- The city was originally known as Khadki before being renamed Fatehnagar and later Aurangabad, and it was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2023.
- It is frequently referred to as the 'City of Gates' due to the 52 entrance gates built during the medieval period to fortify the city.
- The city is home to the Bibi Ka Maqbara, a 17th-century mausoleum often called the 'Taj of the Deccan' due to its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
- The regional economy was historically bolstered by the Silk Road trade, which left a lasting legacy on the local textile weaving techniques still practiced today.
About Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, historically known as Aurangabad, is a prominent city in the Maharashtra state of India, serving as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. The city is defined by its strong historical layers, featuring the rock-cut Aurangabad Caves [19616] and various religious landmarks like the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Mandir [61814]. It acts as a major hub for the textile industry, particularly noted for its production of Himroo silk and Paithani saris. Visitors often explore the green expanse of the Himayatbagh Biodiversity Heritage site [22730] to understand the region's ecological conservation efforts.
Highlights of Aurangabad, Maharashtra
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore 6th and 7th-century rock-cut Buddhist shrines carved into the side of the Sahyadri hills.
Parks
Walk through this sprawling biodiversity site known for its diverse flora and research conservatory.
Museums
View a curated collection of Maratha-era artifacts, textiles, and historical relics.
Zoos
Visit the city's primary zoo and botanical garden featuring a variety of regional animal species.
Temples
Experience a peaceful atmosphere at this prominent local temple dedicated to the saint Gajanan Maharaj.
Temples
Climb the steps to this hillside temple to witness a panoramic view of the urban skyline.
Temples
Examine the architectural details of this historic place of worship located within the city center.
Top things to do in Aurangabad, Maharashtra
The 1,207 highest-rated places in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
The Ellora Caves comprise 34 monasteries and temples excavated side-by-side in the wall of a high basalt cliff in the Sa...
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Historical places
Daulatabad Fort, originally known as Devagiri, is a 14th-century hillside fortress characterized by its sophisticated st...
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Temples
Shree Bhadra Maruti Mandir is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located in the Khuldabad region of Mah...
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Temples
Shri Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the final of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located...
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The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 rock-cut structures at the Ellora site, carved from a single volca...
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Zoos
Siddharth Garden and Zoo serves as a prominent recreational hub and wildlife facility within the heart of Chhatrapati Sa...
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Parks
Maharana Pratap Singh Garden is a prominent municipal park located in the CIDCO neighborhood of Chhatrapati Sambhajinaga...
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Temples
Devgad Datta Mandir Devasthan is a prominent spiritual center located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, dedicat...
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Aurangabad, Maharashtra on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Aurangabad, Maharashtra
October to March is ideal, as the cooler winter temperatures make exploring outdoor historical sites and gardens comfortable.
3-4 days, which allows enough time to visit local city attractions while also taking day trips to the nearby Ajanta and Ellora caves.
The city is best navigated via auto-rickshaws, private taxis, or app-based ride-sharing services; public bus networks exist but are less convenient for tourists.
Stay in the Central Bus Stand or Jalna Road areas, which offer a wide range of hotel options and are well-connected to major transport hubs.
It is a budget-friendly destination, with affordable options for local transport, street food, and mid-range lodging.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 1,207 curated attractions in and around Aurangabad, Maharashtra, ranked by traveller ratings.
Ellora Caves is the highest-rated place to visit in Aurangabad, Maharashtra right now.
The largest category is temples, with 1,104 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Kottayam.
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