Things To Do
in Aurangābād

Aurangābād is a historical city in Maharashtra, India, known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which showcase ancient rock-cut sculptures and frescoes. The city also boasts a vibrant local culture, traditional cuisine, and a variety of festivals celebrated throughout the year.

With its blend of history and modernity, Aurangābād offers a unique experience for travelers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Heritage
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Ajanta Caves, where you can admire the spectacular frescoes and ancient Buddhist architecture.

afternoon
:

Head to Ellora Caves to explore its remarkable rock-cut temples, including the stunning Kailasa Temple, and enjoy a packed lunch.

evening
:

Return to the city and visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often referred to as the 'mini Taj Mahal', and enjoy a peaceful evening stroll in the surrounding gardens.

day 2
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Relaxation
morning
:

Visit the Aurangabad Caves, which are lesser-known but equally fascinating, followed by breakfast at a local café.

afternoon
:

Explore the local markets, such as Gulmandi, for shopping and tasting street food delights like kebabs and sweets.

evening
:

End your day with a traditional Maharashtrian dinner at a local restaurant and experience the local music and dance performances.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at Local Restaurant$3
🚕Taxi Ride (within city)$1
🏨Mid-range Hotel Night$30
Coffee at Café$1.50
🛍️Souvenir Shopping$5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich historical and cultural heritage.
  • Delicious local cuisine.
  • Pleasant weather during winter.
  • Traffic congestion during peak hours.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Hot summers can be uncomfortable for sightseeing.
  • "नमस्ते" - Hello
  • "धन्यवाद" - Thank you
  • "कृपया" - Please
  • "आप कैसे हैं?" - How are you?
  • "मुझे मदद चाहिए" - I need help

Places to Visit in Aurangābād

Visit one of these nice places.

Ajanta Caves

The intricate carvings and frescoes make this UNESCO site a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

The elegant architecture and beautiful gardens provide a picturesque setting, especially at sunset.

Ellora Caves

The monumental rock-cut temples and sculptures offer unique angles for breathtaking shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Aurangābād

Aurangābād offers a delightful culinary experience with a mix of Mughlai and Maharashtrian flavors. Local specialties reflect the region's rich cultural history and are a must-try for food enthusiasts.

Aurangābād Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Naan Qalia

A traditional dish made of soft naan bread served with spicy meat curry.

Must-Try!

Aurangabad Biryani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated meat and aromatic spices, unique to the region.

Puran Poli

A sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and yellow gram flour.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gulmandi Market

Famous for its street food stalls offering delicious kebabs, chaats, and local sweets.

Jalna Road

Known for its variety of food carts serving fresh snacks and local delicacies.

Climate Guide

Weather

Aurangābād experiences a tropical wet and dry climate. Summers (March to June) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). The monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures, while winters (November to February) are mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for sightseeing. The post-monsoon season in October brings clear skies and moderate temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress Modestly

Visitors should dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.

Respect Local Customs

Always remove shoes when entering homes or temples and avoid public displays of affection.

Use Right Hand for Giving

Use your right hand for giving and receiving items as the left hand is considered unclean.

Safety Guide

Safety

Aurangābād is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to take common safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, keep your belongings secure, and be cautious in crowded places. It's also important to stay hydrated and protect against the sun during the hot months.

Tipping in Aurangābād

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is common to tip around 10% in restaurants; rounding up is appreciated in cafes.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, and digital payments through apps like Paytm are popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter (November to February)

Cool and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.

Summer (March to June)

Hot temperatures; best to explore early morning or late afternoon.

Monsoon (July to September)

Heavy rainfall; expect lush greenery but some sites may be less accessible.

Post-Monsoon (October)

Mild weather with clear skies, great for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Aurangābād at Night

Aurangābād's nightlife is relatively low-key compared to larger cities. However, there are a few bars and lounges where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and live music. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, with some venues offering cultural performances, making it a unique experience.

Hiking in Aurangābād

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ajanta Caves Trek

A scenic trek that takes you through beautiful landscapes and leads to the ancient Ajanta Caves.

Khadki Hill

A relatively easy hike offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and a great spot for sunset.

Airports

How to reach Aurangābād by plane.

Aurangabad Airport (IXU)

Located about 10 km from the city center, this airport offers domestic flights connecting to major Indian cities.

Getting Around

Walkability

Aurangābād is moderately walkable, particularly in areas like the city center and around major attractions. Sidewalks are available but may not always be well-maintained. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and plan your routes to avoid busy roads.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Marathis

The predominant ethnic group, Marathis have a rich cultural heritage and play a significant role in the city's traditions.

Mughals and Muslim Community

With historical influences, this community contributes to the city's diverse cultural landscape and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is immensely popular in Aurangābād, with local matches often drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Kabaddi

A traditional Indian sport, kabaddi is also favored by locals, with many regional tournaments held.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Aurangābād can be congested, especially during rush hours. Public transportation options include buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis, which are convenient for getting around. It's advisable to plan your travels during off-peak hours to avoid delays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Aurangābād.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, making it easy for vegetarians.

Halal Food

Aurangābād has numerous halal-certified eateries, especially for Muslim travelers.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Aurangābād include several government and private hospitals. Major hospitals have good emergency services, but for specialized care, traveling to larger cities may be necessary. Travelers are advised to have health insurance that covers international care.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

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