Aurangabad

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India /Maharashtra /Aurangabad /Aurangabad

Aurangabad is a popular city in Maharashtra. The word Aurangabad literally means ‘Built by the throne’. Aurangabad city is located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. Aurangabad, infamous for serving as the gateway to the world heritage site of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, has much more to offer. Located in Maharashtra, the city has many more tourist attractions like the Aurangabad Caves, Bibi ka Makbara (Mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s queen wife), Purwar museum, water wheel called Panchaki and many caves. The city is best visited during the months from November to march, when the climate is pleasant and cool. The historical city of Aurangzeb also offers excursions to the nearby attractions of Daulatabad Fort, Shirdi, Khuldabad, Bani Begum Garden, Paithan and Pithalcora Caves.

Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad

Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Heritage

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 431xxx

STD Code: 240

Info Website: maharashtratourism.gov.in

Best Time to Visit:  October to March.

HistoryEdit

Aurangabad is a city of great historic value. It was founded in 1610 AD by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah of Ahmadnagar, on the site ofa village called Kharki. In 1653 when Prince Aurangzeb was appointed the viceroy of the Deccan for the second time, he made Fatehnagar his capital and called it Aurangabad. Aurangabad is sometimes referred to as Khujista Bunyad by the Chroniclers of Aurangzeb’s reign. Malik Ambar made it his capital and the men of his army raised their dwellings around it. Within a decade, Kharki grew into a populous and imposing city.Malik Ambar cherished strong love and ability for architecture. Aurangabad was Ambar’s architectural achievement and creation. However, in 1621, it was ravaged and burnt down by the imperial troops under Jahangir.

Places to VisitAdd

Aurangabad Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Aurangabad Airport, Chikalthana Airport, is 10 km away from the city centre and is well linked with other major cities in India. Regular air services to Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai and Delhi are available from Aurangabad. During the holiday season, Indian airlines connects Pune and Mumbai to Aurangabad. Aurangabad Airport: 0240 247 6147.

By Train : Aurangabad railway station is not in the main route but is directly connected to Delhi (Sachkhand Exp), Mumbai (Janshatabdi Exp) and Ahmedabad (Rmm Okha Expres). Nearest Railway Station is Manmad which is 120 km away from Aurangabad. From here connecting trains running through the major cities across the country are available. Manmad to Aurangbad costs about Rs 900 by taxi. Aurangabad railway station: 0240-2334376.

By BUS : Aurangabad is well connected to all the major towns in the state. State owned public transports buses are available at cheap fare. Overnight luxury buses are running between Mumbai and Aurangabad (fare about Rs 1,100). Famous Ellora town is connected to Aurangabad by bus services from many cities in Maharashtra.

By Taxi : Aurangabad is well connected by a road network and national Highway 211. The tourist can reach to Aurangabad by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800
  • Hotel Classic ; Plot No. 4, Beside Goldie Cinema, Aurangabad 431005. ; Ph – 093 25 212444. ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Parking.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
  • Hotel Arts Executive ; Nirala Bazar, New Samarth Nagar, Near Kapadia Theatre ( NatyaMandir), Aurangabad 431001. ; Ph – (0240) 2342775, 2360073. ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service,Air conditioning, Elevators, Parking, 24-Hour Security.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
  • Amarpreet Hotel ; Pandit Nehru Marg, Jalna road, Aurangabad 431001. ; Ph – 0240 233 2523 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry,Parking,Non-smoking rooms
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
  • Ajanta Ambassador ; CIDCO Chikalthana Jalna Road, Aurangabad 431003 ; Ph – 0240 660 7200 ; Facilities – Shopping, Travel Desk,24-hour front desk,24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Baby sitting, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, Wheel chair access, Non-smoking rooms, Beauty salon.

Top RestaurantsAdd

  • Wrap N Roll Restaurant ;  Motiwala Trade Center, Nirala bazaar, Aurangabad, MH 431001. ; M –  080 07 180623 ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.
  • Madhuban Garden Restaurant ;  105 Beed Bypass,, Aurangabad, India. ; M –  91 240 265 3095 ; Food Serve :  Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican.
  • Kream n Krunch ;  Plot no2 Jalna road, Opposite Big Bazar, Aurangabad, India. ; M –  2402322147 ; Food Serve :  Pizza & Pasta.
  • Naivedya ;  Besides Sakal office, Jalana road cidco, Aurangabad, India. ; M –  940348205 ; Food Serve :  Vegetarian.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

  • Paithani Sari, Woven silk Himru and Mashru shawls. ; Paithani Art Gallery ;  Vijay Apartment, Near Ramayana Cultural Hall, Omkareshwar Chowk, Ulka Nagari, Aurangabad-431005. ; Ph/M:  91-240-5621244, 2364762
  • Jewellery made of semiprecious stones ; Ratnadeep Jewellers ;  S N 2, Deoda Complex, Kasari Bazar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra . 431001. ; Ph/M:  N.A.

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

  • Tandoor Restaurant And Bar ; Shyam Chambers, Bansilal Nagar, Station Road, Aurangabad, 431005. ; Ph/M: 0240 232 8481 ; Cost:  Rs. 500 – 1,000 for two ; Food Serve : North Indian, Tandoori.
  • Victor Wines ; Station Bazaar, Station Road, Aurangabad- 431005. ; Ph/M: (0240) 2335546 ; Cost:  N.A. ; Food Serve : N.A.

SpaAdd

  • The Four Fountains Spa ;  Hotel VITS, Vedant Nagar, Railway Station Road, Aurangabad 431005. ; Ph/M – 0240 2342046 ; Cost:  N.A. ; Services –  Back Massage, Bleaching, Body Polish, Body Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Face Massage, Facial, Hand & Feet Massage.

FestivalAdd

Aurangabad Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  December ; Details:  Aurangabad Festival promotes the rich local culture, talent, art and heritage of the city. The festival generally falls in December.

Paithan Fair ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  March or April ; Details:  This festival is celebrated in the months of March or April every year. Pilgrims gather to pay homage to saint Eknath Maharaj at Paithan on the banks of the river Godavari. The fair runs for 10 days with great enthusiasm.

Khuldabad Urs ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  Muslims gather at the tomb of Khawaja for five days each year during the month of Rabi-Ul-Awal. This festival is known is known as the Khuldabad Urs.

Safety / WarningEdit

  •  Beware of pickpockets as Aurangabad is a major tourist city in India.
  •  Beware of fake items. Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.

HelplineEdit

  • Ambulance : 102
  • Fire Brigade : 101
  • Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

Day-1
9:00 am -Ghrishneshwar Temple, Ellora ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
10:00 am – Ellora Caves(The Buddhist Caves);Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
12:00 am -Ellora Caves(The Hindu Caves);Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
2:00 pm- Ellora Caves(The Jain Caves);Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Aurangzeb’s Tomb, Khultabad ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
4:00 pm -Daulatabad fort;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day-2
9:00 am – Ajanta Caves ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
1:00 pm -Lunch Break;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
2:00 pm – Ajanta Caves ;Approx. time spent : 3hrs
DAy-3
9:00 am – Aurangabad Caves;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
12:00 am -Bibi ka Makbara (Mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s queen wife);Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
2:00 pm – Purwar museum ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:00 pm -water wheel called Panchaki ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
5:00 pm – Indra Sabha ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs

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