CITY OF AURANGZEB The city of cis known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage. It was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short period. The city boasts of Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal. The importance of Aurangabad is great, owing to its proximity with world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. These sites have Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. Aurangabad is also famous for its silk and cotton textiles. | |||||||||||
Aurangabad city is located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is 375 km from Mumbai (Bombay). The city is surrounded by hills. The weather of Aurangabad is temperate with moderate winters (November-February) and summers (April-June). This region experiences good southwestern monsoon rains in June-September. River Kham passes through the city of Aurangabad.
VISITING TIME
Though the weather of Aurangabad is moderate, it is advisable to visit it in the winter season.
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THE PAST The Mauryans ushered Buddhism in this region of India, which is evident form the profusion of numerous Buddhist cave temples in and around Aurangabad. Temples built by Satvahanna and Rashtrakuta rulers are located here. The famous caves of Ajanta are a part of this Buddhist tradition. The heritage of Aurangabad is linked with different Muslim rulers and dynasties of India. The city was founded in 1610, on the site of a village named Khirki, by a local Muslim noble Malik Ambar. His son Fateh Khan ruled it and named the city as Fatehpur in 1626. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, took over this city in 1653 and renamed it as Aurangabad. Due to its strategic location in peninsular India, Aurangzeb made Aurangabad his capital. He used this city as a base to quell the rising power of the Marathas. TOURIST SPOTS Bibi-ka-Makbara, the mausoleum of Aurangzeb's queen, is the main tourist attraction of Aurangabad. This mausoleum is also termed as 'poor man's Taj Mahal' owing to it being a poor replica of the Taj. A small archeological museum is located behind the mausoleum. Panchakki (water wheel) is another tourist spot and it has the Tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint, near by. Himroo (traditional cotton-silk blend fabric) factory, Purwar Museum, and Aurangabad Caves are other prominent tourist attractions within the city. |
There are a number of important tourist spots beyond the city limits of Aurangabad. The cave temples of Ellora, listed among the World Heritage sites, are 30 km northwest of the city. The world famous Buddhist caves at Ajanta, also a World Heritage site, lies 166 km northeast of Aurangabad. The Buddhist caves of Ajanta are world famous for their well-preserved frescoes (wall paintings), which vividly depict the lifestyle of that period. The fortress of Daulatabad is 13 km from Aurangabad and is situated en route Ellora. Khuldabad, the last resting place of Aurangzeb, is 3 km from Ellora. Grishneshwar temple, an important Hindu pilgrim place, is located in the village of Verul, near Ellora caves. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Paithan, 56 km south of Aurangabad, is famous for its traditional Paithani silk saris. Twenty-four kilometers from Aurangabad lie the Bani Begum Gardens, which surround the tomb of one of Aurangzeb's queens. Pithalkora caves are 78 km from Aurangabad. Mhaismal, 25 km from Aurangabad, is another tourist spot.
SHOPPING
Aurangabad offers quality himroo textiles and brocaded Paithani saris to the traveler.
HOW TO REACH
Aurangabad airport is 10 km east of the city. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have a daily flight to Mumbai (Bombay). Indian Airlines has an evening flight to Delhi via Udaipur and Jaipur. Aurangabad is well connected with towns and cities around it by road. The main bus station is located on Station Road, near Siddharth Garden. One can get buses belonging to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) as well as private buses for Pune, Nasik, Indore and Mumbai. There are night services for Indore and Mumbai (via Pune). Bus service to Ellora is frequent and the trip takes around 45 minutes. There are four morning buses to Ajanta (trip takes 3 hours) and an hourly bus service to the town Jalgaon (via Ajanta). The main taxi stand is near the bus stand and one can hire taxis to Ellora and Daulatabad.
Although Aurangabad is not on the main railway corridor, a number of trains stop there. There are two direct trains to/from Mumbai. There is a daily train to Hyderabad. Aurangabad railway station is located near the Tourist Office on Station Road. The nearest railway station is in Manmad, which is 113 km northwest of Aurangabad. Manmad can be reached by bus or local trains.
There are a number of ways to move around in the city. One can get plenty of auto-rickshaws and their drivers often double up as local guides. Bicycles can be hired for moving within the city from near the main bus stand.
PLACES TO STAY
The weary traveler can take rest in a number of hotels and lodges across the city. Accommodation is available to suit every pocket. Main hotels are located on the Station Road and near the main bus stand.
PLACES TO EAT
The East station Road in Aurangabad is known for cheap eating points and restaurants. Indian, Chinese and fast food are available across the city in restaurants and hotels.
INFORMATION
The Government of India tourist office is located on Station Road West while the state tourist office or MTDC is on Station Road East.
Travelers should note that the World Heritage sites at Ajanta and Ellora are closed for public viewing on Monday.
