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Overview
Aurangabad is a mid-sized city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, central India. It served as a significant base for the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb during his long campaigns in the Deccan, and much of the city's architectural heritage reflects that Mughal-era past alongside older Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
The city's primary draw is its proximity to two of India's most important archaeological sites: the Ajanta Caves, with their extraordinary Buddhist mural paintings dating back more than two millennia, and the Ellora Caves, a complex of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples spanning roughly 600 years of craftsmanship. Both sites carry UNESCO World Heritage status and draw visitors from across the world.
Beyond the caves, Aurangabad has a modest but walkable old city, a functioning textile tradition (Himroo and Paithani weaving), and several Mughal-period monuments within the city limits itself. It functions as a practical base rather than a destination-in-itself, but a well-planned two to three day stay can be genuinely rewarding.
Before You Go
Visas
Most international visitors require a visa to enter India. Eligibility for e-visas varies by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Indian Bureau of Immigration website for current, authoritative requirements before you book.
Health
Consult a travel health professional well before your trip. Mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Maharashtra; check whether malaria or dengue prophylaxis is advisable for your travel period. Carry a supply of any prescription medication you need, as specialist brands may be hard to source locally. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled or filtered water is the norm.
What to pack
- Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for temple and cave visits (shoulders and knees covered is respectful and required at many sites)
- A good torch or headlamp — interior sections of the caves can be dimly lit
- Sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle; summer temperatures can exceed 40 °C
- Sturdy walking shoes; cave sites involve uneven stone steps and slopes
Connectivity
Indian SIM cards from major operators (Jio, Airtel, Vi) are available at the airport and in the city. Foreign visitors will need to register with a passport; verify current roaming options with your home carrier before departure.
Getting There
By Air
Aurangabad Airport (IXU) — officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport — receives domestic flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and a handful of other Indian cities. Flight frequency is moderate; verify current routes and schedules with airlines or booking platforms before travel, as they change seasonally.
By Train
Aurangabad railway station connects the city to Mumbai (roughly 7–8 hours on express services), Hyderabad, Pune, and other major Deccan cities. Several overnight trains from Mumbai make a train journey a practical and cost-effective option. Confirm timetables and seat availability on the Indian Railways booking platform (IRCTC) or through a reputable agent.
By Road
State-run and private bus services link Aurangabad to Pune (approximately 5 hours), Mumbai (roughly 7–8 hours), and Nashik (approximately 4 hours). The road network is generally adequate, though travel times vary with traffic and road conditions. Taxis and private car hire from Mumbai or Pune are available; agree on the fare and route in advance.
Getting Around
Within the City
Auto-rickshaws are the most common and practical mode of urban transport. Ensure the meter is running, or agree a fare before boarding. App-based cab services (Ola) operate in Aurangabad, though availability is less consistent than in larger Indian cities.
To the Cave Sites
- Ellora Caves are approximately 30 km from the city centre; local buses, shared jeeps, and hired autos or taxis run there regularly.
- Ajanta Caves are around 100 km away; most visitors hire a car for the day or join a local tour. Government-organised day tours exist — verify current schedules and departure points at the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) office locally.
- At Ajanta, private vehicles are not permitted close to the cave entrance; shuttle buses from a designated parking area are the standard arrangement. Verify the current shuttle system locally, as it has changed in the past.
Day Tours
Many hotels and guesthouses can arrange guided day trips combining Ellora with the Bibi Ka Maqbara and Aurangabad Caves, or a full day at Ajanta. Compare at least two or three operators on price and guide quality before booking.
Things to See & Do
Ajanta Caves
A series of around 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments set in a horseshoe-shaped gorge in the Sahyadri hills. The painted interiors — depicting scenes from the Jataka tales and the life of the Buddha — are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI); admission fees and opening days should be verified on the ASI website or locally before you go, as charges and weekly closures apply.
Ellora Caves
Thirty-four rock-cut temples and monasteries spanning Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, carved between roughly the 6th and 11th centuries CE. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a monolithic structure carved downward from a single basalt cliff face to represent Mount Kailash, is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious rock-cut monuments anywhere in the world. Check ASI for current admission and closure days.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Built in the late 17th century by Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah as a tomb for his mother, this monument is often called the "Taj of the Deccan" for its visual similarity to the Taj Mahal. Set in a formal Mughal garden, it is a short auto-rickshaw ride from the city centre. Verify current admission fees locally.
Other City Monuments
- Aurangabad Caves — a smaller, less-visited group of Buddhist rock-cut caves on the city's northern edge; worth combining with a Bibi Ka Maqbara visit
- Daulatabad Fort — a formidable hilltop fortification approximately 15 km from the city, historically significant and offering panoramic Deccan views; en route to Ellora, making it easy to combine
- Panchakki — a 17th-century Sufi shrine complex with a water mill and large tank; a peaceful spot in the old city
Himroo and Paithani Weaving
Aurangabad has a centuries-old textile tradition. Himroo, a fabric historically made with silk and cotton on handlooms, was originally a court textile. Several family-run workshops in the old city still demonstrate the weaving process; visiting one provides genuine context even if you do not purchase anything.
Food & Drink
What to Eat
Aurangabad sits within Marathwada, and the local cuisine reflects both Marathi and Mughal-Hyderabadi influences. Naan Qalia — a slow-cooked mutton dish served with a distinctive local flatbread — is widely cited as the city's signature dish and found at small eateries in the old city. Biryani prepared in a Hyderabadi style is common. Vegetarian Marathi thalis are available across the city.
Practical Notes
- Street food is widely available; exercise normal caution about freshly cooked, hot food from busy stalls with high turnover
- Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants and some hotels; Aurangabad is not a dry city, but options are more limited than in Mumbai or Pune
- Water — stick to sealed bottled water or ask for filtered water at your accommodation
- The old city around Gulmandi and Shahaganj has a concentration of older Mughal-era-style eateries and street food vendors; this area is worth exploring on foot for a meal
Shopping
Aurangabad's most distinctive purchase is its handloom textiles. Himroo shawls and fabric — woven with silk-and-cotton blends in geometric and floral patterns — are sold at government emporiums and private showrooms; the government Handloom House near the old city is a reasonable reference point for pricing. Paithani sarees, made in nearby Paithan town with silk and zari work, are available in the city but verify authenticity carefully, as machine-made imitations are common.
For everyday goods, the Gulmandi bazaar area in the old city is a functional market covering hardware, spices, and everyday items. Negotiation is standard at unpriced market stalls; fixed-price government emporiums are useful for understanding baseline costs before bargaining elsewhere.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs from major Indian banks are present across the city. Carry some cash, particularly when visiting cave sites or paying auto-rickshaws. UPI-based digital payments (Google Pay, PhonePe) are widely accepted by vendors and drivers.
Medical
Aurangabad has government and private hospitals. For minor ailments, pharmacies are plentiful. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended for all international visitors.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Fire: 101 (Verify these numbers are current on arrival; Indian emergency numbers are nationally standardised but local response capacity varies.)
Electricity
India uses 230V/50Hz. Plug types are predominantly Type D (large round three-pin) and Type C (two round pin). Carry a universal adapter.
Photography
Photography inside many of the cave paintings at Ajanta is restricted or prohibited to protect the ancient pigments. Respect all posted signage and staff instructions at ASI-managed sites.
Safety
Aurangabad is generally considered a safe city for domestic and international tourists. Standard urban precautions apply: keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded markets and bus stands, avoid displaying expensive electronics unnecessarily, and use pre-agreed or metered transport rather than accepting unsolicited ride offers.
Solo women travellers report that the city is manageable but that a degree of awareness is needed, particularly in the old city in the evenings. Travelling with a local contact or reputable guide can add comfort. As with any Indian city, the early evening is the best time to return to your accommodation from remote sites.
The roads between Aurangabad and Ajanta pass through rural areas; if hiring a private vehicle, use a driver recommended by your hotel or a recognised operator. Check current conditions if travelling during or just after the monsoon (June–September), as some roads and paths at the cave sites can become slippery.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Aurangabad has a mixed Hindu and Muslim population with a historically significant Sufi tradition, evidenced by shrines such as Panchakki. Religious sites of both communities are active places of worship, not just tourist attractions; respectful dress (covering shoulders and legs, removing footwear when requested) is expected and appreciated.
The Ellora Caves represent three distinct religious traditions existing in close proximity — a point worth reflecting on when visiting. Loud behaviour or inappropriate photography near worshippers at active shrines within the complex is unwelcome.
Aurangzeb is a historically contested figure in India, and his name and legacy carry different meanings to different communities. Visitors will encounter this history at several points in the city; listening and learning is more productive than debating.
