Overview
Aurangabad sits in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra and serves as the practical base for visiting two of India's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Ajanta Caves and the Ellora Caves. The city itself carries a layered history shaped by the Yadava dynasty, the Mughals, the Nizams of Hyderabad, and finally the Indian republic.
With a population of roughly 1.2 million, Aurangabad is a mid-sized city with a functional airport, rail connections to major Indian cities, and a growing hospitality sector. It is not a slow, quiet town — traffic, noise, and the pace of a working Indian city are part of daily life here — but the density of historically significant sites within a two-hour radius makes it an unusually rewarding stop for travelers interested in South Asian art, architecture, and history.
The city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar and later developed significantly under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who used it as his Deccan capital. That era left behind a distinct urban fabric of mosques, gateways, and gardens that still marks the old city. In 2023, the city was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar by the Maharashtra government, though Aurangabad remains in wide use and is how most transport timetables and maps still refer to the city — verify current signage locally.
Before You Go
Visas
Most international travelers require a visa to enter India. Rules vary significantly by nationality and purpose of travel. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for a starting point, then confirm current requirements with India's Bureau of Immigration at the official government site before booking.
Health
Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor well in advance. Water-borne illness is a real concern; drink only bottled or purified water. Food hygiene varies — cooked street food from busy stalls is generally lower risk than pre-prepared cold items. Mosquito-borne diseases including dengue are present in Maharashtra; carry repellent. Summer heat (April–June) can be extreme; hydrate diligently if visiting then.
What to pack
- Modest, loose-fitting clothing: required when entering mosques and temples, and practically useful in the heat
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven stone surfaces at cave sites
- A light scarf or shawl (multipurpose: sun, religious sites, dust)
- Cash in INR; ATMs exist in the city but can be unreliable near remote sites
- Offline maps downloaded before arrival — connectivity at cave sites is inconsistent
Getting There
By Air
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (formerly Aurangabad Airport; IATA: IXU) handles domestic flights. Connections to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and a handful of other Indian cities are available; verify current routes and schedules with airlines or booking platforms as services change frequently. No direct international routes operate as of the time of writing — international travelers typically connect through Mumbai.
By Rail
Aurangabad Railway Station is on a broad-gauge line with overnight and long-distance trains to Mumbai (roughly 7–9 hours depending on service), Hyderabad, Pune, and other major centres. The Tapovan Express and several other named services are popular choices — check the Indian Railways website (irctc.co.in) for live schedules and booking.
By Road
State-run and private buses connect Aurangabad to Pune (roughly 5 hours), Mumbai (roughly 7–8 hours), Nashik, and Hyderabad. The Pune–Aurangabad highway (NH 160) is in reasonable condition. Intercity buses depart from the Central Bus Stand; verify schedules locally or with Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
Getting Around
Within the City
Auto-rickshaws are the most practical way to move around the city and are widely available. Agree on a fare before departure or insist the meter is used. App-based ride services (Ola and Rapido) operate in Aurangabad and can make fare negotiation simpler. City buses exist but routes and schedules are difficult to interpret for first-time visitors.
To Ellora Caves
Ellora is approximately 30 km from the city centre. Shared jeeps and local buses run from the city, or you can hire a private auto or taxi for a day trip. Hiring a vehicle with a driver for a full day and combining it with Daulatabad Fort, which lies between the city and Ellora, is a common and efficient approach.
To Ajanta Caves
Ajanta is roughly 100 km from Aurangabad — plan for a full-day excursion. MSRTC runs buses from the Central Bus Stand; private taxis and tour buses are also available. At the Ajanta site itself, visitors must take a shuttle bus from the main parking area to the cave entrance — private vehicles are not permitted on the final stretch.
Things to See & Do
Ajanta Caves
Carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff above the Waghora River, the 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from approximately the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. The paintings inside — depicting scenes from the Jataka tales and the life of the Buddha — are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI); admission fees and opening hours should be verified at asi.nic.in or on-site. Caves are closed on Mondays.
Ellora Caves
Ellora's 34 monasteries and temples, cut directly from the Charanandri Hills, represent Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions side by side, built roughly between the 6th and 11th centuries CE. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) — an entire temple complex carved top-down from a single basalt rock — is one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in the world. Like Ajanta, Ellora is an ASI site; verify fees and hours before visiting. Also closed on Tuesdays.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Built in 1660 by Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah as a memorial for his mother Dilras Banu Begum, this white marble structure draws obvious comparison with the Taj Mahal and is sometimes called the "Taj of the Deccan." The execution is less refined than its Agra counterpart, but the monument remains architecturally significant and far less crowded. Verify current ASI admission fees at the gate.
Daulatabad Fort
Perched on a 200-metre-high conical basalt hill roughly 15 km from the city, Daulatabad (also known as Devagiri) was the site of one of medieval India's most ambitious — and ultimately failed — capital relocations under the Delhi Sultanate. The climb to the summit involves a dark spiral passage cut through the rock and rewards visitors with panoramic views. Allow 2–3 hours.
Aurangabad Caves
Often overlooked in favour of the more famous sites, the 12 Buddhist caves on the northern side of the city (6th–7th century CE) contain interesting sculptural detail and receive far fewer visitors. A short excursion from the city centre.
Panchakki and Dargah of Hazrat Zainuddin
A 17th-century Sufi dargah complex that includes a water mill (panchakki) powered by an underground aqueduct — an impressive feat of pre-modern hydraulic engineering. The site remains an active place of worship; dress modestly and behave respectfully.
Food & Drink
Aurangabad has a distinct culinary identity shaped by its Mughal and Hyderabadi influences. The city's most notable dish is Naan Qalia — a slow-cooked mutton curry served with a local flatbread called naan (distinct from the more familiar leavened variety). Tahri (a spiced rice dish) and various kebab preparations are also local staples. The old city area around Gulmandi and Aurangpura has the highest concentration of traditional Mughlai eateries.
Vegetarian options are plentiful throughout the city, reflecting Maharashtra's broader food culture. South Indian breakfast establishments (serving idli, dosa, vada) are common and offer reliable, inexpensive meals. Mid-range restaurants in the hotel district near the airport road tend to serve a broad mix of North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese dishes adapted for Indian palates.
Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and some restaurants; Aurangabad is not a dry city, but options outside hotel venues are limited compared to Mumbai or Pune. As in all of India, drink only sealed bottled water and avoid ice of unknown origin.
Shopping
Aurangabad is the historical centre of Himroo weaving, a craft that blends silk and cotton threads to produce textiles with a distinctive brocade-like texture. Genuine Himroo shawls and fabric are sold at several dedicated shops and government-run emporiums in the city; ask about the weave construction to distinguish machine-made imitations from handloom work.
Paithani silk sarees, woven in the nearby town of Paithan (roughly 55 km away), are another regional speciality — among the most prized traditional textiles in Maharashtra. Prices for authentic Paithani sarees vary widely depending on silk quality and complexity of the zari border; treat very low prices with scepticism.
The main bazaar areas in the old city (Shahaganj, Gulmandi) sell everyday goods, spice, and brassware. Fixed-price government emporiums are a useful reference for understanding fair price ranges before bargaining in open markets.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available throughout the city but can run out of cash or be out of service; carry sufficient INR, especially before heading to cave sites. Most mid-range and upper hotels accept cards, but smaller restaurants and auto-rickshaws are cash-only.
Connectivity
SIM cards from major Indian providers (Jio, Airtel, Vi) are available at the airport and in the city with valid passport and visa documentation. Mobile data coverage in the city is generally good; it weakens at Ajanta due to the remote location.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Fire: 101
These are India-wide numbers; confirm local hospital and clinic details with your hotel on arrival.
Official Name Note
The city's official name was changed to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2023. Rail and air bookings, signage, and local references may use either name — be prepared for both when navigating.
Safety
Aurangabad is a generally safe destination for tourists by Indian city standards. Petty theft, including bag-snatching, occurs as in any urban area — keep valuables secured and be alert in crowded markets and bus stands.
At the major cave sites, unlicensed guides may approach aggressively. Licensed guides are available through the ASI ticket counters; if you want a guide, engaging one through official channels is advisable. Ignore unsolicited offers of "special access" to closed areas.
Road safety is a genuine concern: traffic in India operates differently from what Western travelers may expect, and pedestrian crossings are not consistently respected. When taking auto-rickshaws for long day trips to cave sites, use reputable operators recommended by your hotel and agree on the route and return time in advance.
Solo women travelers should exercise the standard precautions applicable across India: avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas, use app-based transport where possible, and share itineraries with someone you trust.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Aurangabad is a majority-Muslim city in a predominantly Hindu state, and its cultural life reflects that layered heritage — Eid celebrations, the annual Urs at the Dargah of Hazrat Zainuddin, Ganesh Chaturthi processions, and Marathi theatrical traditions all have presence here. The overall atmosphere is generally harmonious, but it is worth checking local news before travel as communal tensions in Indian cities can occasionally affect day-to-day movement.
When visiting mosques and dargahs, remove footwear before entering, dress modestly (legs and shoulders covered for all genders), and keep voices low. Women may be asked to cover their hair in certain mosque areas. Photography rules vary by site — ask before pointing a camera at worshippers or inside prayer halls.
At Hindu temples, similar rules on footwear and modesty apply. Some temples restrict entry to non-Hindus; this will usually be signposted at the entrance. The Buddhist cave sites are managed as archaeological monuments rather than active religious places, so dress codes are less strict, though respectful behaviour remains appropriate.
