20 Things to Do in Aurangabad: Explore The City of Gates

Things to See in Aurangabad

From exploring prehistoric caves to visiting ancient temples, there are so many things to do in Aurangabad that you may want to take a detour soon after your first trip. It is a treasure trove of Maharashtra that skirts the prehistoric caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Along with such UNESCO world heritage sites, it also conceals some strikingly remarkable historical monuments like Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Panchakki, Grishneshwar temple etc.

Aurangabad is also blessed to be the home of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Besides pilgrimage and historical exploration, there are myriads of activities in Aurangabad to be experienced. The city is also home to some eclectic pubs and casual restaurants. One can also explore the Museum of Chhatrapati Shivaji to understand the history of Marathas or can opt for fun activities in parks like H2O or the Siddhartha Garden.

Visiting shrines and temples can also be very interesting at Aurangabad as it has a rich history that can be witnessed at places such as Panchakki and Valley Of the Sufi Saints etc. All in all, Aurangabad is a place shrouded in historical stories and is also turning into a modern hub; paying a visit to this town won’t be a regret.

Here are the best things to do in Aurangabad:

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Visit Aurangabad Caves

Nestled in the Silyachak range at around 700 feet above the ground, Aurangabad caves is a cluster of 2000-year old caves situated right behind the famous bibi-ka-maqbara. Exploring these caves is one of the top things to do in Aurangabad.

These are roughly twelve rock-carved Buddhist shrines which are situated at a distance of 8 kilometers from the main railway station in Aurangabad and the first reference of these were found in the Kanheri caves of Mumbai.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: Grishneshwar temple Road, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431101

Entry fee: INR 10 per Indian adult | INR 100 per foreign adult.

Eat at Yalla Yalla

Yalla Yalla is a fine dine restaurant which has newbee in the food business in Aurangabad but masterfully aces the art of cooking Aurangabadi food, especially the spicy and aromatic biryani, north-indian dishes shami kebabs and achari chicken etc.

The other famous food items which have already created a huge fan base are the mutton dum biryani, prawn koliwada, caramel custard etc. Eating is one of the essential activities in Aurangabad that mean serious business to everyone and the town religiously serve and host you.

Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM

Location: Osmanpura Rd, Snehnagar, Konkanwadi, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431005

The estimated cost for two: INR 500 (approximately)

Witness Bibi-Ka-Maqbara

The famous tomb of Dilras Banu Begum commissioned by her husband Aurangzeb in 1660 is famous for its resemblance to the world-renowned Taj-Mahal in Agra. Aurangzeb built Bibi-Ka-Maqbara as a memorial to his first wife Dilras Banu and one of the best things to do in Aurangabad.

It is the largest monument constructed under the reign of Aurangzeb as he lacked interest in architecture. The architecture of Bibi-ka-Maqbara has a strong resemblance to that of Taj Mahal and hence it is often fondly called the Taj of the Deccan (Dakkhani Taj).

Timing: 8 AM to 8 PM

Location: Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004

Entry fee: INR 15 per Indian adult plus adults from the SAARC countries | INR 200 for foreign nationals.

Explore Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are amongst the top things to see in Aurangabad. These ancient Buddhist caves date back to the 2nd Century BCE, and relics on the walls of the cave and the many carvings is enough to transport you back in time and give you a brilliant insight into Buddhist art, architecture, scripture and culture.

The majestic columns, pillars and courtyards have remained as testimony to the brilliant temple architecture that was practised thousands of years ago.

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fees: INR 40 (INR 600 for foreign nationals)

Ajanta Caves Entry Ticket, Aurangabad

34 Ratings

Starting from $ 1.17 $ 1.16 per Adult

Visit Ellora Caves

This incredibly sacred sight is also another wonderful attraction in Aurangabad that you can explore when you are travelling to the city. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical value since it was built between 600 – 1000 CE. The cave consists of a massive temple complex, cut entirely out of a rock, and featuring iconography from Buddhist, Jain and Hindu scriptures.

Timings: Wednesday to Monday (6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) (Closed on Tuesdays)

Location: Ellora Cave Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra 431102

Entry Fees: INR 40 (INR 600 for foreign nationals)

Ellora Caves Entry Ticket, Aurangabad

33 Ratings

1D/1N

Starting from $ 0.69 $ 0.47 per Adult

Explore the Buddhist Architecture of Pitalkhora Caves

Thought to have been constructed sometime in the third century BC, these magnificent Buddhist caves are some of the best, most well-preserved examples of the architecture practised by the people of the time. The structure consists of 14 caves that have been carved out of a rock, with intricate details on the walls including pillars, scripture and much more.

Timings: Monday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Location: 20 km from Kannad (Aurangabad) 30 km from Chalisgao, Chandikawadi, Maharashtra 431103

Spend a day at the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary

If you are looking for memorable things to do in Aurangabad, you should consider visiting the beautiful Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary. The entire sanctuary consists of 30 islands, which are home to various tropical trees that have thrived as a result of the Western Ghats. The trees also provide the ideal habitat for migratory birds that fly in during winter.

Timings: Monday to Sunday (6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Location: Paithan, Maharashtra 431148

Entry fees: INR 30 (INR 100 for a camera)

Visit Daulatabad Fort

One of the most thrilling things to do in Aurangabad is to pay a visit to the historical and majestic Daulatabad Fort. The place is also known as Deogiri or Devagiri. The fort consists of massive turrets, an imposing gate and other relics from the time of the Delhi Sultanate. In fact, the fort was, for a brief period of time, the capital of the Delhi Sultanate, after which it became the capital of the Sultanate of Ahmadnagar.

Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Location: MH SH 22, Daulatabad, Maharashtra 431002

Entry fees: INR 10 per person

Daulatabad Fort Entry Ticket, Aurangabad

24 Ratings

Starting from $ 1.17 $ 1.16 per Adult

Shop at Gul Mandi

When you are in the Gul Mandi Market, make sure you check out all the old, famous and renowned shops that have found a home in this bustling bazaar. The market sells everything, starting from flowers to clothes, jewellery to accessories, food to local handicraft items that you can take back home with you.

Timings: Monday to Sunday (7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)

Location: Shahgunj, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001

Bird watching at Salim Ali Lake

Built by the Mughals several hundred years ago, this beautiful lake is the perfect place for nature lovers to spend a peaceful evening walking and watching the birds that come and go in the area when they are in Aurangabad. The lake is also fringed with beautiful tropical trees, which creates a peaceful and refreshing ambience.

Timings: Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Location: Opposite Himayat Bagh, near Delhi Gate, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Entry Fees: INR 10 per person

Explore Siddharth Garden

The green oasis sits in the heart of the city of Aurangabad quite close to the central bus stand of the city in Samarthnagar. It sprawls over a large area and also encompasses a zoo inside along with a couple of swings, slides, and rides to keep the children entertained.

Besides the rides, there is also a tiny aquarium and a musical water fountain show. If you are travelling to Aurangabad with kids then it should be your one stop for enjoying a myriad of fun activities in Aurangabad and one of the best things to do in Aurangabad.

Timing: The garden opens to the public from 10 AM to 7 PM. The zoo opens at 10:30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM. The zoo remains closed on every tuesday.

Location: Central Bus Stand Road, Mhada, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001

Entry fee: INR 10 for adults, free for children.

Seek Blessings at Bhadra Maruti

Visiting the quaint old temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is one of the heart-calming things to do in Aurangabad. Nestled in Khuldabad near Aurangabad, it lies quite close to the Ellora caves and is one of the three places where Lord Hanuman is displayed in his sleeping postures after the Yamuna at Allahabad and Jam Sawali in Madhya Pradesh.

The temple witness flocks of pilgrims during the month of Shravan and is mostly packed on every Saturday.

Timing: The Temple timings are: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Location: Khuldabad Road, Khuldabad, Maharashtra 431101

Entry fee: Free of cost.

Visit Valley Of the Sufi Saints

The valley of the Sufi saints falls enroute Ellora caves in the town of Khuldabad. The name of the valley was coined based on the many tomb shrines of Chisti sufi master and saints.

Some of the famed tomb shrines in the valley is the shrine of the Sufi saint Muntajib al-Din the tomb of Aurangzeb who was the last great Mughal emperor, the first Nizam of Hyderabad, the Tomb of Asif Jah, the tomb of Tana Shan who was the last king of Golconda and the respected saint Moinuddin Chishti of Khuldabad.

Timing: 6 AM to 5 PM

Location: Khuldabad Village, Aurangabad.

Entry fee: Free of cost.

Pray at Grishneshwar temple

Grishneshwar temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva scattered across the country. Revered and worshipped all along the year, visiting Jyotirlinga Grishneshwar temple is one of the pious things to do in Aurangabad.

The formation of the temple was led by Ahilyabhai Holkar who also played a significant role behind the establishment of Kashi Vishwanath temple in Banaras. The temple is located at around 11 kilometres towards Aurangabad from Daulatabad. Another name for the temple is Ghushmeswara and it is a well-marked holy pilgrimage site.

Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM on regular days. However, during the Shravan month, the temple complex is open at 3 AM and closes at around 11 PM.

Location: Enroute Aurangabad from Daulatabad, Maharashtra.

Entry fee: Free of cost.

Dine at Bhoj

The mouthwater food served at Bhoj is relished by all in a plush setting that has a regal appeal in its decor and it serves royal Thalis. Bhoj is an authentic vegetarian restaurant that specializes in serving thalis from all parts of the country such as Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat etc.

It offers more than 25 varieties of Thalis with a changing menu and chat items as well. Eating is one of the sacred things to do in Aurangabad to understand the authentic dishes that originate from the place.

Timing: 11 AM to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM

Location: First Floor, Bhau Pathak Smriti Kamgar Bhavan, CBS Road, Nirala Bazar, Aurangabad.

The estimated cost for two: Approximately INR 500

Eat at Green Leaf

Green Leaf is a one of its kind dining experience in Aurangabad which wasn’t introduced long ago yet it has everyone’s heart. From Pina colada to Baigan Garvar; every dish at Green Leaf is prepared in its well-furnished and well-equipped live kitchen.

Loved for its tasteful decor fresh food, Green leaf also houses a garden bistro and a function hall which can accommodate 70 to 80 people at once. The halls are appointed with LCD displays, perfectly controlled air-con and soundproof halls.

Timing: 12 AM to 10:45 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Shop No 6 to 9, Block J B, Beside Inox Tapadiya, Town Centre, N 1, Cidco, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001

An estimated cost for two: Around INR 800

Relax at Panchakki

Located adjacent to the popular Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Panchakki is an ancient watermill. It is an excellent architecture that picked its name from the mill that pulverizes grains for the pilgrims.

It is encircled in the complex of Baba Sahi Musafir dargah and was also used for generating hydro energy from a spring on a mountain. It was built in the year 1734 and is known as Nehar-e-Panchakki.

Timing: 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Location: Panchakki Rd, Panchakki, Nagsenvan, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004

Entry fee: INR 5 for Indian adults | INR 100 for foreign nationals.

Visit Shrimant Chatrapati Shivaji Museum

As the name itself informs about the exhibits and display in this museum, Shrimant Chatrapati Shivaji Museum is dedicated to the great Maratha ruler- Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Featuring a total of six exhibition halls, the museum displays some antiques such as the 500-year-old war suit, a 400-year old Paithani Sari and the hand-written copy of the Quran by Aurangzeb along with many war weapons and antiques used by the ruler.

It is a testimony to the valour and courage of the famous Maratha ruler which attracts hordes of tourists during the peak season.

Timing: Open all days of the week from 10:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M

Location: Near Govt. Arts and Science college, Himayat Bagh, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004

Entry fee: INR 5 for Indian adults | INR 20 for foreign nationals.

Enjoy at H2O Water Park

Famous for its heart-stopping 40 feet drop slides, the H2O water park is the topmost choice among the water babies for its fantastic tube rides and slides. The grand pool is a fun filled playground for children at the pirate bay and the string of food stalls serve tasty vegetarian snacks.

The place is amazing for spending a day with friends or family. It is one of the highly recommended things to do in Aurangabad if you are travelling with kids.

Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM

Location: NH 211, Ellora Road, Near Daulatabad Fort, Daulatabad, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431005

Entry fee: INR 400 onwards.

Chill at KA Lounge

A vegetarian gastropub sits right in the centre of the city hub is loved by the party animals in Aurangabad. Lounging at this upbeat place is one of the mandate things to do in Aurangabad. The place boasts a top-notch ambience, modern interiors, ample spacing between loungers and friendly staff.

People go gaga for the innovatives dishes served here such as Godzilla garlic bread, gunpowder kebab, Pacho Nacho, hulk pizza and seafood risotto etc.

Timing: Monday to Thursday- 11 AM to 11 PM | Friday to Sunday- 11 AM to 1 AM

Location: Plot No. 2, Jalna Road, Akashwani Circle, Opp. Big Bazar, Mahesh Nagar, Mondha, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001

An estimated cost for two: Around INR 1000 to 1400

What are the things to do around Aurangabad?

1. Visit the Aurangabad Caves: Aurangabad is famous for its ancient caves including the Ellora, Ajanta and Pitalkhora Caves. A visit to these historical places is one of the best things to do in Aurangabad.

2. Witness Bibi-ka-Maqbara: This majestic monument was built in the likeness of the Taj Mahal by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for his wife, which makes it a fascinating place to explore.

3. Offer prayers at the Bhadra Maruti: This wonderful temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, draws pilgrims and devotees from all over the country who come to this peaceful oasis to offer their prayers.
What are the best places for shopping in Aurangabad?

1. Gulmandi: Few places in Aurangabad will satisfy you as much as Gulmandi if you are in the mood to shop. From sweets to jewellery, clothes to handicraft items, you are likely to get it all here.

2. Paithani Silk Weaving Centre: If you want unique presents from Aurangabad to take back home with you, you can visit this authentic weaving house which uses silk to create local artistry on textiles.

3. Prozone Mall: For a more modern and global shopping experience, you can also visit Prozone Mall, which has a food court, several renowned brands and entertainment centres.
Why is Aurangabad famous?

Aurangabad is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, but it is famous for its historical monuments, ancient caves, many temples and beautiful and intricate mosques. It is most famous for being home to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
What is the best time to visit Aurangabad?

Winter is a great time to visit Aurangabad. This is between the months of October to March when it is not too hot for you to explore the many caves and temples in the city. You can also visit during monsoon (July to September) when the average temperature varies between 30 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Newly Added Aurangabad Experience

Explore the Ajanta Caves a UNESCO World Heritage Site

34 Ratings

Ajanta Caves Entry Ticket, Aurangabad

$ 1.17 $ 1.16 per adult

1D/1N

33 Ratings

Ellora Caves Entry Ticket, Aurangabad

$ 0.69 $ 0.47 per adult

Take in the gorgeous view of Daulatabad Fort & Chand Minar

24 Ratings

Daulatabad Fort Entry Ticket, Aurangabad

$ 1.17 $ 1.16 per adult

2D/1N

99 Ratings

Etranger Resort, Aurangabad | Luxury Staycation Deal

$ 44.43 $ 29.19 per room

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Aurangabad Reviews

Nanda Gowda Shirdi To Ajanta Ellora Caves Package

Excellent

I went to Aurangabad with my family and we had a great time there. We explored different sites like Ajanta caves, flea markets, Ellora caves, Bibi ka Maqbara and Daulatabad fortress, and many more places. The accommodation and other facilities provided in trip were really very nice. The hotel room was comfortable, the food was also good, and the driver was also very nice and helpful. Thanks for the great trip experience.

Ganesh Achari Ajanta Ellora Tour Package

Excellent

It was the best tour that we had. It was one of the memorable tour. Stays that were provided were awesome. Location, service, and staff was so helping. Our guide/driver was so helping in nature

Paramartha Khan Lemon Tree Aurangabad

Excellent

I planned a family trip with Thrillophilia here and It was a pleasant experience. We enjoyed the Bar they have almost everything to offer. We have partied over there which was a lot of fun. Also the bonfire at night has made our trip more memorable.

Devi Pilla Lemon Tree Aurangabad

Excellent

Nice place amazing experience, relaxing atmosphere and specially the comfort zone feel is brilliant. Highly recommended.

Himadri Dubashi Lemon Tree Aurangabad

Excellent

The rooms were very good, clean and hygienic. Good customer services. Food is good and tasty. I had a splendid experience staying here. Would definitely recommend this resort to friends and family. Thanks Thrillophilia for getting sucha great package at am afforable price. The stay had complimentary spa included and it was really relaxing, had a really soothing time.