In this guide
Most travellers treat Aurangabad purely as a base for Ajanta and Ellora — but the city (officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2023) has enough of its own history for a rewarding day or two. It sits in the Deccan of Maharashtra and stitches together Mughal, Maratha and older legacies.
Bibi Ka Maqbara — the Taj of the Deccan
The city's signature monument, Bibi Ka Maqbara, is the mausoleum of Dilras Banu Begum (Rabia-ud-Daurani), wife of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Built in the 17th century, it deliberately echoes the Taj Mahal at Agra — which is why it's popularly called the "Taj of the Deccan". It's smaller and less flawless than its inspiration, but genuinely beautiful and far less crowded.
Daulatabad (Devagiri) Fort
About 15 km from the city, Daulatabad Fort — also known as Devagiri — is one of India's most ingenious hill forts. Rising on a conical hill, its defences are legendary: a moat, confusing dark passages designed to trap invaders, and steep climbs. The hike to the top is a workout, but the panoramic views and the sheer cleverness of the fortifications make it a highlight.
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Plan My Trip →More to see in the city
- Aurangabad Caves — a set of rock-cut Buddhist caves on a hill behind Bibi Ka Maqbara, with fine carving and city views.
- Panchakki — a 17th-century water mill and garden complex, an elegant piece of old hydro-engineering.
- Grishneshwar Temple — near Ellora, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, easily combined with an Ellora day.
The base for Ajanta and Ellora
Aurangabad is the natural base for the two great UNESCO cave sites: Ellora (~30 km) and Ajanta (~100 km). Plan around their closing days — Ellora shuts on Tuesdays and Ajanta on Mondays — and give yourself separate days for each.
Best time to visit
October to March for comfortable weather, ideal for the fort climb and cave walks. Summers are hot.
How to reach
The city has an airport and a railway station (both now under the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar name) with good connections to Mumbai, Pune and beyond.
Where to stay
A full range from budget hotels to comfortable business and heritage properties, most within easy reach of Bibi Ka Maqbara and the road to Ellora.
Costs (indicative)
Affordable overall — modest monument entry fees plus transport. A hired car for the Daulatabad + Ellora + Grishneshwar day saves time.
Responsible travel
Respect the active temple and dargah sites, don't deface fort or cave carvings, carry water for the Daulatabad climb, and keep the monuments litter-free.
FAQ
Is Aurangabad the same as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar?
Yes — the city was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2023; you'll see both names in use on signs, tickets and transport.
How many days do you need in Aurangabad?
Two to three: one for the city (Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad, Panchakki) and one day each for Ellora and Ajanta.
Written by PlanMyOffbeat Team
Independent, verification-first travel guides for offbeat trips.
