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Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

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Aurangabad serves as the historic soul of Maharashtra and the primary gateway to the UNESCO sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Ajanta is world-renowned for its exquisite Buddhist frescoes and murals, while Ellora showcases a harmonious blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples, featuring the stupendous Kailasa Temple, the largest monolithic structure in the world. Within the city, the Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the 'Taj of the Deccan', stands as a grand testament to Mughal architecture. Nearby, the Daulatabad Fort is a formidable medieval stronghold set atop a conical hill, known for its ingenious defense systems. Aurangabad is also famous for its traditional 'Himroo' silk and cotton weaving. The local cuisine reflects a rich Mughal heritage, particularly the spicy meat dish 'Naan Qalia'. The best time to explore these wonders is from October to March, when the weather is comfortably cool.

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Location: India
Highlights: Bibi Ka Maqbara · Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Museum · Sunehari Mahal
Population: ~1.175.116 (2025)

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Aurangabad itself is a bustling city; the caves of Ajanta and Ellora are open to the public. Visitors can see the ancient rock-cut architecture both inside and outside.

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Typical hours

The caves are usually open daily from sunrise to sunset, with exact hours varying by season.

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Photography

Photography is usually allowed in the caves, but flash is often prohibited to protect the murals.

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Time needed

Allow at least half a day for the Ajanta caves and another half for Ellora. A full day is enough for an overview.

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Combine with

Combine visiting both cave systems with each other. Aurangabad also has historic tombs and markets.

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Getting there

Aurangabad is reachable by flight, train, or bus. From the city, taxis and buses run to the caves.

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Insider tip

Visit the Ajanta caves early in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat. Bring plenty of water.

Geography

Population

1,175,116 (2025)

Coordinates

19.88879, 75.34344

Facts

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Monolithic Kailasa Temple
Bibi Ka Maqbara (Mini-Taj)
Ancient Ajanta frescoes
Strategic Daulatabad Fort
Himroo silk weaving center
City of 52 Gates
Buddhist rock-cut art

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Sights in the town Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora) (14)

Bibi Ka Maqbara 📍 landmark

A magnificent 17th-century mausoleum known as the 'Taj of the Deccan' for its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.

Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Museum 🏛 museum

A museum in Aurangabad exhibiting weapons and artifacts from the era of the Maratha king Shivaji.

Sunehari Mahal 🏛 museum

A 17th-century palace featuring gilded wall paintings, now serving as a regional museum.

Chatrapati Shivaji Statue 🏺 historical

An imposing monument in the city center honoring the famous Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Roshan Gate 🏺 historical

One of Aurangabad's historic city gates, formerly part of the city's massive fortification system.

Aurangabad caves (1-5)🏺 historical

Twelve Buddhist caves from the 6th and 7th centuries carved into a basalt hillside overlooking the city.

Gopal Cultural Hall (Gopal tea Center)🎭 culture

A local cultural center providing space for events and community gatherings in Aurangabad.

Sant tukaram natya gruha 🎭 culture

A regional theater and cultural hall named after the famous Marathi poet-saint Tukaram.

shivprasad xerox ⛪ religious

A small neighborhood shrine serving as a place for brief spiritual reflection for residents.

Eknath Rang Mandir ⛪ religious

A prominent cultural center and theater frequently used for spiritual and cultural performances.

computer science ⛪ religious

A modest place of prayer located near the educational institutions in Aurangabad's academic district.

Vegetable MarketPlace 🎭 culture

A bustling local market where vendors sell a variety of fresh seasonal vegetables and local produce.

Panchakki 📍 landmark

A historic 17th-century water mill famous for its ingenious underground water channel and masonry tanks.

Aurangabad caves (6-9)📍 landmark

Ancient Buddhist rock-cut shrines dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, carved into the hillside.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora): where is it located?

Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora) is located in India.

Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora): what is there to see?

Highlights include Bibi Ka Maqbara, Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Museum, Sunehari Mahal.

Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora): why is it worth visiting?

Aurangabad serves as the historic soul of Maharashtra and the primary gateway to the UNESCO sites of Ajanta and Ellora.

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Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora)

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A postcard from Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora)