 The city has come a long way since it was founded by mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Today, it is known for some of the finest colleges and university in Maharashtra. And it is the fastest growing industrial town in India.
But the charm and glory of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage is rich and varied - the result of the artistic and cultural influences of several dynasties since its first stone age inhabitants.
Places to Visit
Aurangabad Caves
They lie just beyond the city, nearly forgotten. The Aurangabad caves were excavated between the 2nd and 6th centuries AD. Tantra influences echo in the highly ornate and Strikingly detailed sculptures and architecture.
Bibi - kA - Maqbara
In 1679, Aurangzeb's son built a tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia-ud-Durani - the hauntingly beautiful Bibi-ka-Maqbara. A replica of the Taj Mahal, it stands out as the only piece of Moghul architecture on the Deccan Plateau.
Pan Chakki
This late 17th century water mill displays the engineering skills of Malik Ambar - architect of Aurangabad City. It is surrounded by a picturesque gardened landscape, dotted with fish tanks. The site also serves as a memorial to a sufi saint, a spiritual guide to Aurangzeb.
Excursions
Besides the main city, Aurangabad is the starting point for several breathtaking excursions.
Ajanta
In 1819, 100 kms. from Aurangabad, a group of British officers stumbled upon a secret held by the Sahyadri Hills for centuries. The horseshow - shaped gathering of the 30 rock - hewn caves of Ajanta. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the exquisite legacy of paintings, sculptures, 'Chaityas' (halls) and 'Viharas' (monasteries) took around 800 years to complete. (More Information)
Ellora
A mere 30 kms. From the city are the equally impressive Ellora caves. What makes this group of 34 temples unique is that they are dedicated to 3 different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. (More Information)
One of the key attractions is the monumental kailas Temple - the largest single monolithic structure in the world.
Ghrishneshwar Temple
Just half a kilometer from the Ellora caves is this magnificent temple, built in the 18th century. It is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. Another place well worth a visit is the nearby Holkar tank.
Khuldabad
3 kms. From Ellora lies Khuldabad literally 'heavenly abode'. The final resting place of Emperor Aurangzeb, this walled town was once an important center.
Bani Begam Gardens
24 kms. From Aurangabad, you can find the tomb of Bani Begam - companion to one of Aurangzeb's son. It lies amidst sprawling landscaped gardens, interspersed with fluted pillars, elegant domes and aesthetic fountains - showcasing the splendid architecture of the times.
Pitalkhora
78 kms. From Aurangabad lie the 13 cave temple of Pitalkhora - carved between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD. The relief work is strikingly richer and more elaborate, the carvings more precise, than in earlier work.
Daulatabad
On a hill, 13 kms. From Aurangabad stands the proud fortress of Daulatabad, also known as Devgiri Fort. An impregnable defense in its day, the 'city of fortune' passed through several dynasties in the Deccan.
Paithan
An important excavation site today, Paithan town, or Pratishthan (as known earlier) was once a booming trade center. It used to be the capital of the Satvahana dynasty. A legacy of those days is still seen in the intricately beautiful handmade Paithani silk sarees.
The new Jayakwadi dam is an ideal bird watching site. The town also provides easy access to the states largest garden Dnyaneshwar Udyan.
Climate
The City experiences extreme climate, hot summers and cold winters. The tourists season extends right through the year but the best time to visit is October to March.
Languages Spoken
Marathi, Hindi, Urdu and English
Clothing
Cool cottons in summer and a warm woolen for winters
What to Buy
Aurangabad is famous for its Himroo Shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves, Bidriware artifact, agate stones and Paithani silk sarees.
Where to Stay
The MTDC holiday resort is conveniently located, on the main station road, 5-10 mins away from the bus stand.
There's also a tourist information center nearby, which will help you organize your trips in and around Aurangabad.
How to get there
By Air
Airport is 10 kms from the city.
By Rail
Aurangabad is on Manmad - Kachiguda section of Soth Central Railway, Mumbai - Manmad - Aurangabad is 375 Kms.
By Road
Mumbai - Aurangabad (Via Manmad) is 388 Kms.
Mumbai - Aurangabad (Via Pune) is 400 Kms.
S.T. Buses from Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Nagpur, Dhule and Osmanabad to Aurangabad.
Tourism Office
Holiday resort, Station Road, Aurangabad - 431001. Telephone 331513 STD Code 0240, Fax Number 331198.
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