Aurangabad city is located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra in the western region of India. It is 403 km from Mumbai (Bombay). Surrounded by hills, the city is on the banks of the Kham River. The city boasts of Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal. The importance of aurangabad is great, owing to its proximity with world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. These sites have Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples.

It attracts attention of tourists because of its many famous historical and religious architectural sites. It is true that Aurangabad is not a green hilly destination, though it has a good number of gardens giving you a comfortable stay in the town.Many tourists visit this place due to its proximity to some of the world famous heritage sites of India.

Aurangabad Caves : The Aurangabad Caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries. The walls of the caves have interesting illustrations from the Jataka stories. Lying amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves possibly dating back to the 1st century AD. The Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves are of particular interest. Some of the chaityas are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.

Bibi Ka Maqbara : Situated about 5 kms from the Aurangabad city is Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb's 1st wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra, termed as the poor man's Taj Mahal. Located behind the mausoleum is a small archeological museum.

Pan chakki : Panchakki, meaning water mill is another major attraction of Aurangabad. The mill gets its share of water that travels through an underground channel from a source which is 6 km away in the mountains. The water is released on to the wheel creating an enthralling waterfall. The place also has a garden and fountains with fish-filled tanks adding to the beauty of the entire area. Panchakki also has a tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint who was spiritual adviser to Aurangzeb.

Ajanta Caves : Nestled in an inner fold of the Sahyadri hills, 100 kms away from Aurangabad are the 30 rock-cut caves of Ajanta, famous for its cave painting or frescoes of many colors. They contain numerous images of Buddha. Caves 1,2,16 and 17 have the best-preserved paintings. The magnificient depictions of the bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Padmapaniin are particularly well known.

How to get there

Air : Aurangabad airport is 10 km east of the city and is well connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Delhi, Jaipur and Udiapur.

Rail : Aurangabad has its own railway station and is well connected by train to all the corners of the Nation. Jalgaon railhead can also be used as a base to reach Aurangabad.

Road : There are MSRTC Buses From Aurangabad To Pune, Nasik, Indore and Mumbai.The MSRTC and MTDC also offer luxury overnight buses to Mumbai.