Top places to visit

Top places to visit

Aurangabad is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and spirituality, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, forts, and Mughal-era monuments. Here’s a curated list of the must-visit places in Aurangabad.

 1. Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Why Visit?
  • 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to 2nd century BCE.
  • Stunning paintings & frescoes depicting the life of Buddha.
  • One of the oldest surviving masterpieces of Indian art.

 Distance from Aurangabad: 105 km (3 hrs drive).
 Best Time to Visit: October to March.
 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).

 2. Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Why Visit?
  • 34 cave temples representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions.
  • Home to Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) – the world’s largest monolithic rock-cut temple.
  • Magnificent sculptures and intricate carvings.

 Distance from Aurangabad: 30 km.
 Best Time to Visit: October to March.
 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays).

 3. Daulatabad Fort (Devgiri Fort)

• Why Visit?
  • One of the strongest forts in India, built on a 300-meter-high hill.
  • Famous for its maze-like tunnels, secret escape routes, and defense system.
  • Originally the capital of India for a brief period under Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

 Distance from Aurangabad: 15 km.
 Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
 Best Time to Visit: Winter (October–February).

 4. Bibi Ka Maqbara ("Mini Taj Mahal")

• Why Visit?
  • A beautiful replica of the Taj Mahal, built by Aurangzeb’s son, Azam Shah.
  • Houses the tomb of Rabia-ul-Daurani (Aurangzeb’s wife).
  • Mughal-style architecture with intricate marble carvings.

 Location: Aurangabad City.
 Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
 Best Time to Visit: Evening for sunset views.

 5. Panchakki (Water Mill)

• Why Visit?
  • A 17th-century water mill that was used for grinding grains.
  • Ingenious Mughal-era engineering with underground water channels.
  • Houses a serene mosque & tomb of a Sufi saint.

 Location: Aurangabad City.
 Timings: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM.

 6. Grishneshwar Temple (One of the 12 Jyotirlingas)

• Why Visit?
  • One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
  • Beautiful red sandstone temple with intricate carvings.
  • A major Hindu pilgrimage site.

 Distance from Aurangabad: 30 km (near Ellora Caves).
 Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.

 7. Aurangabad Caves

• Why Visit?
  • 12 rock-cut Buddhist caves, similar to Ajanta & Ellora but lesser known.
  • Features beautiful sculptures of Buddha & Bodhisattvas.
  • Offers panoramic views of Aurangabad City.

 Location: 9 km from the city center.
 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

 8. Siddharth Garden & Zoo

• Why Visit?
  • A family-friendly spot with a green park & small zoo.
  • Houses tigers, lions, crocodiles, and peacocks.
  • A perfect relaxation spot after a day of sightseeing.

 Location: Near Bibi Ka Maqbara.
 Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

 9. Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary

• Why Visit?
  • Named after India’s famous ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali.
  • A beautiful lake with migratory birds, especially in winter.
  • Ideal for morning walks and photography.

 Location: Aurangabad City.
 Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

 10. Pitalkhora Caves

• Why Visit?
  • 22 ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, older than Ajanta.
  • Beautifully carved stupas, statues, and paintings.
  • A hidden gem for history lovers.

 Distance from Aurangabad: 78 km.
 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

 Bonus Day Trip: Paithan (Paithani Silk Town)

• Famous for Paithani Silk Sarees, one of Maharashtra’s finest handlooms.
• Visit the Jayakwadi Dam and Sant Eknath Maharaj Samadhi Mandir.
• Distance from Aurangabad: 56 km.

 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary for Aurangabad

 Day 1: History & Heritage

 Morning: Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki.
 Afternoon: Explore Daulatabad Fort & Aurangabad Caves.
 Evening: Relax at Siddharth Garden or Salim Ali Lake.

 Day 2: UNESCO Wonders & Temples

 Morning: Visit Ellora Caves & Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
 Afternoon: Travel to Ajanta Caves.
 Evening: Return to Aurangabad, explore local markets for Paithani Sarees & Handicrafts.

 Why Visit Aurangabad?

✔️ Rich Mughal & Maratha history
✔️ UNESCO Heritage Sites – Ajanta & Ellora
✔️ Stunning temples & forts
✔️ Unique shopping (Paithani silk & Bidriware)
✔️ Cultural & religious diversity