While searching for all the Aurangabad places to visit, Ajanta Caves will be one of the first and foremost names. A group of around 30 Buddhist caves that are carved out of rocks, these caves date back to the 2nd century and is considered as an epitome of ancient architecture and considered as the most brilliant form of Indian art.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta Caves is further divided into many different caves that were meant for various purposes. From the architecture, shape, and form of the caves, it is pretty evident that the ancient Buddhist monks used these caves for studying, living and worship purposes. The murals, paintings, and carvings on the wall reveal many unknown facts about the way of living, the cultures and traditions of a bygone era.
Location: Ajanta Caves Road, Ajanta 431001
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: Starts from INR 30
Another architectural brilliance of a bygone era, Ellora Caves is also among the not to miss places to visit near Aurangabad. Located around 29 km from the city center, this chain of caves were built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the Buddhist clan and Yadav group of the Jains.
A must visit UNESCO World Heritage site in Maharashtra, this series of caves also showcases the perfection and epitome of the pre historic times of the Indian culture. With detailed and intricate carvings, the caves are now given distinct numbers.
Among all these, the Vishwakarma; cave number 10, Dashavatara; cave number 15, Kailasanatha Temple; cave number 16, Rameshvara; cave number 21 and IndraSabha; cave number 32, are the most prominent and sought after in the Ellora Cave. The glimpses of a bygone era, the diverse history, architectural brilliance and the grandeur of this chain of caves make it one of the most popular tourist places near Aurangabad.
Location: Ellora Cave Road, Ellora, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431005
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: Starts from INR 40
One of the most commanding and undefeatable forts in the entire country, Daulatabad Fort in Daulatabad; or Devagiri as it was known earlier, is among the must-visit places near Aurangabad. Around 11 km north-west of Aurangabad, this glorious fortress stands strong on a conical hill that stands around 200 m above the sea level.
Looking back into the history of the fort, you will realize its importance and strength. Compared to the other forts within or far from the region, the defense of Daulatabad Fort was very strong.
Talking about the architecture of this fort, it is three layers of defensive walls, and its moat, scrap and the sub-terranean passage are made out of solid rocks. A large pit of fire in its upper outlet gave hard times to the enemies and also helped in their progression. Chand Minar, Chini Mahal, and Baradari are three of the most popular and significant structures within the fort.
Location: MH SH 22, Daulatabad, Maharashtra 431002
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: Starts from INR 10
If you still think only Taj Mahal is the ultimate symbol of love, you must visit 'Bibi Ka Maqbara', one of the historic places that must be visited while in Aurangabad called the. Though not as huge and popular like the Taj, this historic monument also symbolize the love of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for his wife DilrasBanu Begum.
Built on an elevated platform, it is guarded by four minarets along its four corners and can be reached by a series of steps from three different sides. Studded with exquisite marbles and ornamented with intricate designs, carvings and showcasing the immortal love, this ancient monument truly deserves a visit while you are planning to cover all the major places to visit in Aurangabad.
Location: Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004
Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM
Entry fee: None
