There are many tourist attractions in Aurangabad, the historic city founded by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Situated on the banks of River Kham, Aurangabad was an important seat of the Mughal Empire during the Mughal rule in India.

The town of Auranagabad still holds a number of Mughal architectural marvels making it an important historical destination in Maharashtra. Bibi Ka Maqbara, the tomb of Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangazeb is an excellent example of Persian architecture. It is reminiscent of the Taj Mahal though less ornamental. Panchakki, a watermill dating back to the pre-mughal period, which was used to operate large grain grinding stones, which served as flourmills, is an example of the engineering marvel of the 17-century. Aurangabad caves, which lie 3km north of Aurangabad, were excavated out of a south-facing hillside between 3 and 11 century and belong to the Buddhist era.

But the tourist attractions in Aurangabad that have made it to the list of World heritage sites are the Ajanta and Ellora caves. The Ajanta and Ellora cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, rank amongst the most outstanding historical tourist attractions in India. It is believed that, originally, Buddhist monks sought shelter in these natural grottos during monsoons and began decorating them with religious motifs to help pass the rainy season. Later they taught and performed rituals in these caves, which became their Chaityas (temples) and Viharas (living quarters), the ancient seats of learning, and centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures, depicting the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 AD.

Excursions around Aurangabad

Excursions can be made from Aurangabad to interesting places in the vicinity. The magnificent Daulatabad Fort, once known as 'Devgiri' stands on a hill just 13 km. from Aurangabad was given the name Daulatabad, the 'city of fortune', by Muhammad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi who made a debacle trying to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad.This fort is considered as one of the oldest existing and invincible forts of India. Khuldabad is a walled town just 3km from Ellora, which houses the tomb of Emperor Aurangazeb. Grihneshwar Temple, 30 km from Aurangabad near the Ellora caves, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and sacred to Hindus. The ancient city of Paithan, 56km South of Aurangabad, now known Paithan, was the seat of the Satvahana dynasty that ruled from 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Godavari, the little town is famous for its Shrine of 'Sant Eknath' where people flock every year during the time of 'Paithan Yatra'. Paithan, which was once an important seat of learning, is also famous for its beautiful silk saris which sport intricately embroidered gold or silver borders called 'Paithani'. The Shrine of Sri Sai Baba, Shirdi, 130 km from Aurangabad is a place of pilgrimage for devotees of Sri Sai Baba.

Museums in Aurangabad

The History Museum of Marathwada University has excavated material of Sathavahana dynasty in the form of sculptures from Marathwad region, miniature paintings of Maratha, Rajput, Mughal and company paintings of East India Company periods. The State Archaeology Museum displays sculptures and broken panels from archaeological sites in Paithan.

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