Aurangabad, Maharashtra City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Aurangabad, Maharashtra City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Aurangabad, Maharashtra – The City of Gates & Heritage

Aurangabad, located in Maharashtra, is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural marvels. Known as the “City of Gates”, it serves as the gateway to the world-famous Ajanta & Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city was named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is home to stunning Mughal and Maratha-era monuments.

📍 Key Highlights of Aurangabad:

✅ Home to the Ajanta & Ellora Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
✅ Famous for the replica of the Taj Mahal – Bibi Ka Maqbara.
✅ A blend of Mughal, Maratha, and Buddhist heritage.
✅ Known for its traditional Paithani sarees and Himroo fabric.
✅ Surrounded by ancient forts, temples, and scenic landscapes.

🏛️ Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Aurangabad

1️⃣ Ajanta Caves – Ancient Buddhist Marvel 🏛️

📍 Location: 100 km from Aurangabad
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 2nd century BCE.
✅ Features 30 rock-cut caves with stunning Buddhist paintings & sculptures.
✅ Famous for its exquisite frescoes & ancient murals.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
🕰️ Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

2️⃣ Ellora Caves – Home to the Magnificent Kailasa Temple 🏛️

📍 Location: 30 km from Aurangabad
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A UNESCO Heritage Site featuring Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves.
✅ The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the world’s largest monolithic rock temple.
✅ A true masterpiece of Indian rock-cut architecture.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
🕰️ Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

3️⃣ Bibi Ka Maqbara – The “Mini Taj Mahal” 🕌

📍 Location: Aurangabad City
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A replica of the Taj Mahal, built by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah.
✅ Features stunning Mughal-style architecture & gardens.
✅ One of the most beautiful monuments in Maharashtra.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
🕰️ Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

4️⃣ Daulatabad Fort – A Mighty Hilltop Fortress 🏰

📍 Location: 16 km from Aurangabad
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the strongest forts in Maharashtra, originally called Devagiri Fort.
✅ Known for its tricky defense system & stunning hilltop views.
✅ A must-visit for history & trekking lovers.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)
🕰️ Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5️⃣ Panchakki – A Historic Water Mill 💧

📍 Location: Aurangabad City
💞 Why Visit?
✅ An ancient water mill built in the 17th century.
✅ Shows the advanced engineering skills of medieval India.
✅ Peaceful place with a beautiful garden & dargah.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10
🕰️ Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

6️⃣ Grishneshwar Temple – A Jyotirlinga Shrine 🛕

📍 Location: Near Ellora Caves
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
✅ Built in classic Hindu temple architecture with intricate carvings.
✅ A major pilgrimage site for Hindus.

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM

🛍️ Shopping in Aurangabad – Best Markets & Souvenirs

🛍️ Paithani Sarees & Himroo Shawls – Famous handwoven fabrics.
🛍️ Aurangabad Silk & Mashru Fabric – Found in Gul Mandi Market.
🛍️ Bidriware Handicrafts – Intricate metal artwork.
🛍️ Prozone Mall & Nirala Bazar – Best for modern shopping.

🍽️ Food & Drink in Aurangabad – Must-Try Dishes

Famous Aurangabadi Dishes:

🍛 Naan Qalia – A spicy meat curry, a Mughal delicacy.
🍲 Tandoori Kebabs & Biryani – Must-try local flavors.
🍚 Sheermal & Baida Roti – Traditional Mughlai bread.
🍢 Patodi Rassa – A spicy Maharashtrian dish.
🥭 Mango & Paan Ice Cream – Unique desserts to try.

Best Restaurants in Aurangabad:

🍽️ Kailash Veg Restaurant – Best for Maharashtrian thali.
🍽️ Madhuban Restaurant – Known for its vegetarian cuisine.
🍽️ Tandoor Restaurant – Best for kebabs & Mughlai food.
☕ Café Coffee & More – A great spot for coffee & snacks.

🎭 Fairs & Festivals in Aurangabad

🎡 Ellora-Ajanta Festival (March-April) – A grand cultural event.
🎶 Dussehra & Diwali Celebrations – Festivals filled with lights & joy.
🕌 Ramzan & Eid Festivities – Celebrated with grand feasts.
🌸 Ganesh Chaturthi – A major festival in Maharashtra.

🌙 Nightlife in Aurangabad – Best Places to Hang Out

🍹 One Lounge Restro Bar – A stylish place for drinks & music.
🎶 Shooter’s Bar – Best for cocktails & nightlife.
🍸 The Sky Lounge – Rooftop bar with city views.
☕ Café 21 – A cozy café open late.

🚗 How to Reach Aurangabad?

• ✈️ By Air: Aurangabad Airport (IXU) connects to major cities.
• 🚆 By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station has good rail connectivity.
• 🚗 By Road: Well-connected by NH-52 & NH-753F to Mumbai, Pune & Nashik.