Things to do in Aurangabad

There are a lot of things to do in Aurangabad, a city brimming with ancient history and culture. Primarily known for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the city attracts close to 2 million visitors every year. Read on to find out some of the best things to do in Aurangabad.

Explore the Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Perhaps the most renowned tourist attraction in Aurangabad is the UNESCO world heritage site of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Although clubbed together, the caves are at two different sites, more than 60 kilometers away from each other.

The Ajanta Caves are stunning, with intricate rock-cut sculptures and murals showing various scenes from ancient times. With a total of around 30 caves, some date back to 100 BCE, constructed under the Satavahana dynasty, while others were built in 400 CE under the Vakataka dynasty.

The Ellora Caves are closer to Aurangabad and also more accessible. Some parts of the caves are even wheelchair accessible. However, because of these reasons, they are also more crowded. The caves are more recent as compared to the Ajanta Caves. They feature 34 caves with Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples from different periods. The Kailasa in Ellora is carved out of a single rock, truly a feat of skilled workmanship.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Visit other caves of Aurangabad

While Aurangabad is well known for Ajanta and Ellora caves, there are a few other caves here that are equally as splendid. The Pitalkhora Caves, built in the 2nd century BCE, are a fine testament to Buddhist architecture. Carved out of basalt rock, the caves have been damaged over the years, but it is still a must-visit site in Aurangabad. Nestled near a beautiful waterfall in the Western Ghats, it is truly a sight to behold.

The Aurangabad Caves are a set of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines dating back to the 6th century CE. Cut from soft basalt rock, the caves are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Pitalkhora Caves

Attend the Ellora Ajanta Festival

Started in 1985, the Ellora Ajanta International Festival is a three-day extravaganza held at Soneri Mahal with the backdrop of the enchanting Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The festival showcases traditional music and dance performances featuring national and international artists. It is a beautiful amalgamation of the history and culture of India in all its glory.

The Ellora Ajanta International Festival

Visit Bibi ka Maqbara

Known as the Taj of the Deccan, Bibi ka Maqbara is a Mughal monument you shouldn’t miss in Aurangabad. The historic structure was commissioned by Aurangzeb for his wife in 1660 and later repaired by Aurangzeb’s son, Prince Azam Shah, in memory of his mother, Rabia-ul-Durrani. It is also her tomb. The monument is very similar to the Taj Mahal, built for Aurangzeb’s mother, Mumtaz Mahal, which is why it is also known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan.

Just near Bibi ka Maqbara is Panchakki, an age-old watermill, once used to generate hydro-energy from a mountain stream.

Bibi ka Maqbara is also known as the Taj of the Deccan

Visit the temples

There are 12 Jyotirlingas across India. A Jyotirlinga is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, and each Jyotirlinga across India is believed to highlight one aspect of Lord Shiva. One of them is located in Aurangabad – the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. This is a very sacred site among Hindus and has stunning architecture. You will find devotees here throughout the year, although it is more crowded during July and August, which is the month of Shravan, an auspicious month in the Maharashtrian calendar.

Another renowned temple in Aurangabad is the Bhadra Maruti Temple. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple is among the only three which has the deity in a sleeping position. It is believed that this temple has been built at the exact spot where lord Hanuman once rested.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Shop for souvenirs

Aurangabad is very well-known for its textiles and lac bangles. Himroo and Paithani sarees are especially famous here. The Paithani saree is a handmade creation, taking anywhere between a month and two years to weave one saree. Similarly, the Himroo fabric uses Persian designs in a fabric blend of silk and cotton.

The Gul Mandi is one of the most famous shopping markets in Aurangabad. You can shop for local souvenirs like handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, and flowers.

Connaught Place is another popular market in Aurangabad, with many shopping malls and local shops. You can buy local handicrafts, wall hangings, and purses here.

Sarafa Road is famous for Bidri pottery, made using copper, zinc, and silver. You can also visit Paithani Weaving Centre on Jalna Road and Himroo Factory near Zaffar Gate, where you can see weavers at work and also buy directly from them.

Relax at Siddharth Garden

The Siddharth Garden and Zoo is a beautiful garden in the middle of the city. If you have had enough of exploring and want to relax for a bit, this is the place to visit. The park also has a small zoo with a few animals like deer, crocodiles, and hyenas.

Siddharth Garden

Marvel at the flora and fauna of the region

The Salim Ali Lake is a popular spot for birdwatchers. The lake hosts several migratory birds and even has a beautiful bird sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. 

Another well-known spot for bird-watchers is the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary, which consists of 30 islands with tropical trees that are ideal for migratory birds to stop during winters.

The Gautala Sanctuary, 65 kilometers from Aurangabad, has rich flora and fauna, including sloth bears, boars, jungle cats, monkeys, jackals, leopards, wolves, and many migratory and local birds such as storks, spoonbills, and peafowls.

Salim Ali Lake

Explore Daulatabad Fort

The Daulatabad Fort, also known as Deogiri or Devagiri, was once the capital of the Delhi Sultanate, and then later, of the Sultanate of Ahmadnagar. Massive gates and artifacts from the Mughal period make this fort a must-visit when in Aurangabad.

Daulatabad Fort (Devgiri Fort)

Gorge on the local specialties

Aurangabad has many amazing restaurants and streetside stalls that offer some of the most amazing dishes. The influence of both Mughal and Maharashtrian cultures on the region means you get to taste rich flavors through biryani, haleem, jalebi, and nan khatai. Try the tikki kebabs, Aurangabad Cantukky, and naankhaliya. There are many dishes to choose from, so make sure to try some local fare while you are here.

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