Aurangabad derives its name from the Mughal king Aurangazeb. Steeped in medieval history, Aurangabad is the largest city in central Maharashtra. Travel to Aurangabad implies visiting innumerable monuments and getting a first hand acquaintance with the rich culture that the city inherited from the middle ages. Though the city has tried to keep pace with the modernization and donned a more contemporary face in terms of the growing pharmaceutical, automobiles and textile industry, yet it has been able to preserve and retain its old world charms that acts as its biggest USP.

Places of Tourist Interest

Bibi ka Maqbara - The Bibi ka Maqbara might be your first stop-over on your Aurangabad travel. This is a tomb of Begum Rabia-ud-Durani, Aurangazeb's wife. Though the tomb cannot match the grandness and majesty of the Taj Mahal, yet it is often touted as a "poor man's Taj Mahal". It is infact a splendid example of Persian architecture.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves - The rock cut monuments at Ajanta and Ellora are the prime attractions of your travel to Aurangabad. These are architectural wonders that feature in the World Heritage List. Ellora Caves consist of temples and monasteries hewn from rock by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks and craftsmen. The Ajanta group of caves incorporates 24 monasteries and 5 caves. The paintings on the walls and the frescoes are simply marvelous.

Himroo Factory - This factory produces hand woven Himroo shawls from cotton, silk and silver threads. This is considered a cheaper alternative to the silk and gold thread brocades that are too expensive.

How to Reach

By Air - Aurangabad has its own airport that is serviced by the Indian Airlines and the Jet Airways flights daily from Mumbai.

By Rail - You can easily access Aurangabad by rail from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, New Delhi and Mumbai. You can also board one of the regular trains of South Central Railway that connect Aurangabad.

By Road - A metalled road connect Aurangabad and you can take the road if you want to travel to Aurangabad from Pune, Nasik, Indore and Mumbai.

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