The historical city of Aurangabad is essential in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, it has a rich culture and has seen the ebb and tide of India's historical evolution. It has primarily remained overshadowed by the neighbouring cities in Maharashtra. However, if you are a history buff, then Aurangabad with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the place to be.
The Ajanta and Ellora caves attract thousands of visitors from across the globe. The Ellora caves have a mysterious monolithic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved out of a single rock, and is considered to be an architectural marvel! Believed to be carved in the 8th century, such exquisite carving must have required skilled labour with mathematical and scientific intelligence. It is considered to be the largest monolith to be discovered, even more, extensive than the pantheon in Greece. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the mystery of these caves on your trip to Aurangabad.
Best time to visit Aurangabad
The months from October to March are perfect to plan a vacation to Aurangabad. Let us look at the various seasons round the year to help you plan your trip better.
Most Spoken Languages in Aurangabad:
How to reach Aurangabad
This restaurant is known to serve the most delicious and vibrant Thalis. The food here is vegetarian, and the place serves delicious Gujarati and Rajasthani Thalis to treat your taste buds. After a busy day of sightseeing, head to this place for a delightful experience.
From flavoursome Biryani and Kebabs to other Mughlai Dishes, Kareem’s Fine Dining offers you food items in a distinct taste and aroma curated by experts and served to you by extremely friendly staff.
Try your hands at authentic Aurangabadi cuisine at this restaurant. The popular dishes to be tried here include Naan Qalia, Biryani, and other Mughlai items. Naan Qalia is considered to be the staple food of the region, which consists of a serving of Naan and spicy red mutton curry.
If you have a sweet tooth, then this is the place to be! Treat your taste buds to delicious Imarti, Jalebi, Rasmalai, and other sweets.
The Ambassador Ajanta Ranked among the best heritage hotels in Aurangabad, this place boasts of unparalleled hospitality. It offers the most exquisite rooms in the city and is located in close proximity to Aurangabad Airport. You can choose from a range of rooms as per your requirement. The hotel is a perfect pick for business or leisure stay, and its artistic look is a treat for the eyes.
Vivanta Aurangabad This Mughal style hotel is set amid manicured gardens and offers spacious and air-conditioned rooms with several amenities for its guests. Located 20-minute away from the Airport and central Railways Station, the hotel is an ideal accommodation for business and as well as leisure travellers.
Hotel Olive Green Modern architecture and tasteful hospitality are what define this hotel. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant, Lounge Bar, and a conference hall for its guests.
VITS Hotel This flagship hotel of the city is located just minutes away from the central railway station. VITS hotel houses various facilities for your comfortable stay.
If Ajanta-Ellora caves are not strong enough reasons for you to visit Aurangabad, then its gastronomical delights will surely win you over. The city has Persian and Mughal influence in its food, and delicacies such as Sheermal, Mawa Jalebis, and Naan Qalia are a must-try on your visit to the city. Eat your way through some of the best-slow-cooked delights which can be found at various streets in Aurangabad.
Located nearly 3.5 hrs from Aurangabad, this Lake located in Buldhana district of Maharashtra is a National Geo-heritage Monument. The Lake was created by an asteroid collision and is one of the four such to exist globally, the other three being in Brazil. This salt lake is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Picture a town where nobody locks the door. Yes, this exists! The town of Shani Shingnapur, located 80 km southwest of Aurangabad, is known to have a zero crime rate, and even the banks here follow suit by keeping their doors unlocked. If this has piqued your curiosity, then do plan to visit this town to witness it yourself.
Located on the banks of River Godavari, 50 km south of Aurangabad, these massive dams have over two dozen floodgates. The Paithan town is also famous for its textile industries, and Paithani Sarees must buy on your visit here.
This impressive Garden hosts a group of tombs, the mausoleum of Bani Begum, the wife Emperor Aurangzeb's son. Fluted pillars and fountains adorn the Garden, which is reminiscent of the typical Mughal architecture. The beauty of this place is sure to charm you.
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Aurangabad is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in Maharashtra. The city is home to the UNESCO world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves and carries the bygone era's imprints. Aurangabad has another facet too. The city hosts various events and festivals as a testimony to its rich and vibrant cultural heritage.
Paithan Festival is a religious fair that is held as a tribute to Saint Eknath Maharaj. Lasting for 10 days, the Paithan Festival is held in March or April as per the Hindu calendar. The fair marks religious celebrations and trading of traditional utensils made of brass, copper and silver.
In December, the Aurangabad Festival is an annual festival aimed to spread the city's culture and tradition to various travellers and guests. Classical folk dances, paperwork exhibitions, heritage walks, and bullock cart races are all organised under the Aurangabad festival's banner.
Dusshera is widely celebrated all over India, but in Aurangabad, Dusshera celebration lasts well over 10 days. On the last day, a fair is held where people meet and greet each other. Apta leaf offerings are made as a mark of good luck for the year ahead. The Bhavani temple in Karnapura is one of the most popular pilgrimage centres attracting pilgrims from across Maharashtra to celebrate Dusshera. Amid the burning of the effigies of Ravana, schools and college worship Goddess Saraswati as a metaphor for learning.
Ajanta and Ellora festival is by far one of the most well-known festivals in Aurangabad. The festival is known for art, dance and musical celebration and invites tourists from all over India. Painting, cooking, rangoli and other creative art competitions are conducted at the festival as well.
Ganesh Chaturthi also was known as Ganeshotsav is a famous festival celebrated all over Maharashtra. In Aurangabad, the festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm, pomp and show. The celebrations last over 10 days where various Ganesha pandals are set up all over the city.
Maharashtra is known for its festivals and fairs, and Aurangabad is no different. The city hosts multiple fairs and festivals that are popular with locals and tourists alike. So if you plan to visit Aurangabad during a festive time, book your Aurangabad hotels in advance.