Planning a trip? Discover the best Aurangabad places to see including Ajanta caves, Ellora caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara and hidden gems with practical travel tips
Introduction on Aurangabad Places To See
I’ll be honest.
Aurangabad was never on my “must visit” list.
I had always heard about Ajanta and Ellora caves, but I thought they were just old caves with statues. Nothing too exciting.
However, the moment I reached Aurangabad, my opinion slowly changed.
The city feels calm. Not chaotic like many tourist places.
Meanwhile, everywhere you go, history suddenly appears — a Mughal monument, an ancient gate, or a rock-cut cave built centuries ago.
And honestly, that mix of history, architecture and peaceful travel is exactly what makes Aurangabad special.
So if you are searching for Aurangabad places to see, this guide will help you plan your trip better.
Why Aurangabad Is Worth Visiting
Aurangabad is one of the most fascinating historical cities in Maharashtra.
However, what makes it truly unique is something many people don’t realize.
The city sits close to two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Yes, two.
Those are:
- Ajanta Caves
- Ellora Caves
Meanwhile, Aurangabad also has Mughal monuments, ancient forts, temples, lakes and small hidden attractions.
The best part?
The city is not extremely crowded like Jaipur or Agra.
Therefore, exploring here feels relaxed.
You can actually enjoy the place instead of rushing through monuments.
Architecture
Aurangabad is like a museum without walls.
Everywhere you go, you see incredible architecture.
However, the most surprising thing is that many structures here were created by carving mountains.
Yes, entire temples were carved out of rock.
For example, Ellora’s Kailasa Temple was carved from a single mountain rock.
Imagine the effort required for that.
Meanwhile, Ajanta caves are famous for their ancient paintings.
These paintings are over 1500 years old. Yet they still show beautiful colors and expressions.
And then there are Mughal monuments.
Bibi Ka Maqbara looks surprisingly similar to the Taj Mahal.
However, the atmosphere around it feels quieter and less commercial.
My Experience Exploring Aurangabad
My trip started early in the morning.
I woke up before sunrise because someone had told me that Bibi Ka Maqbara looks best in the morning light.
Honestly, they were right.
The monument looked peaceful.
Only a few visitors were walking around the garden. Birds were flying over the dome. And the white marble slowly turned golden in the sunlight.
Meanwhile, the place felt calm compared to the Taj Mahal.
Later that day, I visited Ellora Caves.
And this is where things became truly impressive.
The moment you see the Kailasa Temple, you just stop for a second.
It is massive.
More importantly, it is carved from a single rock.
Standing there, I kept thinking — how did people build this without machines?
The next day I went to Ajanta Caves.
The caves sit inside a curved valley surrounded by green hills.
However, what surprised me most were the paintings inside the caves.
They are delicate, detailed, and unbelievably old.
Honestly, it felt less like sightseeing and more like stepping into another era.
Best Aurangabad Places To See
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are around 100 km from Aurangabad.
Yes, the drive takes some time.
However, the place is absolutely worth it.
The caves built somewhere in between 2nd century BCE and 6th century CE.
They were mainly used as Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls.
Meanwhile, the most special part is the paintings.
These murals show stories from Buddha’s life.
Even today historians study these paintings to understand ancient Indian art.
Ellora Caves
Ellora is much closer to Aurangabad.
It is only 30 km away.
However, Ellora is very different from Ajanta.
Here you will see temples from three religions.
- Hindu
- Buddhist
- Jain
The highlight is definitely Kailasa Temple.
It is the largest monolithic rock-cut temple in the world.
And honestly, pictures do not do justice to its size.
You need to stand there to understand its scale.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is often called the Mini Taj Mahal.
It was built by Aurangzeb’s son in memory of his mother.
The structure clearly shows Mughal architectural style.
However, the biggest advantage is the peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike the Taj Mahal, it is not extremely crowded.
Therefore, you can explore slowly and take good photos.
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort is located about 15 km from Aurangabad.
This fort was once considered almost impossible to conquer.
The architecture includes:
- narrow passages
- defensive gates
- secret escape routes
However, reaching the top requires climbing many steps.
Meanwhile, the view from the top is fantastic.
You can see the surrounding countryside for miles.
Things People Usually Miss
Many tourists visit only Ajanta and Ellora.
However, Aurangabad has several underrated attractions.
Some places worth exploring include:
- Panchakki Water Mill
- Aurangabad Caves
- Salim Ali Lake
- Himroo textile shops
Meanwhile, local markets are interesting too.
You can find traditional Paithani sarees and handmade fabrics.
Practical Tips Nobody Tells
First, wear comfortable shoes.
Exploring caves requires a lot of walking.
Meanwhile, carry water and snacks.
Food options near Ajanta caves are limited.
Another useful tip is to hire a guide at Ellora.
Otherwise you might miss the stories behind the carvings.
Also try reaching monuments early.
Morning light is best for photos.
Best Time To Visit
Winter is the best season to visit Aurangabad.
The ideal months are October to March.
The weather stays pleasant during this time.
Meanwhile, summers can be extremely hot.
Temperatures often cross 40°C.
Therefore winter is definitely better for sightseeing.
Timings & Tickets
Ajanta Caves
9 AM – 5 PM
Closed Monday
Ticket approx ₹40
Ellora Caves
6 AM – 6 PM
Closed Tuesday
Ticket approx ₹40
Bibi Ka Maqbara
8 AM – 8 PM
Ticket approx ₹25
However, ticket prices sometimes change.
So checking official sites before visiting is helpful.
How To Reach Aurangabad
Aurangabad is well connected by air, rail and road.
By Air
Aurangabad Airport has flights from Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.
By Train
Many trains connect Aurangabad to major cities in Maharashtra.
By Road
Meanwhile, the drive from Pune or Mumbai is quite scenic.
Many travelers prefer road trips.
Nearby Places
If you have extra time, explore these places nearby.
Grishneshwar Temple
Lonar Crater Lake
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Pitalkhora Caves
These places make the trip even more interesting.
Map Location
Aurangabad is located in Maharashtra, India.
Distance from major cities:
Mumbai – 330 km
Pune – 240 km
Most attractions are within driving distance.
Therefore a 2–3 day trip works well.
FAQs
1. How many days are enough for Aurangabad?
Two or three days are usually enough.
2. Which is better Ajanta or Ellora?
Ellora has more variety, but Ajanta has beautiful paintings.
3. Is Aurangabad good for history lovers?
Yes. It is one of India’s richest historical destinations.
4. Are Ajanta caves worth visiting?
Absolutely. They contain some of the oldest Buddhist paintings in the world.
Conclusion
Aurangabad is not just about monuments.
Instead, it feels like walking through different centuries of Indian history.
Ancient caves, Mughal architecture, hilltop forts — everything exists together.
Meanwhile, the peaceful atmosphere makes the journey even better.
And honestly, once you explore these Aurangabad places to see, you will understand why travelers keep returning here.
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