If you’re looking for the best historical places in Aurangabad, you’ve come to the right place.
Most travellers, on their journey through the subcontinent, visit famous destinations like Delhi, Agra, or nearby Mumbai, but few realise the rich tapestry of history that awaits them in the hinterlands of Maharashtra.
No matter where you end up in India, every location seems to be the centrepoint of countless epic events from centuries past, and there is no better example of that than Aurangabad.
This unsuspecting city has been the capital of several of India’s greatest dynasties, was once ruled by an Ethiopian slave-mercenary, and is home to the largest rock-cut temples in the world.
If that hasn’t sparked your interest, then read on to discover the best historical places in Aurangabad.
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The 9 Best Historical Sites in Aurangabad
1 | Ellora & Ajanta Caves
Undoubtedly the best historical places in Aurangabad, and the main driver of tourism in the area, the Ellora & Ajanta caves are some of the most remarkable ancient sites you’ll ever come across.
The caves were carved into a hillside over thousands of years and served as temples for the various religions that have dominated the region throughout its long history. The oldest caves are at Ajanta, dating back as far as 480 BCE, while the Ellora caves were carved between the 5th & 10th century CE.
Each site extends approximately 2km along the hillside and, as you stroll from one end to the other, you’re taken on a journey through time. The architecture you’ll see here rivals the likes of Petra or Longmen Grottoes, and it is a must-visit whether you’re a history buff or not.
Not only are the Ellora & Ajanta Caves one of the best historical places in Aurangabad, they are among the best in the world.
There is so much more to say about these two historical sites that they deserve an article of their own, which you can find here.
Ellora caves: Ajanta Caves: When to visit: |
2 | Bibi Ka Maqbara
After the caves, the next most popular historical place in Aurangabad is the Bibi Ka Maqbara, otherwise known as the Taj of the Deccan, or colloquially as the mini Taj Mahal.
While the Taj Mahal in Agra was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his lover, this version was commissioned by his grandson, in memory of his beloved mother.
The roughly 400 year old structure is well maintained and serves as an example of the wealth & grandeur (and love) of India’s elite during the height of their last empire.
If you can’t get to Agra and visit the actual Taj Mahal, you’ll definitely want to stop by Bibi Ka Maqbara during your visit to Aurangabad. It’s stunning architecture alone makes it one of the best historical places in Aurangabad.
The site is located on the outskirts of Aurangabad and is easily accessible. Opening hours: Entrance Fee: |
3 | Daulatabad Fort
As you’re on the road to the Ellora caves, you won’t be able to miss a large structure on a hilltop overlooking the otherwise flat terrain: Daulatabad Fort.
Built as an impenetrable fortress, the site is built on top, and inside, the hill while being accessible only by a small bridge over a deep moat. It’s truly an impressive structure to explore and is yet another testament to the region’s storied past.
In 1327, Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq decided it would be a good idea to move the capital of Delhi to Daulatabad, along with its entire population. And so, over the following months, hundreds of thousands of people migrated roughly 1000km, and settled in this land that was unprepared to host such a population. Not surprisingly, 7 years later the Sultan reversed his decision and sent everyone back to Delhi, but thanks to this strange event this site holds the claim of once being the capital of India.
Thanks to its historical significance, impressive construction through the interior of the hill, and stunning view from the top, Daulatabad Fort is one of he best historical places in Aurangabad and an essential stopover on your way to Ellora Caves.
The fort is located about a 30min drive from Aurangabad, on the way to Ellora Caves. Opening Hours: Entrance Fee: |
4 | Khuldabad
In the vicinity of Aurangabad lies an important historical site, one which carries a lot of religious significance within Sufi Islam.
Khuldabad is as much a mausoleum as it is a town. Since the mass migration to the area in 1327, hundreds of Sufi saints have chosen it as their home and tomb. As such, the town has become a holy site and sees Islamic pilgrims from all over.
Khuldabad is also the final resting place of the great Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, from whom the city of Aurangabad gets its name. For those unfamiliar with Aurangzeb, he is one of the most important historical figures in India and ruled over one of the largest empires in its history.
So, to find him in such a modest tomb so far from Delhi is part of what makes Aurangabad such a unique destination for history lovers.
Khuldabad may seem a little out of the way, but thanks to its religious significance, it’s undoubtedly among the best historical places in Aurangabad.
Khulabad is located about a half-hour drive from Aurangabad. Opening Hours: Entrance Fees: |
5 | The Gates of Aurangabad
In the city’s busiest streets, swallowed up by markets & traffic, lie what’s left of the old city walls. A prime example of how old & new often co-exist in India.
The walls were constructed over decades, beginning in the Nizam period in the 16th century, and earning it a reputation for its defensibility. At a time when the city was governed by an Ethiopian slave-mercenary (Malik Ambar – check him out for a fascinating story), these walls held off a massive Mughal invasion. Ironically, the city was soon annexed by the Mughals, who continued expanding the walls.
Today, the walls have been swallowed up by modernity and the remaining 13 gates can be found scattered throughout the city, earning it the nickname ‘City of Gates’
You’ll no doubt come across some of these during your exploration of the city, but the most impressive of which are certainly the Makai and Bhadkal gates.
Many of them may a little worn, but they serve as a reminder of the cities historical significance and are definitely one of the top historical places in Aurangabad.
The gates are found all over the city. Opening Hours: Entrance Fees: |
6 | Grishneshwar Temple
Just outside the entrance of the Ellora cave complex lies another UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel.
The Grishneshwar Temple is 1 of the 12 Jyotirlingas across India, religious sites in Hinduism which are said to represent Shiva.
The site itself is believed to be almost 3000 yrs old, but the temple itself has been destroyed and rebuilt over time as the dominant religion in the area has changed back & forth. The current structure is relatively young, built in the 18th century, but is no less impressive.
Grishneshwar Temple is located just outside Ellora caves, about 1hr from Aurangabad. Opening Hours: Entrance Fee: |
7 | Aurangabad Caves
If you couldn’t get enough of Ellora & Ajanta, or you don’t have time to visit them, then there’s another cave complex just beyond the outskirts of Aurangabad, close to Bibi Ka Maqbara.
While often overshadowed by their more famous counterparts, the Aurangabad Caves are still an impressive site to behold. Dating back as far as the 6th century CE, the complex is made up of 12 caves in total, with each serving as Buddhist temples.
While the complex may be smaller than the others, some of the caves rival any at Ellora & Ajanta, plus they have the added benefit of less crowds.
The caves are carved into a hillside which looks over the city itself, offering an amazing panoramic view and an interesting juxtaposition between past & present.
The Aurangabad Caves are located just outside of the city. Opening Hours: Entrances Fees: |
8 | Panchakki
Ever since the stone age, Indian civilisation has been known for its engineering & scientific prowess, and an example of this can be found in downtown Aurangabad.
Panchakki is a water mill built in the late 17th Century, during the waning years of India’s last great empire. It’s a machine, designed to generate energy using the water from a hilltop spring located an impressive 8km away. The energy was used to grind grain, providing food to local residents.
In addition to being an interesting example of middle-ages engineering, it’s also one of the few relaxing places where you can escape from the city chaos.
Panchakki is located within the city itself, and is easily accessible on a city tour. Opening Hours: Entrance Fees: |
9 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
Named after a famous Marathi emperor, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum is the main museum in Aurangabad.
It focuses heavily on the legendary conflict between the Marathas and the Mughals, displaying numerous military artefacts such as a 500 year old chainmail suit. But perhaps the most interesting artefact in this museum is a handwritten copy of the Quran, written by none other than the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The museum may not be comparable to those you’ll find in Mumbai or Delhi, but is worth checking out if you’re interested in learning more about the storied history of the region.
The museum is located in downtown Aurangabad. If searching for it online, be careful not to confuse it with a museum of a similar name in Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) Opening Hours: Entrance Fees: |
