AurangabadKnown as the City of Gates,Aurangabad served as amerchandising hub in the day ofthe Silk Route, and it continues tobe the center of manufacturing inthe modern times. The city is amust visit for history, architecture,archaeology and cultureenthusiasts.

Bibi Ka Maqbara, AurangabadCaves, Siddharth Garden and Zoo,Daulatabad Fort and Panchakki aresome of the prominent attractionsin the city.

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Famous For : City

Named after the Mughal emperorAurangzeb, Aurangabad houses the famouspaintings and caves of Ajanta and Ellora,recognized by UNESCO as a world heritagesite. Another tourist attaraction is Bibi-ka-Maqbara, which resembles the Taj Mahaland is the burial chamber of Aurangzeb'swife. The various gates that populate thecity are also notable for their architecturalmagnificence and intricate carvings namely,Delhi Gate, Kala Darwaza, Rangeen Darwazaand Paitahn gate. Woven Himroo shawls,Mashru and Kimkhab weaves, Paithanisarees and semi precious stones jewelleryare must buys from its popular markets.

Aurangabad Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/aurangabad page 1

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-aurangabad-lp-1138419

JanCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 21.0°C Min: 12.0°C Rain: 4.0mm

FebCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 24.0°C Min:

14.100000381469727°C

Rain: 4.0mm

MarPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 28.0°C Min:

18.700000762939453°C

Rain: 7.0mm

AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 31.0°C Min: 22.5°C Rain: 7.0mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 32.0°C Min:

24.700000762939453°C

Rain: 20.0mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 29.0°C Min: 23.5°C Rain: 133.0mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.

Max: 25.5°C Min:22.299999237060547°C

Rain: 151.0mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 25.0°C Min:

21.600000381469727°C

Rain: 169.0mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 25.0°C Min:

21.200000762939453°C

Rain: 142.0mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 25.5°C Min: 18.5°C Rain: 49.0mm

NovCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 23.0°C Min:

14.899999618530273°C

Rain: 27.0mm

DecCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 21.5°C Min:

11.699999809265137°C

Rain: 11.0mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-aurangabad-lp-1138419

1 Ellora Caves

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Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431005,India

Locally known as "Verul Leni", Ellora Caves, Maharashtra represent one of the largestrock-cut monastic-temple complexes in theentire world. A World Heritage Site, Ellora isfamous for the largest single monolithicexcavation in the world, the great Kailasa(Cave No. 16). The caves are hewn out of thevolcanic basaltic formation of Maharashtra,which is known as the "Deccan Trap", withbrownish red coloured channels (near CaveNo. 32) through which the volcanic lava onceflowed. 

The epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture, Ellora Caves has in total 34 caves that areexcavated out of the vertical face of theCharanandri Hills, between the period of 5thand 11th century. The caves are divided intoHindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves, whichinclude rock-cut temples, viharas, andmathas, built between the 5th and the 10thcentury. There are 12 Buddhist Caves (cavesno. 1 to 12), 17 Hindu caves (cave no. 13 to29) and 5 Jain caves (cave no. 30 to 34),which are built in proximity to demonstratethe religious harmony prevalent during thisperiod of Indian history. 

2 Bibi ka Maqbara

Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001,India

The burial place of Aurangzeb's wife,Bibi ka Maqbara was built in 1679 CE byAurangzeb's son, in the memory of hismother, Rabia-Durrani. Built exactly like theTaj Mahal, the maqbara is framed by fourlofty minarets that stand at the corners ofthe terrace, while their part-octagonal basescontinuing down to ground level. However,there is no use of semi-precious stones, themajor detail in which it differs from the TajMahal, giving it its colloquial name - "thepoor man's Taj Mahal".

Erected by Prince Azam Shah, it stands inthe middle of a spacious and formallyplanned garden, complete with waterchannels, fountains and axial ponds. Thisgarden is enclosed by high crenelated wallswith fortresses set at intervals, and openpavilions on three sides. The central focus of

this vast enclosure is the tomb itself, whichis raised on a high terrace overlooking thegardens and waterways. You can see thesimple, unadorned grave at the lower levelby a flight of steps that descend from theterrace. White marble is used throughoutwith intricate carving and inlay work,interspersed with delicately moulded stuccowork.

To the west of the tomb, there is a smallmosque with finely worked cusped archesand corner minarets. Small recesses,arabesques and rosettes embellish thefacade. A small archaeological museum islocated behind the monument honouringthe history of its architecture and fascinatingstory.

3 Ajanta Caves

Near Jalgaon, Aurangabad,Maharashtra 431117, India

The majestic Ajanta Caves, in Aurangabaddistrict, are 29 rock-cut caves, dating fromthe second century BC to about 480 or 650

CE. Excavated in horseshoe shape, thesecaves derive their name from a nearbyvillage named Ajanta located about 12 kmaway. A UNESCO world heritage site, it hasbeen described as 'the finest survivingexamples of Indian art, especially painting'by the Archaeological Survey of India givenits masterpieces of Buddhist religious art,with depictions of the Jataka tales andfigures of the Buddha.  

The world famous paintings of Ajanta canalso be divided into two broad phases. Thefirst phase is noticed in the form offragmentary specimens in caves no. 9 and10, datable to second century B.C., while thesecond phase can be noticed in caves no. 1,2, 16 and 17, which started around 5th to6th centuries AD and continued over thenext two centuries. These paintings wereexecuted after elaborate preparation of therock surface initially. The colours andshades utilised vary from red and yellowochre to lime, kaolin, terra verte, gypsum,lamp black and lapis lazuli.

4 Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary

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Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary,Aurangabad, Maharashtra 413001,India

A protected area of Maharashtra, GautalaWildlife Sanctuary lies in the Satmala andAjantha hill ranges of the Western Ghats.Administratively in Aurangabad district, itwas established in 1986 in an existingreserved forest area. Covering an area of64,399 acres, it is spread in the hill ranges ofSahyadri in the proximity of Aurangabadand Chalisgaon. The diversity of vegetationscattered intermittently support the richfauna and floral of the sanctuary. Especially,it is ideal for the development of sloth bearhabitat and for resident and migratorybirds. 

The flora of this place includes drydeciduous forest with rich naturalvegetation and draught resistant trees likeAnjan, Khair, Dhawada. Apart from thisthere are many plant species in thesanctuary that have commercial andmedicinal values. The wide range of faunacomprises of different species of mammals,reptiles and birds with the prominent onesbeing Sambar, Panther, Nilgai (Blue Bull),Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Wild Cat,Bear, Bison, Chital, Peacock and Monkey.The best time to visit the sanctuary is from

August to February. This sanctuary is a mustsee place once you come to Aurangabad soas to experience the beauty of MotherNature.

5 Ghrishneshwar Temple

Grishneshwar, Ellora, Near ElloraCaves, Verul, Aurangabad,Maharashtra 431102, India

One of the ancient pilgrim destinations,Grishneshwar is the abode of one of theholy 12 Jyotirlingas, the ancient and holiestGrishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The templehas been built by Ahilyabhai Holkar, and isalso known as Kusumeswar,Ghushmeswara, or Grushmeswara. Thesenames are related legendary stories of theorigin of Grishneshwar. 

According to a legend, it is believed that adevout woman Kusuma offered worship toShiva regularly, as a part of her daily ritualworship, by immersing a Shivalingam in atank. Kusuma's husband's first wife, envy ofher piety, murdered Kusuma's son in coldblood. An angry Kusuma continued herritual worship, and the moment sheimmersed the Shivalingam in the tank, herson was miraculously resurrected. Shiva issaid to have appeared in front of her andthe villagers and thus worshipped in theform of a Jyotirlinga Ghusmeshwar here,also known as Kusumeshwar Jyotirlinga.

Apart from devotees, many tourists visit thisplace to understand the ancient templecustoms and routines along with the ancientarchitectural style of the temple. What alsoattracts them is the images and theinscriptions of the temple. The festival ofMaha Shivaratri is a very important here andis celebrated with much vigour, duringwhich thousands of devotees flock to thistemple town.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-aurangabad-lp-1138419

1 Swad Restaurant

Near Kranti Chowk, Osmanpura,Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India

Rs. 50

The name of the restaurant 'Swad' is wellreflected in its delicious pure vegetariandishes, which are not to be missed whilevisiting Aurangabad. This place is famed forits scrumptious Gujrati Thali, served forlunch and dinner, which will leave youasking for more. Centrally located, Swad isquite near the railway station and the busstop, and makes for a great familyrestaurant. The courteous staff and theirhospitality adds to this restaurant's appeal.The Gujrati specialities are a must tryincluding puranpoli with lots of ghee on topof it, dal khichadi and chaas(buttermilk). 

Apart from this, Swad also serves Pizzas,ice-creams and shakes. This restaurant istruly a must try given its yummy food atreasonable rates.

2 Kream n Krunch

Aurangabad Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/aurangabad page 4

4, Chandrakala Arcade, Nirala Bazar,Nirala Bazar, Aurangabad,Maharashtra 431001, India

One of the city's most popular restaurants,Kream n Krunch offers a multi-faceted menuwith a wide range of delicious dishes. Youwill be spoilt for choice given their excitinglydiverse food and drink menu which hassomething for everyone. From entrees tohot and cold appetizers to noodles and ricedishes, this place has it all!

The friendly and gracious service coupledwith inspired seasonal cuisine and boutiquewines add to the existing charm of thisplace. Started as a small milk supply joint in2001, it is today a prominent name in foodindustry. 

3 Madhuban Restaurant

Welcome Rama International Hotel,Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India

Located within Rama International Hotel,Madhuban serves delicious Chinese, Indian,Italian and Mexican cuisines. The layout ofthe restaurant allows ambient naturallighting during the day, which coupled withMadhubani paintings add to the existingcharm of this place. 

Overlooking the patio though its Frenchwindows, with lush verdant lawns, seasonalflowers and waterfall, the restaurant offersbest of both Indian as well as Internationalcuisines.

4 Flame and Grill

Prozone Mall, Block No G 78, Cidco,Mukundwadi, Chikhalthana,Aurangabad, 431210, Maharashtra,India

If you love Tandoori food, you will surely

love the food here. Those who don't countcalories are more than welcome in Flameand Grill as there is a buffet system here.For starters, you get unlimited preparationsof Indian grilled veggies, chicken, mutton,paneer (cottage cheese) and fish. There is anin-built grill in each table where the tandooriitems sizzles. And if that doesn't fill you up,just pick up a plate and sample the buffetspread and you will be surprised at thevariety. 

With pleasant ambience, the place has asophisticated yet comfortable feel. Try thisplace once and you will surely want to comehere again.

5 Tandoor Restaurant and Bar

Shyam Chambers, Bansilal Nagar,Station Road, Aurangabad, 431005,Maharashtra, India

Situated on the way to the railway station, Tandoor Restaurant serves delicioustandoori dishes along with flavorful NorthIndian and Chinese vegetarian cuisine. Asmall but cozy restaurant, this place is greatfor foodies. Do try their Tandoori platterwith a mug of chilled beer.    

Aurangabad Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/aurangabad page 5

Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-aurangabad-lp-1138419

SeeA: Ellora CavesB: Bibi ka MaqbaraC: Ajanta CavesD: Gautala Wildlife SanctuaryE: Ghrishneshwar Temple

AccommodationF: Hotel PanchavatiG: Hotel Aurangabad RegencyH: Hiranya ResortsI: Hotel PanchavatiJ: Hotel Aurangabad RegencyK: Hiranya ResortsL: Hotel PanchavatiM: Hotel Aurangabad RegencyN: Hiranya Resorts

FoodO: Swad RestaurantP: Kream n KrunchQ: Madhuban RestaurantR: Flame and GrillS: Tandoor Restaurant and Bar