Aurangabad City Tour
Named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the city of Aurangabad was named, in the district of Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The city has been marked as one of the most important tourist hubs of Maharashtra for being surrounded with innumerous places of historic interest and artistic splendor. Who haven’t heard of the great Ajanta-Ellora Caves- a UNESCO Heritage Site- that are just few miles from the main city of Aurangabad? Besides, the place has amazing art and craft stores. The artisans here are making the famous Paithani sarees for generations. Tourists can indulge themselves in the amazing cuisine that Aurangabad caters. In a whole, Aurangabad is a must visit, if you are in Maharashtra tour- as this has been declared as the tourism capital of Maharashtra.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Aurangabad is winter. But if you are willing to enjoy the untamed nature surrounding the Ajanta and Ellora caves, then monsoon can be your ultimate season to witness the abundance of verdant natural beauty, the rain-fed streams running brim-filled and many more.
Top Tourist Attractions in Aurangabad
Bibi Ka Maqbara: This is the burial tomb of Rabia-ud-Durrani, wife of Aurangzeb. At a distance of three kilometers from the main city, this tomb is created as an imitation of the Taj Mahal of Agra. That’s why many call it a mini-Taj of the Deccan. Just like the Taj, the Maqbara was similarly designed and is established at the center of a beautifully planned Mughal Garden with beautifully maintained ponds, fountains, broad paths, water channels and pavilions. Behind the tomb, a small archeological museum is established.
Gates in Aurangabad: Aurangabad is famous for the Gates. There are 52 Gates with local history. That’s why Aurangabad is also popularly known as the 'City of Gates' in the locality but people from outside are not that well informed about it.
Ajanta Caves: You can’t miss out a chance to explore the world famous and UNESCO Heritage Ajanta Caves when you are in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. There are total 31 caves that enshrine the early paintings and sculptures of the master craftsmen back in the era of the 2nd Century BC. Tales from the Jatakas are encrypted on the walls and perhaps the source of the wall art that we call fresco today. The reminiscence of the Sri Lankan Art form Sigiriya is found inside the Ajanta Caves.
Kailasha temple at Ellora/ Ellora Caves: 30 kilometers from the main city of Aurangabad, Ellora, another UNESCO declared Heritage Site of India, stands to be the Pride of the Country. Built for around 100 years, the 34 caves hold the time, the super talents of the God Gifted craftsmen and of course the rich heritage of Art during the time in India. Situated on the basaltic rocks of the volcanic plateau, Ellora, is the epitome of rock architecture across the whole world. the Kailash Temple of Ellora is the largest of all monolithic sculptures in the world as estimated so far.
Panchakki, Baba Shah Mosafar Dargah Panchakki is a 17th century water mill that is situated in the Dargah ground of Housed Baba Shah Musafir, 1Km from the main city. This water channel was once famous for being one of the most important water sources in the city. There are various traverses that are straight connected with the mountain fountains to get water from there.
Naukhanda Palace: Built at a summit of Aurangabad by Malik Ambar during the 1616, the Naukhanda Palace is indeed a work of art. There are 9 apartments, a Divan i Aam, a Divan i Khas, a kacheri,and a masjid (mosque)m each with a cistern and garden allied with.
Daulatabad Fort: The meaning of the word Daulatabad is a “City of Prosperity and Wealth”. This Fort City of Maharashtra, is famous in Indian History because of the ruler Mohammad Bin Tughlaq of the famous Tughlaq dynasty. History says that he was a whimsical ruler and often changed his capital from Delhi to Deogiri-Daulatabad and he used to force the people and everything to relocate along with him. That causes even death to many as at that time it was difficult to travel from one place to another with everything people have recurrently.
Grishneshwar: Also known as Ghumeshwar, is a famous Hindu Shrine- a temple of Lord Shiva. This is situated at a distance of 11 Km from Daultabad. It is near to the Ellora Caves.
Gautala Sanctuary: At a distance of 65 Kilometers, the Gautala Sanctuary is located. Covering the land area of 250 Km and situated at a height of 700 ft summit, the sanctuary is a declared protected land since 1986. The place is enriched with both flora and fauna and a chosen destination for the migrating birds.
Jayakwadi Dam: This is one of the main dams of Maharashtra that supports irrigation to the farming lands and multipurpose projects. During drought, the stored water saves the vegetation and farming. Besides, it also provides the drinking and industrial usages to the local towns, villages or the Jalna and Aurangabad area. The surrounding area of the dam is the ideal abode of many birds and there are also beautiful gardens surrounding the place.
How to reach Aurangabad?
By Air: The nearby airport is Aurangabad that is well connected with almost all major places of Maharashtra and India.
By Railway: The nearby stations are Aurangabad (AWB), Chikalthan (CTH), Rotegaon (RGO), Mukundwadi Halt (MKDD).
By Road: Bus services are available from Mumbai, Pune etc to Aurangabad.