Aurangabad (Maharashtra) FAQs In 2024

10 FAQS on Aurangabad

What is Aurangabad known for?

Aurangabad is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is famous for its historical monuments, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The city is also known for its proximity to the medieval Daulatabad Fort, the Bibi Ka Maqbara (often referred to as the Mini Taj Mahal), and a number of other Mughal-era monuments.

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites near Aurangabad are the Ajanta Caves and the Ellora Caves. The Ajanta Caves are known for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples and remarkable murals, while the Ellora Caves are famous for their impressive rock-cut temples dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, representing the religious harmony of ancient India.

The best time to visit Aurangabad is during the winter months from October to March. During this period, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season from June to September can be quite wet, while summers from April to May can be extremely hot.

Tourists can reach Aurangabad by air, train, or road. Aurangabad has its own airport, the Aurangabad Airport, which is well-connected to major Indian cities. The city is also accessible by train, with the Aurangabad Railway Station linking to different parts of the country. Moreover, a network of highways connects Aurangabad with other major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states.

Yes, Aurangabad offers several shopping spots where tourists can purchase local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Paithani silk sarees and Himroo shawls are particularly famous. Tourists can shop at Gul Mandi, the largest market of the city, Connaught Shopping Market, Nirala Bazar, and Prozone Mall for a variety of items.

In Aurangabad, tourists should try local Maharashtrian cuisine which includes dishes like Naan Qalia (a mutton dish), Pitla Bhakri (a type of bread with a gram flour-based curry), thalipeeth (a multi-grain pancake), and a variety of sweet treats like jalebi, shrikhand, and puran poli. Street food and Mughlai cuisine are also widely available and popular.

The Ajanta Caves are open to visitors throughout the year except on Mondays, while the Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays. Both sites may have occasional closures for maintenance or other reasons, so it's best to check in advance before planning a visit. Additionally, visiting during the monsoon season may be challenging due to rain.

Aurangabad caters to a range of tourists with various accommodation options including budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Some of the hotels offer amenities like guided tours to the nearby tourist attractions. There are also options for heritage stays in Havelis or guesthouses that give a more traditional experience.

There is no official tourist pass that covers all major attractions in Aurangabad. However, individual entries can be purchased at each site. Some travel agencies may offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours to the city's historical sites, but these are independently operated and not standardized.

Aurangabad hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year. Notable among them is the Aurangabad Festival, which showcases the art, culture, and heritage of the region. Other festivals that can be experienced here include Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Eid, which are celebrated with great fervour. Tourists can also enjoy traditional music and dance performances during these festivals.