History 

Aurangabad is tinged with a distinctive Arabian aura. The city was named after Aurangazeb but earlier it was known as Khadke. Square shaped, stone homes with smooth edges lone the street in small sections of town. Very few peple use this new name and the city's Muslim Havor is evident/ tangible amidst the tourist boom and the economic development typist of Mumbai's hinterland. More

Caves and Sightseeing

The Ajanta caves depict the stories of Buddhism spanning from the period from 200 B.C. and 650 A.D. These caves were discovered in the 19th century by some British Officers who had been on a tiger hunt. These 29 caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools like hammer & chisel. These caves were the retreats of Buddhist monks who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning. The elaborate and exquisite sculptures and paintings depict stories from Jataka tales More

The Ellora (Verul) Caves are fascinating and the finest example of cave temple architecture housing elaborate facades and exquisite interiors. These were carved during 350 A.D. to 700 A.D. the structures represent the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. These caves 34 in number are located 29 km. from Aurangabad. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. Without a doubt, the rock-cut monuments at Ajanta and Ellora are the prime attraction for people visiting Aurangabad. Both the architectural marvels figure on the World Heritage list. More

Aurangabad Caves

A major chunk of the caves in Aurangabad are Viharas. Total number of caves is twelve; out of which cave number 3 and 7 are the most fascinating ones. Cave number 1 to 5 is in the western group and caves from 6 to 10 are in the eastern group. Tantric influences are noticeable in Aurangabad caves. More

Panchakki

Panchakki (Water Wheel) takes its name from the mill that, in its days, was considered a marvel of engineering. Driven by water brought through earthen pipes from the river 6km away, the mill once ground grain for pilgrims. The mill it self is to the right of the first tank as you enter. It is also the shrine of a saint, Baba Shah Musafir.

Bibi Ka Makbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangazeb. The monument is an excellent example of Persian Architecture. The arched alcove surmounted by a swelling dome, the idea had acquired its own reputation in India. Bibi Ka Maqbara is considered to be a poor imitation of Taj Mahal in Agra. The layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to that of Taj.

Himroo Factory

Tucked away in the old town near Zaffar Gate, this small workshop is the only place in the city that still produces hand-woven Himroo shawls from cotton, silk and silver threads. This art developed as a cheaper alternative to the more extravagant brocades of silk and gold thread, known as Kam Khab, that were woven for royalty in the 14th century. Aurangabad is well known for its Himroo, shawls and saris.

Lonar is an extremely beautiful place. The place also has an importance of its own as it is has the only lake in India that is created out of hypervelocity meteorite impact. The crater that is formed because of the impact is the third largest crater lake in the world. Geological studies have revealed that the lake is more than 40, 000 years old. More

Ghrishneshwar temple is half a kilometer from the Ellora Caves. It is an 18th century temple that presents outstanding architecture and carving. This place forms one of the five Jyotirlinga sites in Maharashtra where Lord Shiva is worshipped. More

Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is a dense forest reserve, with rare flora and fauna. Home to leopards, bears, wolves, hyenas, jackals, flying squirrels and 85 different species of colorful birds. More

Pitalkhora lies peacefully nestled in the Satmala ranges of the Sahyadris, at a distance of 78 kilometers from Aurangabad. There are 13 cave sanctuaries embedded in this region. These monasteries date back from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. Rich carvings with elaborate details can be seen in these monuments. More

Shirdi

The Shirdi Saibaba Temple, located at Shirdi, Maharashtra, India attracts millions of devotees of all religions, castes and creed who come to pay homage to Shri Sai Baba. The temple is a beautiful shrine that was built over the Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba.

Shirdi is a small village in Kopargam taluk, in Ahmadnagar District of the Maharastra State. When Baba was physically present at the age of 20 in Shirdi, it was a small village of 80 thatched houses with mud walls. Today it is a big town with palatial modern buildings and shops. More

Shani Singlapur

The Shani temple (dedicated to Lord Saturn) at Singnapur, some sixty-five km away from Shridi and is mostly completed in one day trip to Shridi and Shani Singlapur and is an often visited site.
The village houses around 1700 homes and none of them has doors, Lord Saturn (Shani) is the reigning deity and he takes care of the village.

Onle men are allowed to worship and go inside the main worship area where as women or girls are not allowed to go inside the main worship area and can see from outside. More

Bhoj
Near the Central Bus stand, here, you will find a fine variety of vegetarian food here, with the vegetarian Thali (a large plate with a variety of curries, Indian breads and rice) as its specialty. More

That Baat
Serves authentic Gujrathi food, the Thali is their speciality More

Shopping

Aurangabad is famous for its woven Himroo shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves. The fabulous Paithani sarees tempt most women, as to the wide range of semi precious stones available in rough, polished and jewellery form. Agate in particular is available in a variety of forms and sizes. Bidri ware, and old coins dating back to the Mughal period are also available. More