Top 10 Places to Visit in Aurangabad: Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide
Aurangabad, the tourism capital of Maharashtra, is a vibrant blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Mughal legacy, this city offers ancient caves, majestic forts, sacred temples, and serene gardens. This Aurangabad travel guide highlights the top 10 places to visit in Aurangabad for 2025, perfect for history buffs, pilgrims, and families. Discover their locations, entry fees, specialties, and the best time to visit to plan an unforgettable trip to this historic city!
Why Explore Aurangabad?
Located 335 km from Mumbai and 110 km from Shirdi, Aurangabad, named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, is famed for its 52 historic gates and proximity to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. From the spiritual Grishneshwar Temple to the architectural marvel of Bibi Ka Maqbara, the city caters to diverse travelers. The best time to visit is November to March for pleasant weather (10°C–25°C), ideal for sightseeing, while September to October offers lush greenery for treks. This guide to Aurangabad tourist attractions brings the city’s rich heritage to life with vivid experiences for your 2025 adventure.
1. Ajanta Caves
Location: Ajanta Caves Road, 100 km from Aurangabad city center.
Best Time to Visit: November to March; 9 AM–5:30 PM (closed Mondays).Specialty: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves from the 2nd century BCE. Envision vibrant frescoes, intricate Jataka tale murals, and serene Buddha statues carved into rugged cliffs, glowing under golden sunlight. Caves 1, 2, 16, and 26 are must-sees for their artistic brilliance.
Entry Fees: ~₹40 for Indians, ~₹600 for foreigners; camera fees: ~₹25.
Travel Tip: Hire a guide for historical insights and book tickets online to skip queues. Allocate a full day for exploration.
2. Ellora Caves
Location: Verul, 28 km from Aurangabad.
Best Time to Visit: November to March; 8 AM–5 PM (closed Tuesdays).Specialty: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 34 rock-cut caves showcasing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain artistry from the 6th–10th centuries. Picture the colossal Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), carved from a single rock, with intricate sculptures shimmering in the morning light, a testament to India’s architectural genius.
Entry Fees: ~₹40 for Indians, ~₹600 for foreigners; camera fees: ~₹25.
Travel Tip: Start with Cave 16 for its grandeur and visit early to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths.
3. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Location: Begumpura, 5 km from Aurangabad city center.
Best Time to Visit: November to March; 8 AM–8 PM.Specialty: Known as the “Taj of the Deccan,” this 17th-century mausoleum, built by Aurangzeb for his wife, mirrors the Taj Mahal’s elegance. Imagine white marble minarets, lush gardens, and intricate carvings glowing under a twilight sky, perfect for history and photography enthusiasts.
Entry Fees: ~₹15 for Indians, ~₹200 for foreigners.
Travel Tip: Visit at sunset for stunning visuals and explore the gardens for a serene experience.
4. Daulatabad Fort
Location: MH SH 22, 16 km northwest of Aurangabad.
Best Time to Visit: November to March; 8 AM–6 PM.Specialty: A 14th-century hill fort, once called Devagiri, atop a 200-meter conical hill. Picture a labyrinthine passage, a crocodile-filled moat, and the soaring Chand Minar tower, offering sweeping Deccan views. Its impregnable defenses make it a must-visit for history lovers.
Entry Fees: ~₹10 for Indians, ~₹100 for foreigners.
Travel Tip: Climb the 750 steps for panoramic views and try local vada pav at nearby stalls.
5. Siddharth Garden and Zoo
Location: Near Central Bus Stand, 3 km from Aurangabad city center.
Best Time to Visit: November to March; 9 AM–5 PM.Specialty: A 17-acre park and zoo featuring a white tiger, lions, hyenas, and an aquarium. Envision kids laughing at a splashing fountain, families picnicking on lush lawns, and peacocks strutting under shady trees, ideal for a fun family outing.
Entry Fees: ~₹50 for adults, ~₹20 for children; camera fees: ~₹100.
Travel Tip: Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and book electric cart rides for a relaxed tour.
6. Panchakki (Water Mill)
Location: Baba Shah Musafir Dargah complex, 1 km from Aurangabad city center.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; 8 AM–8 PM.Specialty: A 17th-century water mill powered by an 8-km underground channel, creating an artificial waterfall. Picture a tranquil garden, a bubbling fountain, and Mughal engineering marvels, offering a glimpse into historical ingenuity.
Entry Fees: ~₹5 for Indians, ~₹100 for foreigners.
Travel Tip: Visit in the afternoon to enjoy the cool breeze and explore the adjacent historical structures.
7. Jayakwadi Dam
Location: Paithan, 40 km south of Aurangabad.
Best Time to Visit: September to March; 9 AM–6 PM.Specialty: One of Asia’s largest earthen dams on the Godavari River, surrounded by Dnyaneshwar Udyan and a bird sanctuary. Imagine migratory birds soaring over Nathsagar Lake’s shimmering waters, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Entry Fees: Free; garden entry: ~₹10.
Travel Tip: Visit during monsoon for lush greenery and bring binoculars for birdwatching.
8. Aurangabad Caves
Location: Grishneshwar Temple Road, 8 km from Aurangabad city center.
Best Time to Visit: November to March; 9 AM–5 PM.Specialty: A cluster of 12 rock-cut Buddhist caves from the 6th–7th centuries, showcasing Mahayana and Hinayana artistry. Envision intricately carved shrines nestled in verdant hills, offering serene views and historical insights.
Entry Fees: ~₹10 for Indians, ~₹100 for foreigners.
Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill climb and visit post-Ellora for a deeper cave exploration.
9. Himayat Bagh
Location: Rauza Bagh, 3 km from Aurangabad city center.
Best Time to Visit: November to March; 8 AM–6 PM.Specialty: A 17th-century Mughal garden with fruit orchards, a baradari (pavilion), and a nursery. Picture vibrant mango groves, blooming roses, and shaded pathways, ideal for a peaceful stroll or family picnic.
Entry Fees: Free.
Travel Tip: Visit in the morning for birdwatching and pack a picnic to enjoy the serene ambiance.
10. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
Location: Dr. Ambedkar Road, near Bibi Ka Maqbara, 4 km from Aurangabad city center.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; 10:30 AM–5 PM.Specialty: A museum showcasing Maratha history with weapons, coins, and artifacts from Shivaji’s era. Imagine gleaming swords, royal armor, and intricate paintings in a quiet gallery, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Entry Fees: ~₹10 for Indians, ~₹50 for foreigners.
Travel Tip: Allow 1 hour to explore and visit alongside Bibi Ka Maqbara for a historical half-day tour.
