This Aurangabad travel guide is built for one job: to help you use the city as a comfortable base for the Ajanta and Ellora caves while still seeing the Mughal-era monuments that make it worth a stop in its own right. The city was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2023, so you will see both names on tickets, boards and apps. Think of it as two trips in one — a compact city of tombs, forts and gates, and a launch pad for two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) sits in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra and is the practical gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Plan two to three days: a city day for the monuments, one day for Ellora (about 30 km), and one long day for Ajanta (about 100 km).
Aurangabad travel guide: the city at a glance
The city was renamed from Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar by a Maharashtra government notification issued on 16 September 2023, after the Union Home Ministry had cleared the change earlier that year, as reported by Deccan Herald and The Week. The airport and railway station now carry the new name too.
It is a working city — auto components, pharmaceuticals and breweries drive its economy, and the surrounding Marathwada plateau has a small wine industry. For a traveller, though, the draw is heritage: a “mini Taj” mausoleum, a formidable hill fort, a 17th-century water mill, twelve Buddhist caves on the ridge above town, and the old city walls pierced by dozens of gates.
Aurangabad earned the nickname “City of Gates”. According to Wikipedia’s summary of local records, there were historically 52 gates, of which only four main and nine subordinate gates survive; the oldest and biggest is the Bhadkal Gate near the Naukhanda Palace. Aurangzeb had a fortification wall raised around the city in 1682.
Where does this fit in a wider trip? If you are threading Maharashtra together, see our Maharashtra travel guide for how the state connects. Aurangabad pairs naturally with a coastal leg — some travellers tack it on before or after a Mumbai to Goa road trip.
Best time to visit
The comfortable window is October to March. Marathwada summers (April–June) are hot and dry, which makes long cave walks and the 750-step Daulatabad climb punishing. The monsoon (July–September) greens the landscape but can bring slippery paths and haze.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, clear — the best time for caves, forts and gates |
| Summer | Apr–Jun | Hot and dry; start monuments early, carry water and sun cover |
| Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Green, cooler; occasional heavy rain, watch footing on fort steps |
How to reach Aurangabad
By air: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (airport code IXU) is a domestic airport run by the Airports Authority of India. As of September 2026, carriers list direct flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Goa, according to airline and AAI listings. The airport is roughly 10 km east of the centre.
By rail: the station, now signed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (long-time code AWB), is on the South Central Railway. Trains from Mumbai CSMT include the Tapovan Express, the Devagiri Express and a Jan Shatabdi service, per Wikipedia and live-timetable aggregators — always reconfirm the current running days and timings on NTES or IRCTC before booking.
By road: the city is a stop on the Samruddhi Mahamarg (the Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway). According to Wikipedia, the expressway is designed to bring Mumbai–Aurangabad down to roughly four hours. State transport and private buses also run from Pune and Nagpur.
| From | Mode | Approx. distance / time |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Flight | ~1 hr |
| Mumbai | Road (Samruddhi Expressway) | ~330 km · ~4 hr (as designed) |
| Mumbai | Train | ~6.5–7.5 hr |
| Pune | Road | ~230 km · ~4.5 hr |
| Ellora caves | Road | ~30 km · ~45 min |
| Ajanta caves | Road | ~100 km · ~2.5–3 hr |
Top things to see and do
Bibi ka Maqbara is the signature sight — a domed white mausoleum often called the “mini Taj”. It was built in memory of Dilras Banu Begum (titled Rabia-ud-Daurani), a wife of the emperor Aurangzeb, and commissioned by their son. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains it; tickets can be bought online via the ASI portal to skip the counter queue. Allow about an hour.
Daulatabad Fort (historically Devagiri), about 16 km out, is a hill fort with a genuinely clever defensive design — a moat, a dark spiral passage and steep steps. It was a Yadava stronghold and briefly served as the Delhi Sultanate’s capital in the 14th century. The climb is around 750 steps and takes one to two hours; go early and carry water.
Panchakki is a 17th-century water mill in the old city, built to grind grain using an ingenious channelled water supply, and dedicated to the Sufi saint Baba Shah Musafir. It sits in a quiet garden-and-reservoir complex and needs only 30–45 minutes.
The Aurangabad Caves are twelve rock-cut Buddhist shrines on the ridge behind Bibi ka Maqbara, cut into basalt around the 6th–7th centuries. They are far quieter than Ellora and give you cave art without a day trip; the elevated setting also offers a city view.
The gates. Because so many of the old city gates survive in fragments, an hour spent finding Bhadkal Gate, Delhi Gate and others is a low-key way to read the city’s Mughal past.
| Sight | Indicative fee (Indian / foreign) | Typical timing | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bibi ka Maqbara | ~₹25 / ~₹300 | ~8 am–8 pm | ~1 hr |
| Daulatabad Fort | ~₹25 / ~₹300 (some sources ₹20 / ₹250) | ~6 am–6 pm | 2–3 hr |
| Panchakki | ~₹5 / ~₹100 | ~7 am–8 pm | 30–45 min |
| Aurangabad Caves | Nominal ASI ticket | Daylight hours | 1–1.5 hr |
Fees and timings above are indicative and change often. Under-15s are generally admitted free at ASI monuments, and children’s free entry applies at Bibi ka Maqbara. Reconfirm each price at the counter or on the ASI portal before you go.
Day trips: Ellora and Ajanta
Both cave complexes are UNESCO World Heritage sites and the real reason most travellers come. Ellora lies about 30 km from the city and is closed on Tuesdays; Ajanta is about 100 km away and is closed on Mondays. Because they sit in opposite directions and shut on different days, plan the two days carefully so you never arrive on a closure day.
We do not re-describe the caves in detail here — for the art, the rock-cut Kailasa temple, the Buddhist painting sequence and how to structure your time inside, read our dedicated Ajanta and Ellora caves guide. As of September 2026, aggregated ASI listings put the entry ticket at about ₹40 for Indian visitors and ₹600 for foreign visitors at each site, with under-15s free; treat these as indicative and confirm at the counter.
For Ellora, combine the caves with the nearby Grishneshwar temple and Aurangzeb’s tomb at Khuldabad, all within a few kilometres. Ajanta is a longer haul, so start early and keep it a single-focus day.
Suggested 2–3 day itinerary
Two days is the minimum for the caves; three lets you enjoy the city without rushing.
- Day 1 — City: Bibi ka Maqbara at opening, then the Aurangabad Caves on the ridge above it; Panchakki and a couple of gates after lunch. Keep the afternoon light.
- Day 2 — Ellora side (avoid Tuesday): Daulatabad Fort early while it is cool, then Ellora caves, with Khuldabad and Grishneshwar temple slotted in on the same road.
- Day 3 — Ajanta (avoid Monday): An early start for the ~100 km drive; spend the core hours at the caves and return by evening.
If you only have two days, do the city and Ellora on day one and two halves, then Ajanta on the second full day — but that is tight. Adding the third day is the calmer choice.
Where to stay
Accommodation clusters around the airport road, the CIDCO area and near the railway station. The government option is MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation), which runs a resort near the city; private hotels span budget to five-star.
| Type | Indicative price / night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / guesthouse | ₹1,000–2,500 | Near station and old city; book ahead in peak winter |
| Mid-range / MTDC | ₹2,500–5,000 | MTDC resort and business hotels on the airport road |
| Luxury | ₹6,000–12,000+ | Larger properties with pools, suited to a caves-base stay |
These bands are planning estimates and vary with season and demand; reconfirm current tariffs when you book. For MTDC, book directly through the corporation’s site.
Food to try
Aurangabad’s kitchen leans Mughlai, a legacy of its imperial past. The dish to seek out is naan qalia (a spiced mutton curry eaten with soft naan, the city’s best-known specialty and often traced to old military kitchens). Beyond it you will find hearty Deccan-Mughlai fare — biryani, kebabs and rich gravies — alongside everyday Maharashtrian thalis.
- Naan qalia — mutton simmered with a blend of spices, served with naan; the signature local plate.
- Biryani and kebabs — the Mughlai side of the city’s food, widely available.
- Maharashtrian thali — for a vegetarian, regional meal (bhakri, dal, seasonal vegetables).
Vegetarians are well served; ask for a local thali or Marathwada-style vegetable preparations.
Budget breakdown
The table below is a planning estimate for a mid-range traveller on a three-day, caves-focused trip, excluding how you reach the city. Figures are indicative and dated; reconfirm before you travel.
| Item | Indicative cost | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (2 nights) | ₹5,000–8,000 | Mid-range, twin-shared |
| Local transport / cave day trips | ₹4,000–7,000 | Shared car for Ellora + Ajanta days |
| Monument tickets | ₹300–500 | City sights + Ellora + Ajanta (Indian rate) |
| Food | ₹1,500–3,000 | Three days, mixed meals |
| Buffer / extras | ₹1,000–1,500 | Water, guides, tips |
| Total (approx.) | ₹11,800–20,000 | Per person, excludes travel to the city |
Permits, fees and rules
No special permit is needed to visit Aurangabad or the caves — it is open, unrestricted travel for Indian and foreign visitors alike. The rules that matter are the ASI’s monument rules.
- Tickets: ASI charges entry at Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad, the Aurangabad Caves, Ellora and Ajanta. Buy online on the ASI portal where possible; carry photo ID.
- Closure days: Ellora is closed Tuesdays, Ajanta on Mondays. Bibi ka Maqbara stays open daily.
- Photography and drones: Still photography is generally allowed; a separate video/camera fee may apply at some monuments. Flying a drone over a protected ASI monument needs prior permission — do not assume it is allowed, and follow the DGCA’s drone rules and any local no-fly restriction.
- Conduct: These are places of heritage and, at Khuldabad and Grishneshwar, active worship — dress modestly and follow site staff.
Practical tips
A few things that make the trip smoother.
- Connectivity and money: The city has good mobile coverage, ATMs and widespread UPI; cave villages are patchier, so carry some cash for tickets, water and small shops.
- Health: Aurangabad has district hospitals and private care; the cave sites do not, so carry basics, water and sun protection, especially in summer.
- Hire a car for the caves: A day car is the sensible way to do Ellora-plus-Khuldabad and, separately, Ajanta — public transport eats time.
- Solo women travellers: The city is a regular tourist stop and generally straightforward; standard precautions apply, prefer daytime cave visits and pre-booked cars.
- Packing: Comfortable shoes for the Daulatabad climb, a hat and water in summer, and a light layer for winter mornings.
Nearby places
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Ellora caves | ~30 km | UNESCO rock-cut caves and the Kailasa temple — see our Ajanta and Ellora guide |
| Daulatabad Fort | ~16 km | Hill fort with a moat and defensive maze |
| Khuldabad | ~26 km | Aurangzeb’s simple tomb, on the Ellora road |
| Grishneshwar temple | ~30–35 km | One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, near Ellora |
| Ajanta caves | ~100 km | UNESCO Buddhist painting and sculpture |
| Lonar crater lake | ~140 km | Meteorite-impact lake and Ramsar wetland in Buldhana district |
Frequently asked questions
Is Aurangabad the same as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar?
Yes. Aurangabad was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar by a Maharashtra government notification in September 2023. Both names are still in common use, and the airport and railway station now carry the new name, so you may see either on tickets, signboards and booking apps.
How many days do you need in Aurangabad?
Plan two to three days. Two days is the minimum to cover the city plus Ellora and Ajanta, but it is tight. Three days lets you take a full city day, an Ellora day with Khuldabad and Grishneshwar, and a separate, unrushed day for the longer Ajanta drive.
How far are the Ajanta and Ellora caves from Aurangabad?
Ellora is about 30 km away, roughly a 45-minute drive, while Ajanta is about 100 km, around 2.5 to 3 hours by road. They lie in opposite directions and close on different days — Ellora on Tuesday, Ajanta on Monday — so plan each as a separate day trip.
What is the best time to visit Aurangabad?
October to March is the comfortable season, with cool, dry, clear weather ideal for cave walks and the Daulatabad climb. Summers from April to June are hot and demanding, and the monsoon brings greenery but slippery fort steps. Aim for the winter months.
What food is Aurangabad known for?
Aurangabad is known for naan qalia, a spiced mutton curry eaten with naan that reflects the city’s Mughlai heritage. You will also find biryani, kebabs and rich Deccan-Mughlai gravies, plus everyday Maharashtrian thalis. Vegetarians have plenty of regional options too.
Do you need a permit to visit the caves near Aurangabad?
No permit is needed. Aurangabad and the Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad and Aurangabad caves are open to all visitors. You simply buy ASI entry tickets, ideally online, and carry photo ID. The main rules concern photography, drones and monument closure days rather than access permits.
Last updated and sources
Aurangabad rewards travellers who want heritage without crowds and use the city as a caves base — go in the cool October-to-March window and give it three days if you can.
Last updated: 28 September 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Deccan Herald (renaming notification); The Week (renaming); Airports Authority of India — Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport; Wikipedia (Devagiri Express / trains); Wikipedia (Samruddhi Mahamarg); Archaeological Survey of India; Wikipedia (Gates in Aurangabad); Wikipedia (Aurangabad Caves); Maharashtra Tourism (Lonar crater); Ramsar Sites Information Service (Lonar Lake). Fees and timings for ASI monuments (Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad, Ellora, Ajanta) were cross-checked against aggregated listings and are labelled indicative; verify on the ASI ticketing portal. Accessed September 2026.
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