This city is named after Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. It was called Fatehpur before it took its present name. This city is gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Developed as a modern city, Aurangabad provides all comforts and modern facilities. There are several luxury budget and star hotels, which caters the tourists of the city.

Siteseeings at Aurangabad Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Himroo Factory and Panchakki are always worth to be organized. Daulatabad, Khuldabad Anwa Temple, Pitalkhora Caves, Lonar Crater and Paithan can also be organized as excursions. Sunheri Mahal Museum, University Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum are three the museums in the city, housing art treasures of the region.

Attractions
Aurangabad Caves

Aurangabad caves are just a few kilometers away from the famous monument of Bibi Ka Maqbara. These caves are believed to be excavated between 2nd and 6th century AD. Aurangabad caves are carved out of the hillside and are a fine piece of architecture. A major chunk of the caves in Aurangabad are Viharas. Total number of caves is twelve; out of which cave number 3 and 7 are the most fascinating ones. Cave number 1 to 5 are in the western group and caves from 6 to 10 are in the eastern group. Tantric influences are noticeable in Aurangabad caves.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated 5 km away from Aurangabad. Aurangazeb's son, Prince Azam Shah built it in 1678 in the memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani. This mausoleum is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal. Despite the layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to Taj Mahal, somehow the architecture fails to produce the magic of the Taj. Hence, it is considered to be a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal.

Himroo Factory

A workshop in Aurangabad's Zaffar gate is continuing the conventional style of Himroo hand weaving. The workshop also maintains a show room to showcase these products. Here, one can see and shop Himroo shawls and sarees. Bold patterns and colours are the specialities of Mashru fabrics. It is said that Marco Polo has been gifted a fabric woven in silk and gold threads.

Panchakki

There is also a shrine of a saint, Baba Shah Musafir at the site where panchaki is situated. Panchakki (Water Wheel) derives its name from the mill that was used at the early days. The mill is driven with the water brought through earthen pipes from the river 6km away.

Entertainment

Aurangabad has number of art galleries; where one can hang out at the evenings and have a look at the exhibitions going on there. Aurangabad Art Emporium and Madilgekar Art Studio are some of the important art galleries in Aurangabad.

There are also numbers of movie theaters in Aurangabad. One can enjoy the thrills of Hollywood as well Bollywood in these theatres. Abhinit Cinema, State Talkies, Anuradha Cinema/Anupama Cinema, Nupur Cine Exhibitors, Nupur Cinetorium and Roxy Cinema are some of the important movie theatres at Aurangabad. Various clubs and cultural associations are also organizing cultural activities and other programmes from time to time.

How to Reach

Aurangabad airport is directly air-linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. The airport is conveniently located at a distance of around 10 km east of the town. Aurangabad is known to be the gateway to the region, as most of the visitors who are coming from outside reach Aurangabad once just after the arrival or before leaving the state.

Two trains leave daily from Mumbai for Aurangabad. Tapovan Express departs Mumbai early morning that arrives Aurangabad by late afternoon, while the Devgiri Express is an overnight train. Several luxury and state run buses too are running between Mumbai and Aurangabad that extends up to Ajanta/Ellora Caves.

Quick tips

Getting Around

There are several government and local buses in Aurangabad for traveling to Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Private auto rickshaws are the easiest way to travel for local transport. But one can also hire cars and local taxis to travel within the city and to its surrounding. Tour to Ellora includes Grishneshwar Temple, Daulatabad Fort, Aurangzeb's Tomb at Khuldabad, and Panchakki and Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad.

Weather

Tourist season extends almost through out the year. April to July is the summer months, which are fairly warm. August to October is rainy season, and is very pleasant, and November to March are the winter months, which are the coolest .

Shopping

Aurangabad is rich in its culture and heritage as well as its art and crafts. Whenever we talk of shopping in Aurangabad, himroo shawls, mashroo and kimkhab weaves click on one's mind. We can't also forget the well-known fine paithani silk sarees. The silver inlay craft of Bidri ware too is world famous.

All these things not only relate to the rich art and craft of the region but also reflect the expertise and dedication of the artistes on their works. Many outsiders come to this city to shop these world famous crafts.