Aurangabad, which the government declared as the tourism capital of Maharashtra in 2010, is a famous tourist destination that greets its tourists with a richly woven tapestry. The city was named as the then capital of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the seventeenth century AD. The city is used as a base for exploring the most famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora, Daulatabad fort, famous for its strong defenses, Aurangzeb's tomb and Bibi-ka-makbara architecture and Grisheshwar temple, one of the only 12 Shiva Jyotirlingas in India.
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to fine silk accessories and fine hand-knitted garments, Aurangabad promises a thrilling holiday experience to all tourists. Although the city is rapidly moving towards industrial growth and globalization, it still retains its past glory, heritage, charm and heritage.
The most famous tourist attractions of Aurangabad are Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Ajanta Caves exhibits 29 different caves, all exhibiting Buddhist artefacts from 200 BC to 650 BC. All the paintings and sculptures in the caves are painfully constructed by Buddhist monks using only simple tools like chisels and hammers. These paintings and sculptures depict a variety of stories, ranging from fairy tales to intriguing descriptions of ancient nymphs and princesses. Ellora Cave, a short distance from Ajanta Cave, has a total of 34 caves and not one, but three different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - depicting sculptures and paintings. The sheer variety of sculpture, architectural skill, and centuries of hard work taken by the craftsmen are enough to keep you speechless.
The only surviving example of Mughal architecture in this part of the country is the Bibi Ka Maqbara, a tomb dedicated to Rabia-ul-Daurani, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Designed by the Persian architect Ustad-Ata-Ullah, Bibi Ka Maqbara has a structure similar to the Taj Mahal, the main structure of which is bordered by four tall minarets on four sides. A view to see the whole building, and with the sunrise and sunset bright, the rays of the sun beautifully throw the reflection of the tomb over the water of the canal in front of the building.
Aurangabad also has temples like Jyotirlinga Grishneshwar temple and Bhadra Maruti temple, both have their own legends and myths.
Siddhartha Garden is a place where all nature lovers will be fascinated. A natural garden with various sculptural trees and shrubs, Siddhartha Garden also has wild animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, deer, and hyenas. Sitting on the green lawn of the garden and enjoying a beautiful picnic is a very popular tourist activity here.
The former Mughal capital retains most of its traditional Tughlaq cuisine, with tandoor and kebab being the main local ingredients that you will find in almost every street side dish.
Known for its crafts and handicrafts, and especially its silk, Aurangabad has plenty of markets from where you can buy a variety of local handicrafts, exotic gems, shawls, and of course, the region’s famous Paithani silk sarees.
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