Aurangabad

Introduction
The city of Aurangabad was established in the year 1610. Previously Fatehpura, the city was renamed Aurangabad when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb became the viceroy of the Deccan and made it his capital. Aurangabad has been a witness to a number of dynasties and kingdoms. As a result, the city absorbed numerous cultural hues. Though the city on its way to being industrialized, tourists arrive here in hordes firstly because it serves as a base to visit the closely located Heritage Sites of Ajanta (106 km) and Ellora (30 km) and secondly to explore the historical sites that are located in the city itself. The city is home to a number of Mughal architectural marvels that are a must-see for all.

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Location & Climate
The city of Aurangabad rests on the banks of river Kham and is located in the state of Maharashtra. It lies at a distance of 392 km from Mumbai while Pune is 299 km from here. Aurangabad experiences a moderate type of climate. Summers are hot while winters are warm. The maximum temperature during summers can reach up to 40 degrees Centigrade. November to February is the ideal time to visit here.


Sightseeing
Aurangabad, being the erstwhile capital of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and a seat to many dynasties, has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. However, what gains Aurangabad much renown are the Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The famous tourist attractions at Aurangabad are as follows.

» Bibi Ka Maqbara : The Bibi Ka Maqbara meaning the mausoleum of a wife was built by emperor Aurangzeb for his wife Dilras Banu Begum. The first glance at the tomb reminds one of the splendid Taj. Though not very ornamental, the Bibi Ka Maqbara is a small-scale replica of the Taj Mahal at Agra. The edifice is a brilliant example of the Persian architectural style.

» Aurangabad Caves : The Aurangabad Caves that lie 3 km north of Aurangabad are a big draw for tourists. The caves belong to the Buddhist era. Tantric influences can be observed in the architectural style and the iconography of the caves. Out of a total of 12 caves, cave 3 and 7 are the most stunning and worth experiencing. Scenes from the Jataka tales are depicted in the cave 3.

» Pan Chakki or Watermill : Pan Chakki is another worth visiting site in Aurangabad. Dating back to the pre-Mughal era, the Pan Chakki was used to operate a huge grain grinding flourmill. It is considered as an engineering marvel dating back to the 17th century. Besides, you can also visit the tomb of sufi saint Baba Shah Muzaffar who was much revered by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

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» Daulatabad Fort : The Daulatabad Fort lies at a distance of 13 km from Aurangabad. The fort, previously known as Devgiri, sits on the top of a hill. The name Daultabad, meaning the city of fortune, was coined by Muhammad Tighlaq, Sultan of Delhi, when he attempted to shift his capital from Delhi to here.

Aurangabad also has some popular museums as the History Mueum of Marathwada University and the State Archaeology Museum. The museums display fascinating collections of artifacts from the past.


Accommodation Options :
Finding a promising stay at Aurangabad is never a problem. The city has come up with a number of luxury and budget category hotels to cater to the needs of travellers and tourists. The hotel rooms are elegantly appointed and offer world class amenities and services. Some of the famous hotels in Aurangabad are as follows.

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Accessibility
The Aurangabad Airport is just 10 km from the city. The airport has regular flights connecting to Delhi and Mumbai. The Aurangabad Railway Station has well linked with Mumbai and other key destinations of the country. From Mumbai, there are trains like the Tapovan Express and the Devgiri Express reaching Aurangabad. Through rail route, it's an overnight trip from Mumbai to Aurangabad. Road routes are also well established. Regular bus services are available between Mumbai and Aurangabad and from Aurangabad to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

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