61 Places to Visit in Aurangabad

OTHER TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN THE WORLD

If you wish to know about the ancient Indian historical monuments and culture, then AURANGABAD, the tourism capital of Maharashtra state in India, is one of the best tourist spot for you to visit. Monuments pertaining from even 2nd till 15th century BC still exist, for tourists to visit. Surprised!!!! how they would have built such astonishing caves during those times??. It shows the love, involvement and dedication to their work. They believed in their skill rather than depending on other factors. Thanks to Archaeological Survey of India, an Indian government agency, for preserving cultural monuments in the country which helps the World to know about the history, culture and architectural skills of Yadava, Rashtrakuta, Satavahana, Vakataka, Chalukya and Mughal dynasties. It is one of the oldest cities located on the banks of River Godavari. This city is named after the great Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. UNESCO gave the status World Heritage Sites to Ajanta and Ellora Caves. There are 52 gateways which was built during the Mughal Dynasty, hence this city is also known as City of Gates. 

Local people speak Marathi and Hindi. Many locals can understand English, hence there is no problem for the International tourists. Climate is pleasant through out the year, but best time to visit will be during winter, that is, from October to February. Try to taste Tahri a kind of biriyani and Naan Qalia which are the famous dishes in Aurangabad. Query arise in your thoughts regarding the facilities like transport, boarding and lodging. Absolutely no need to worry about, because the "City of Gates" is well connected by air and land. Daily services are available from other places to reach Aurangabad by Air, Train and Bus. For local sight seeing, there are plenty of local transport facilities like bus, cab and auto at any time during the day. Students pursuing archaeology, stay for months to get practical training in this mind blowing archaeological city. 

How to Reach Aurangabad?

Aurangabad airport functioning under Airports Authority of India is well connected with many domestic destinations. Railway station which is around 10 Kms away from the airport has connectivity with cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nizamabad, Nanded etc. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) runs plenty of buses to Aurangabad from major places like Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur etc. 

The 61 Tourist Attractions in Aurangabad are: 

Ajanta Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Shahganj Masjid, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, History Museum, Chand Minar, Salim Ali Lake, Siddharth Garden & Zoo, Himayat Baugh, Soneri Mahal, Sunheri Masjid, Jama Mosque, Ganesh Temple, Paithan Gate, Gora Baba Hill, Roshan Gate, Thatte Water Tank, Choti Bhadkal, Bhadkal Gate, Siddhi Vinayak Ganpati Mandir, Makai Gate, Syed Sadath Chowk, Shiv Art, Sawarkar Statue, Aquatic King, Mitkar Temple, Nipat Niranjan temple, Mahemud Pura Khabrastan, Shaindev Square, Eknath Temple, Matushree Kaushalya Purwar Museum, Kala Darwaja, Haweli Syedi Jivanji, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research Centre, Aadil Darwaja, Kailash Cave, API Corner, Zanana Mahal, Rangeen Darwaza, Sant Gadge Maharaj Sabhagruh, Naubat Darwaza, Ahilyabai Holkar Square, Bamba Gates in Aurangabad, Grishneshwar Temple, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Jayakwadi Dam, Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary, Zainuddin Shirzai's Maqbara, Lonar Crater Lake, Panchakki Water Mill & Baba Shah Musafir Dargah, Parli Vaidhyanath Jyothirlinga Temple, Quila E Ark, Prozone Mall, Kali Masjid, Chowk Masjid, Sunehri Mahal and Tulja Bhavani Temple. For stay, there are hotels available based on your budget. Many hotels operate package tours at an affordable rate. You have the options to choose the package based on your convenience.


THE AJANTA CAVES, one of the world heritage sites,containing 29 caves and sculptures and pertaining to 2nd century - 5th century BC, is located in this city. Most of the caves are either viharas or worship halls and was built based on Cathedral style of architecture. It is one of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Caves here pertains to Satavahana Period, Vakataka Period and Western World. Architecture and Sculpture includes Monasteries and Worship Halls. Several Paintings are found inside Ajanta Caves. Cave 4 is the Largest Cave of Ajanta and Cave 10 is one of the Earliest Cave of Ajanta that pertains to 1st Century BCE. 

THE ELLORA CAVES is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monuments pertaining to Buddhists, Hindus and Jains can be seen inside Ellora Cave. Also seen, are the artwork that pertains to 600 and 1000 CE. There are more than 100 caves located in this monument including 12 Buddhist Caves, 17 Hindu Caves and 5 Jain Caves. Hindu Monuments includes Early Hindu Temples, Dhumar Lena, Rameshwar Temple, Kailasa Temple and Dashavatara. Jain Monuments includes Chotta Kailasha, Indra Sabha and Jagannatha Sabha. 

BIBI KA MAQBARA, also known as TOMB OF THE LADY. is a must visit Tomb. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb's son as a tribute to his mother. It is believed that Bibi Ka Maqbara was built between the years 1660 and 1661. It resembles one of the world wonders Taj Mahal and stands as a symbol of love and affection. Hence, it is also referred as Dakkhani Taj, means the Taj of the Deccan. The mausoleum is fully made of marble and it is laid in Charbagh - a garden. 

DAULATABAD FORT is the 14th century Fort. It is also known as DEVAGIRI. The only access to this ancient fort, is through a very narrow bridge which during those period would have been tough for the intruders to enter inside. Standing 200 meters above the sea level, Daulatabad Fort consists of three layers and they are Chand Minar, Chini Mahal and Baradari. 

THE AURANGABAD CAVES the must see location is a 12 Rock Cut Buddhist Shrine. It is situated on a Hill. The Historical Cave is divided in to two specified groups and one unspecified group. Caves 1 to 5 are specified as ''Western Group'', Caves 6 to 9 are  specified as ''Eastern Group'' and Caves 10 to 12 are Unfinished and Unspecified Group. Nothing can the beat the beauty of the carvings that are seen in the caves. Art works includes Hinayana Style Stupa, Goddess Vajrayana, 1st Millennium Buddhist Art, Goddess Durga, Divine Ganesha, Dancing Goddess, Meditating Buddha along with numerous Buddhist Deities. 

CHAND MINAR is located in Daulatabad. It was built by Ala Ud Din Dahamani in the year 1435. This monument is the best place to explore Islamic Art. Inside Chand Minar, there are 24 Chambers and a Mosque. Built with Persian Blue Tiles, this minar looks so beautiful. The Baradari or Pavillion, where the Yadavi Queen used to reside is located inside the citadel. To reach this Queen's Palace, one may have to claim 100 steps. 

GATES IN AURANGABAD - There were around 52 gates and each gate had it own history or a famous individual connected with it. Out of 52 historic gates, only 13 gates can be seen today which includes 4 main gates. Delhi Gate in North, Jaina Gate in East, Paithan Gate in South and Mecca Gate in West are the four cardinal points. Delhi Gate was built by Aurangazeb and it is the Largest gate. Bhadkal Gate is the Biggest gate and it is a building built by Murtaza Nizamshah's Vazir Malik Ambar. It was built in the year 1612 to celebrate the victory against the Mughal. Paithan Gate was earlier the royal gate way and it is a small gate comparing with other gates. Makai Gate is also known as Mecca Gate, leads to Begumpura. It is the only gate where a canon is located. Since it is facing the direction of Holy Mecca City, it is named as Mecca Gate. Jalna Gate also referred as Khas Gate faces Jalna City. Kaala Darwaza leads to Qila E Ark Palace Fort. Roshan Gate is bigger in size comparing with Jalna Gate. It was named after Roshanara, sister of Aurangezeb. 

HISTORY MUSEUM is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of ancient Antiques which follows the concept of Sculpture Evolution of the Country. Collections includes Satavahana Dynasty Artifacts, Original paintings pertaining to Rajput Kingdom, Mughal Empire, Maratha Dynasty and British Era. Also seen are 7th to 12th centuries Excavations, Coins, Stones, Arms, Textiles, China Clay, Gold Embroidery, Ornaments, 18th century Arabic Manuscripts, Japanese Artifacts and Persian Manuscripts. 

SIDDHARTH GARDEN AND ZOO is an amazing picnic spot to relax in the lush green environment. There are several Trees, Flowers, Aquarium, Rides, Swings, Slides, Musical Water Fountain and Zoo to spend a fun filled perfect vacation. Animals like Elephants, Leopards, Deer, Tigers, Lions, Snakes,Crocodiles and much more can be seen inside the zoo. 

SONERI MAHAL is a Palace that was built during the Mughal Period by King Bundela. It is located near Aurangabad Left Wing Caves Foothill. Entire palace was constructed using lime and stone. Currently, it is a museum having the collections of ancient era antiques. This place is the home for Variety of Traditional Dresses, Exquisite Pottery, and much more ancient artifacts. Also seen are Local Excavation Sculptures. Displays are classified in to 9 galleries to showcase the collections. 

JAMA MASJID is a Mosque that was built in the year 1612 AD. It is located in Killa Arrak and it is one of the Oldest Mosques in Aurangabad. 50 Polygonal Pillars are built in 5 rows and they are well connected by 9 arches. Masjid is built in such a way that there are 27 components of equal size. 

GRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE influenced by Maratha style of architecture, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage spot constructed during 18th century. There are 12 jyothirlingas in India and this temple is one among them. 

HAZUR SAHIB NANDED  is one of the holy places for the Sikhs and it is one of the 5 takhts in Sikhism. 

HIMAYAT BAUGH that spreads across 300 acres was once known as Mughal Garden. It is located in Rauza Bagh. There are so many varieties of trees, herbs and flowers grown in this garden. Himayat Baugh was a beautiful garden during the 17th century and now it is the home for Fruit Research Station and Nursery. 

JAYAKWADI DAM is Asia's largest earthen dam and is used for irrigation purpose. After visiting Jayakwadi Dam, do not forget to visit the BIRD SANCTUARY which is very near. More than 200 rare species of birds are there in this Sanctuary. The ambiance of this place is too good that time flies like the birds. 

ZAINUDDIN SHIRZAI'S MAQBARA is the cemetery of Saint Syed Zainuddin who dedicated all his life for preaching. 

SALIM ALI LAKE or SALIM ALI SAROVAR was earlier known as Khiziri Talab during Mughal era. Also popularly known as SALIM ALI TALAB is located opposite to Himayat Baugh. There is a small Bird Sanctuary situated around the lake, hence it is the best place for the Bird Watchers. Winter is the best time to visit, as we get the chance to see several species of birds from various countries. Also seen are various species of trees, shrubs, climbers, herbaceous plants, algae, aquatic herbs, aquatic insects, molluscs, crustaceans, fishes, reptiles, rodents, mammals and insects. 

LONAR CRATER LAKE measures 1.2 kilometers in diameter and 137 meters in depth and it is one of the famous tourist spots in Aurangabad which attracts millions of tourists every year. 

SHAHGANJ MASJID was built in the year 1720 AD. This stunning masjid was built in Indo Saracenic architectural style. Inside the Shanganj Masjid, there are 24 pillars of which there are 6 pillars on each side forming a perfect square. Beautiful Bulbous Dome is located in the center. 

PANCHAKKI WATER MILLS is the place where they used to grind the grains of visiting pilgrims earlier. This water mill is well known for its underground water channel. This monument helps us to know about the scientific thought process of ancient Indians. It is designed in such a way that it generates energy from the water that flows from a mountain spring. Waqf or Habous or Mortmain, an inalienable charitable endowment's headquarters is located here. This water mill is situated inside Baba Shah Musafir Dargah. 

BABA SHAH MUSAFIR DARGAH  attracts many tourists for its dancing water fountains. 

PARLI VAIDHYANATH JYOTHIRLINGA TEMPLE is one of the Hindu shrine which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year. Entry fees are applicable to visit some of the monuments. 

OTHER TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN THE WORLD