Welcome to Aurangabad, a city that breathes life into the pages of history while embracing the winds of modernity. It is a rich gem of India that offers an unforgettable journey into a world that blends tradition and innovation, captivating the heart of every traveler who steps onto its ancient soil. Plan a guided tour with our Aurangabad local sightseeing tour packages to let the memories of this extraordinary journey stay etched in your heart.
From the age-old edifices to massive forts, well-manicured lawns, gardens, lakes, caves, pilgrimage sites, and much more, Aurangabad has plenty of things to keep its visitors occupied throughout time.
As the sun sets over Aurangabad, the city comes alive with vibrant festivities that celebrate life's joys. Be a part of the colorful celebrations during Holi where the streets are transformed into a canvas of joyous hues. Dance to the rhythmic beats of dholaks and sing along with locals as they rejoice in unity, reminding us that life, too, can be as beautiful as a myriad of colors.
In essence, Aurangabad goes beyond its architectural wonders; it's a city that beckons you to unravel its hidden treasures. Embrace the spirit of this historical marvel as it embraces you with its warm hospitality and timeless charm, leaving you with memories that linger long after you bid farewell to its magical embrace.
The top 5 sightseeing places in Aurangabad are as follows:
1. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two of the most exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. These ancient rock-cut caves showcase exquisite Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain art and architecture, representing a remarkable achievement of ancient Indian civilization.
Both the Ajanta and Ellora Caves reflect the spiritual and artistic achievements of ancient India. They serve as significant historical and cultural landmarks, attracting visitors from all over the globe. The caves' proximity to Aurangabad makes them easily accessible and popular among tourists and history enthusiasts.
A visit to these caves offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and artistic mastery of ancient India. The serenity of the surrounding landscape and the sheer brilliance of the cave art make Ajanta and Ellora Caves an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate history, art, and spirituality.
2. Grishneshwar Temple
As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar Temple holds immense religious significance in Hindu mythology and remains a prominent pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees from all over India and beyond. Its historical importance, architectural beauty, and spiritual aura make it a revered destination for seekers of divine blessings and spiritual solace.
The presiding deity of the temple is known as Grishneshwar or Ghushmeshwar, which translates to "lord of compassion" or "lord of the heat." According to mythology, this Jyotirlinga was believed to have been established by Lord Shiva himself to alleviate the miseries of his devotees.
The Grishneshwar Temple attracts a significant number of devotees and pilgrims, especially during the auspicious festival of Maha Shivaratri. This festival celebrates Lord Shiva and is observed with great fervor at the temple.
3. Daulatabad Fort
Tracing its history back to the 12th century, the Daulatabad Fort or Devagiri Fort is a historic fort that was initially built by the Yadava Dynasty. However, it gained prominence during the reign of Alauddin Khilji who renamed the city to Daulatabad and made it his secondary capital.
To enter the fort, visitors have to pass through a series of gates, such as the "Amin Darwaza," the "Kalakot Gate," and the "Chand Minar Gate." The fort complex includes various structures like palaces, mosques, granaries, and water tanks. Some of the notable buildings within the fort are the Chand Minar, the Jami Masjid, the Bharat Mata Temple, and the royal palaces.
Exploring the fort involves climbing up a series of steps carved into the hill, which can be physically demanding but rewarding due to the panoramic views from the top. The fort offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, including the Ellora Caves and the city of Aurangabad.
4. Salim Ali Lake
Enjoy some time at the Salim Ali Lake for a tranquil treat. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Salim Ali Lake is a picturesque water body that serves as a habitat for numerous bird species including migratory birds that visit during the winter months.
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flock to the lake to observe and photograph the diverse birdlife. Some of the common bird species found here include ducks, herons, egrets, coots, and kingfishers.
The Salim Ali Lake is also equipped with boating facilities, allowing visitors to take leisurely rides on the waters and soak in scenic surroundings. Boating in the lake offers a unique perspective and a chance to appreciate the beauty of the lake and its surroundings from a different angle.
The harmonious blend of nature, birds, and the serene ambiance make it an ideal spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a calm and refreshing experience in the lap of nature.
5. Himayat Bagh
The Fruit Orchard of Happiness, Himayat Bagh is a must-visit tourist destination for all those who are looking to admire nature at its best on their Aurangabad tour. It boasts a serene environment with a peaceful ambiance for people in search of a place that enables them to disconnect themselves from the city’s hustle and bustle for some time.
The primary purpose behind the creation of the Himayat Bagh was to house a variety of fruit-bearing trees and plants from different parts of the world. It was designed as a research and experimental center for cultivating different species of fruits and plants in the region's climate.
Over the years, Himayat Bagh has evolved into a beautiful and well-maintained garden. Today, it serves as a public recreational space where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks amidst the lush greenery and well-manicured lawns. The garden remains a treasure trove of various fruit trees including mango, guava, and citrus fruits, among others.
Gastronomy Experience in Aurangabad
A trip to Aurangabad is a treat for the taste buds, as it boasts a culinary heritage that spans centuries. Savor the tantalizing flavors of traditional Mughlai cuisine that have been lovingly passed down through generations. Indulge in aromatic biryanis, succulent kebabs, and rich creamy gravies that will leave you craving for more.
As you explore the bustling food markets, known as 'bazaars,' let the mouthwatering aromas guide you towards the local delicacies, lovingly prepared by skilled hands. And if you're feeling adventurous, don't forget to try the iconic 'Naan Khatai,' a delightful cookie that has stood the test of time.
Aurangabad has a lot more to offer to its visitors than the aforementioned places. Based on your holiday duration, you can curate an itinerary that suits your holiday style the most. Some of the tourist attractions that deserve to be included in your itinerary list are Bibi Ka Maqbara, Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Bani Begum Garden, Connaught Palace, Goga Baba Hill, Gul Mandi, and Siddharth Garden and Zoo.
You can explore all this and much more with our Aurangabad local sightseeing tour packages. We at Aurangabad Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, don’t leave any stone unturned to deliver you a holiday experience you’ll remember for your entire life.
Our team of experts is always available on call to help you with everything related to your trip planning. You can select from our pre-designed Aurangabad tour packages that have been designed to address the varied needs of our diverse clientele. In case you want any change, you just have to tell us and we’d be happy to do all the alterations for you. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more.
How to Reach Aurangabad?
Due to its great connectivity to India as well as overseas countries via all modes of transportation, Aurangabad can be easily accessed by people the way they want. In the end, it all depends on how you want to travel!
By Air: The Aurangabad Airport is nearly 7.3 km away and is well-served by various flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune, Mumbai, Udaipur, and Nagpur. Outside the airport, you have the option of hiring a private taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Aurangabad to commute further to your desired destination.
By Train: Catch a direct train from the metro cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, etc., to Aurangabad Airport to enjoy a comfortable railway journey to Aurangabad. The Aurangabad Railway Station also receives connecting trains from Patna, Rajkot, Ambala, Pune, Amritsar, Visakhapatnam, Shirdi, Bhopal, and Tirupati. It simply means that you don’t have to worry about anything.
By Road: For your ease, the facility of public buses from the metro cities of Maharashtra and neighboring areas to Aurangabad is available at pocket-friendly prices. Many private tour operators also operate their buses to Aurangabad on a frequent basis. Alternatively, choose to self-drive to make the most of a road trip.
