Aurangabad is a city in Maharashtra and is the fifth most populous urban area in Maharastra. Aurangabad is popularly known as the " City Of Gates " . It is spread over an area of 139 km² and has an elevation of 568m.
The city is famous for being the center of cotton textile and artistic silk fabrics. Aurangabad is also a popular tourist spot.
Here are 38 places to visit in Aurangabad.
1.Grisheshwar Temple
"Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga" temple also known as Ghrneshwar is a Lord Shiva Temple. Ghrneshwar regarded as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga is one of the most visited places in Maharashtra attracting large number of devotees.
2.Bibi Ka Maqbara
"Bibi Ka Maqbara" which resembles the Taj Mahal(Agra) was built under Aurangzeb in the memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum. It is believed to be constructed in 1668 and 1669 C.E. and the cost of its construction is estimated at around Rs.6,68,203.
The mesmerizing beauty of the monument seeks the interest of the visitors and is one of the best places to visit in Aurangabad.
3.The Ajanta Caves
Adding to the list of top places to visit in Aurangabad "The Ajanta Caves" is a Buddhist cave monument in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
The caves include paintings(showcasing emotions through pose and form), monasteries, and worship halls. The stone sculptures impress tourists around the country.
4.Ellora Caves
"Ellora caves" are monolithic type caves constructed back in 600-1000 CE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the largest Hindu temple. Ellora caves have about 100 caves out of which 34 are open for visitors.
The mesmerizing sculptures make these caves one of the best places to visit in Aurangabad.
5.Daulatabad Fort
Popularly known as Deogiri Fort, "Daulatabad Fort" is a famous fort in Devagiri village near Aurangabad. The fort stands at a height of about 200 m and it is believed that Lord Shiva stayed in the hills around this region.
This fact seeks the attraction tourists making it among the top places to visit in Aurangabad.
6.Aurangabad Caves
"Aurangabad Caves" are built on the hills from east to west near Aurangabad. These caves are divided into three groups - "Western Group", "Eastern Group" and "Northern Cluster".
These caves showcase art with Goddess Durga, Gods such as Ganesha, and Buddhist deities.
7.Siddharth Garden
"Siddharth Garden" is among the most loved places to visit in Aurangabad, especially among nature lovers. It consists of a park and a zoo and is about 4km from Bibi Ka Maqbara.
The garden is intricated with flowers and trees. Siddharth Garden also has an aquarium with a variety of fishes.
8.Gul Mandi
"Gul Mandi" is the main market in Aurangabad and is one of the most crowded places to visit in Aurangabad. The market is known for the trade of Himroo shawls. It is the best place to explore if you wish to get a look at the local Aurangabad.
9.Bani Begum Garden
"Bani Begum Garden" is another location for nature lovers. The garden is decorated with fountains, pillars, and doms. The garden is named after Aurangzeb's son's wife, Bani Begum.
Bani Begum Garden is a green site showcasing Mughal architecture fascinating tourists and adding it to the list of must-visit places of Aurangabad.
10.Jain Caves, Ellora
Ellora caves have 5 Jain caves from Caves 30-34. These caves depict art in the form of sculptures of Lord Mahavira and Lord Bahubali. Although these caves are smaller than Buddhist and Hindu Caves they are no less in their mindblowing cravings.
Some of the important shrines of Jains are Chhota Kailash, the Indra Sabha, and Jagannath Sabha. All these things make "Jain Caves" one of the best places to visit in Aurangabad.
11.The Buddhist Caves, Ellora
Caves 1-12 are "The Buddhist Caves" of Ellora. Caves 11 and 12 are also known as Do Thal and Tin Thal respectively. This architectural beauty was built either in 630-700 CE or 600-730 CE.
These caves along with the Jain and Hindu Caves make Ellora caves are among the must-visit places in Aurangabad.
12.Panchakki
Popularly known as the water mill "Panchakki" is a monument situated in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It was built to produce energy through water. Panchakki is located in a region known as the Dargah complex and most buildings were built by Turktaz Khan.
The visiting hours of Panchakki are 7 am to 9 pm with an entrance fee of Rs 5 per person. Panchakki counts in the interest and not to miss visiting place in the list of places to visit in Aurangabad.
13.Khuldabad
"Khuldabad" is a sub-district of Aurangabad with a population of 12,79(2001). The the official language of the people of Khuldabad is Marathi. It is also known as Valley Of Saints.
The popular Bhadra Maruti Temple is situated in Khuldabad. It is another place among the top places to visit is Aurangabad.
14.Kailasa Temple
"Kailasa Temple" is the largest Hindu Cave in Ellora. Kailasa Temple showcases many different sculpture styles seeking the interest of tourists. The temple is believed to be made of a single rock by archaeologists.
Kailasa Temple is among the places to visit in Aurangabad which attracts Lord Shiva devotees.
15.Delhi Gate
Among the 52 gates in Aurangabad "Delhi Gate" is the largest. Built by Aurangzeb Delhi Gate is built facing Delhi. It shows great similarity with the Lahore Gate of Delhi's Red Fort.
16.Salim Ali Lake
"Salim Ali Lake" is near the popular Delhi Gate and opposite Himayat Bagh located in Aurangabad. The lake was earlier known as Khiziri Talab but was later named after a naturalist Salim Ali.
The area around Salim Ali Lake is also a great spot for plant lovers with various species of trees, shrubs, etc. It is a add on to the places to visit in Aurangabad.
17.Bhadra Maruti Temple
Dedicated to God Hanuman "Bhadra Maruti Temple" is located in Khuldabad. It is one of the three places where the idol of God Hanuman is shown is reclining posture. The place is crowded specifically on Hanuman Jayanti and Saturdays.
People from nearby places walk to the temple for puja. It is a popular place among the places to visit in Aurangabad.
18.Himroo Factory
"Himroo Factory" is known for Paithani sarees, handloom shawls, bed covers, etc. Tourists visit the factory in large numbers to understand ancient handweaving.
This 150-year-old factory is located near Zaffar Gate in Aurangabad. Himroo The factory is one of the nice places to visit in Aurangabad.
19.Jama Masjid
"Jama Masjid" was built in 1612 AD and is situated near Killa Arrak constructed by Malik Amber soon after Aurangabad was known. Jama Masjid is the structure along with Amkhar which is still in good condition. This is yet another place among the places to visit in Aurangabad.
20.Killa Arrak
One of the oldest mosques Jamma Masjid is built near Killa Arrak in Aurangabad. It is a popular tourist spot in Aurangabad with gives a captivating experience.
21.Connaught Place
"Connaught Place" is a popular market place of Aurangabad flourishing through the years. It has a multiplex, Prozone Mall, car showrooms, ornament showrooms along with multi-storied buildings.
Connaught Place is known for Kam Khab weaves, wall hangings and handwoven bags. It is among the worth exploring places to visit in Aurangabad.
22.Jayakwadi Dam
"Jayakwadi Dam" is built on the Godavari river in 1965. The construction cost of the the dam is 4700 Crores and has a total capacity of 2.909 km³. The water is used specifically for agricultural purposes.
There is also a bird sanctuary around the dam. It comes on the list of some good places to visit in Aurangabad.
23.Dargah Of Pir Ismail
Another place on a list of places to visit in Aurangabad "Dargah Of Pir Ismail" was built-in the memory of Pir Ismail who was the tutor of Aurangzeb. The dargah is mostly crowded specifically on Thursdays.
The entrance of the Dargah has a pointed archway which is built in a complicated yet beautiful way.
24.Tomb of Aurangzeb
"Tomb of Aurangzeb" is a Mughal style architecture that was opened in 1707 by Azam Shah. Aurangzeb was buried in a grave near the dargah of Sheikh Zainuddin(Aurangzeb's religious teacher) as per Aurangzeb's wish. Dargah is among the places to visit in Aurangabad.
25.Aurangabad Jain Temple
"Aurangabad Jain Temple" is a temple in Aurangabad with a strong belief among the locals. It is believed that the idol in the temple has divine powers and solves problems of devotees.
The temple is most crowded on the festival of Karthik Shukla celebrated in the months October-November.
26.Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum" is situated near Nehru Bal Udyan and is about 5.5Km away from Aurangabad railway station. Dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji the museum construction cost is around 194 lakhs.
The museum consists of 6 exhibition halls and attracts several tourists. It is an among must-visit places in Aurangabad.
27.Dargah Baba Shah Musafir
"Dargah Baba Shah Musafir' is a complex having the tombstone of Baba Shah Musafir, who was a teacher of Aurangzeb. It also has a garden and a fountain. It is yet another place on the list of places to visit is Aurangabad.
28.Pitalkhora Caves
Among the places to visit in Aurangabad "Pitalkhora Caves' are in western Ghats of Maharashtra. Pitalkhora are 14 rock-cut caves consisting of four chaityas and 10 viharas. This place also has structures of elephants. These caves help in siquential of Ajanta-Ellora Caves.
29.Goga Baba Hill
It is one of the places to visit in Aurangabad which is famous among trekkers. "Goga Baba Hill" gives a mesmerizing view of Hanuman Tekdi, Aurangabad Caves, Devgiri Fort and Bibi ka Maqbara. It is visited by several tourists.
30.Mhaismal
"Mhaismal" is a less crowded hill station. Mhaismal is a bird watching and picnic spot popular among nature lovers. A worth visiting place among places to visit in Aurangabad Mhaismal is no less than heaven.
31.Hazur Sahib Nanded
A Sikh architecture "Hazur Sahib Nanded" is located in Nanded, Maharashtra. The the place is also known as Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib. It was built in 1837 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is among soothing and peaceful places to visit in Aurangabad.
32.Soneri Mahal
Built by Mughal nobles from Bundelkhand "Soneri Mahal" is a beautiful palace of Aurangabad. Soneri Mahal is known for its mesmerizing paintings on walls.
The Palace was constructed by Pahar Singh and is now used as a venue for various cultural programs in the festive season. The Soneri Mahal holds a good position in the places to visit in Aurangabad.
33.Prozone Mall
Among the places to visit in Aurangabad "Prozone Mall" is the largest shopping mall having a 1,000,000 sq ft retail floor. It is located in an API compound, Chikalthana is the designated horizontal mall.
The mall was inaugurated by famous actor Hritik Roshan in 2010 and since then been popular among the people nearby.
34.Himayat Bagh
A part of the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani 'Himayat Bagh" is a 17th-century garden located near Delhi gate. Earlier it was known as Mughal Garden later became popular as Himayat Bagh.
The bagh is now a Fruit Research Station and Nursery. It is among the places to visit in Aurangabad.
35.Naukhanda Palace
Located in Mill Corner, Aurangabad "Naukhanda Palace" is a royal palace built-in 1616 by Malik Ambar. The papace had 9 apartments, 5 zananas, a masjid and a kacheri. It counts as one of the not to miss places to visit in Aurangabad.
36.H2O Water Park
The best place to visit if looking for spending a day full of enjoyment "H2O Water Park" is located on the National Highway Daulatabad. With an entry fee of Rs 450 for children and Rs 650 for adults "H2O Water Park" is an amusement water park with a number of water slides and crazy rides.
37.Ellora Ajanta Festival
"Ellora Ajanta Festival" is a big festival celebrated in Aurangabad each year. The motive of the festival is to make people aware of various historic sites of Aurangabad. The festival is a complete packet of skill and talent. Many popular celebrities like Hema Malini perform at this festival.
38.Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying in the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges "Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary" was recognized in 1986. The wildlife sanctuary covers a total area of 26,061 km² and is governed by Maharashtra State Forest Department.
Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is a site of flora and fauna. Aurangabad is a worth exploring city of Maharashtra with many tourist spots.
Have you visited any of these places in Aurangabad?
Share your experiences in the comments.