Aurangabad

Home to the world famous Ajanta & Ellora caves, Aurangabad gets a lot of international as well as domestic tourists throughout the year. Founded by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1610, the city is a fine example of India’s rich culture as well as modern development. Lying along the right back of river Kham, Aurangabad is also the district headquarters and hence an important city by all means. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum and Sunheri Mahal are some of the must places to visit besides the Ajanta & Ellora caves in Aurangabad. For those who would love to spend some time in the green environs, the Bani Begum Gardens is the place to be.

Eating Out!

Bhoj, Near Varad Ganesh Mandir is one of the oldest restaurants in the city that serves thaali.

SpiceJet Recommendations!

Ellora Caves are the famous rock cut caves that depict the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. Ellora Caves are listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Shopping

Aurangabad is famous for shopping and the place is known for its woven Himroo shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves. It is also famous for Paithani sarees and semi precious stones available in rough, polished and jewellery form. Bidri ware, and old coins dating back to the Mughal period are also available.

Gates in Aurangabad
One of the things that makes Aurangabad stand out from the several other medieval cities in India are its 52 'gates' each of which have a local history or had individuals linked with them. Not many people are aware of the fact that Aurangabad is also known as the 'City of Gates'.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
This place is also know as the mini Taj which has the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb.This place is so called because it is built in a Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions.
Aurangabad Caves
Situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara from this point.
Jama Masjid
This masjid was built by Malik Amber is featured by 50 polygonal pillars arranged in 5 rows, and connected by system of arches. These pillars are said to divide the building into 27 equal compartments where each is designed very elegantly. The mosque in its front has nearly nine arches.
Ajantha
It takes the credit of the most magnificent Buddhist caves in the whole of India. Located at about 100kms away from Aurangabad it has 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves featuring 'Chaitya grihas' and 'Viharas'.All the caves of Ajantha depicts the life of the Buddha and illustrates tales from Jatakas by paintings and sculptures. Apart from this there are number of unfinished caves.
Ellora
Declared by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites is situated at a distance of about 30 kms away from the city. This place initially had 34 caves sloping on the hill and later the archeology department discovered another 28 caves. The shrines here depict the faith of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. It took a period of about 150 years to construct this and nearly 700 people worked on it.