Hindi and English.
You can commute internally in Aurangabad by chartering a taxi or rickshaw.
Aurangabad can be visited throughout the year but to avoid hot weather conditions tourists can visit around November to March.
