Places To Visit In Aurangabad

Tourist Places In Aurangabad

Shortlisting the best of all the fantastic places to visit in Aurangabad is a difficult task, but here are the top spots in the city you cannot afford to miss out on.

Ajanta & Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are among the best places to visit in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Dating back to the 2nd century, these caves hold secrets to a glorious past. In 1983, UNESCO recognised the caves of Ajanta and Ellora as world heritage sites for the culture and art they preserve. There are 30 rock-cut monuments within Ajanta and 34 rock-cut cave monuments in the Ellora Caves. Murals, paintings, and carvings belonging to three different religious denominations - Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, can be seen inside the caves, pointing to a time of harmony and syncretism.

Location: Ellora Cave Road, Ellora, Maharashtra

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Built by Prince Azam Shah, Aurangzeb’s son, in memory of his beloved mother, Begum Rabia Durani, Bibi Ka Maqbara is an exquisite mausoleum. Structurally, it resembles the Taj Mahal, earning the nickname ‘Mini Taj’. The marble-carved building is sure to leave you spellbound. The building houses a mosque, and an archaeological museum is situated right behind the mausoleum, making this one of the top places to visit in Aurangabad city.

Location: Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Timings: 8 am to 8 pm

Salim Ali Lake

This lake is named after the “Birdman of India”, a dedicated conservationist and ornithologist, Salim Ali. Salim Ali Lake and Garden are ideal places to visit in Aurangabad for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Home to migratory birds in the winter, the lake doubles as a bird sanctuary, inviting photographers, wildlife lovers, picnickers and more. The garden, too, is a stunning and serene spot for relaxation and casual strolls.

Location: Chatrapathi Nagar, N 12, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Daulatabad Fort

One of the ‘seven wonders of Maharashtra’, this ancient fortress was built during the 12th century. Also known as Devagiri Fort, this mighty fortress stands on a 200-metre conical hill. If one climbs the 700-odd steps up to the peak, the vantage point from the fortress allows you to see staggering views of the entire city. The fortress holds monuments like Chini Mahal, Chand Minar, and Elephant Tank on its premises.

Location: MH SH 22, Daulatabad, Maharashtra

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Bani Begum Garden

Bani Begum Garden is a Mughal Bagh in Khuldabad, a little distance from Aurangabad. Tourists visit the garden to get a breath of fresh air, a taste of Mughal architecture and an eyeful of lush green shrubbery. Complete with beautiful fountains, massive domes and tall pillars, Bani Begum Garden is a nice place to relax and rejuvenate.

Location: Bani Begum Mogul Garden Road, Khuldabad, Maharashtra

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Siddharth Zoo

One of the best places to visit in Aurangabad with family and children, Siddharth Garden and Zoo is a major crowd-puller. The zoo is home to many animals, birds, and reptiles, including crocodiles, hyenas, tigers, lions, snakes, and foxes. All kinds of flowering plants and trees line the walkways in the garden. Attractions like a musical fountain and a statue of Buddha adorn the garden. This is also a beautiful picnic spot in Aurangabad.

Location: Central Bus Stand Road, Mhada, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

Pitalkhora Caves

Another set of ancient rock-cut caves in Aurangabad is the Pitalkhora Caves. Carved out of basalt rock, these caves are among India's finest examples of Buddhist rock architecture. Set in the Western Ghats, these caves attract many tourists, archaeologists, history-buffs and other curious individuals. A picturesque waterfall accompanies the caves, making for a brilliant sightseeing place.

Location: 20 kms away from Kannad, Chandikawadi, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Grishneshwar Temple

Located less than a kilometre from Ellora Caves, this ancient temple is one of the top places to visit in Aurangabad for Hindu devotees. Grishneshwar Temple is considered the 12th ‘Jyotirlinga’ in India. Built out of red bricks, this holy sanctuary, which has a five-tier shikara, exudes spirituality and divinity. Built, demolished, reconstructed and repaired over time, this temple has seen aeons of history. The ancient sculptures and carvings will leave you mesmerised.

Location: Mahesh Hospital, Verul, Maharashtra

Timings: 5:30 am to 9:30 pm

Dargah Baba Shah Musafir

Baba Shah Musafir was a Sufi saint and Aurangzeb’s spiritual guide in the 17th century. Upon his death, the emperor built this memorial in his honour. The complex houses a tombstone, a mosque, a luscious garden, and an alluring fountain. Located in the heart of the city beside Panchakki, the water mill, the cenotaph of Baba Shah offers a gorgeous view of the Kham River. Shahi Eidgah and Navkhanda Palace are also located near the Dargah.

Location: Panchakki Rd, Nagsenvan, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Timings: 7 am to 6 pm