Aurangabad at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Maharashtra |
| Famous For | Ajanta, Ellora, Bibi Ka Maqbara |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Marathi, Hindi, English |
| Nearest Airport | Aurangabad Airport (IXU), 10km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) |
| From Ellora Caves | 30 km · 0h 50m |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹40+ (varies) |
| Best For | all travellers |
Aurangabad: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Aurangabad is a historical city in Maharashtra, known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. It boasts a rich Mughal heritage, evident in its architecture and cultural influences. The city offers a blend of ancient wonders and vibrant modern life.
Aurangabad is worth visiting for its proximity to Ajanta and Ellora, showcasing stunning rock-cut architecture. However, the city itself can be crowded and polluted. While the historical sites are fascinating, be prepared for persistent touts and vendors. Consider visiting during the cooler months for a more pleasant experience.
Aurangabad: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grishneshwar Temple | 05:00-21:00 daily | Free | Early morning for prayers | Remove footwear before entering |
How to Reach Aurangabad: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Aurangabad: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellora Caves | 30 km | 0h 50m | NH-52, NH-52;752I, NH-52;NH752I |
| Ajanta Caves | 100 km | 2h 30m | NH-52, NH-52;752I, NH-52;NH752I |
| Shirdi | 120 km | 2h 30m | NH-52, NH-52;752I, NH-52;NH752I |
| Pune | 235 km | 5h 00m | NH-52, NH-52;752I, NH-52;NH752I |
| Mumbai | 335 km | 7h 30m | NH-52, NH-52;752I, NH-52;NH752I |
train Train to Aurangabad: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) — Main railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- From Delhi: 20-24 hours (₹800-2500)
- From Mumbai: 6-8 hours (₹500-1500)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Aurangabad: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (IXU), 10km from city
- Delhi: 1.5 hours (₹3000-7000)
- Mumbai: 1 hour (₹2500-5000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹300-500
- Uber/Ola: ₹250-400
directions_bus Bus to Aurangabad: Services & Timings
- From Mumbai: 8-10 hours (₹800-1500)
Trains are generally more comfortable and faster than buses.
Best Time to Visit Aurangabad: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 15-30 degrees C | This period offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the caves and o | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: July to September | 25-35 degrees C | The monsoon brings relief from the summer heat and fewer tourists. The waterfall | Some roads might be in poor conditi |
| Avoid: April to June | 30-45 degrees C | The intense heat makes it uncomfortable to explore the caves and outdoor attract | If you must visit, stay hydrated, a |
Peak season note: This is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Book accommodations and transportation in advance.
2-Day Aurangabad Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Top Highlights
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🪨 Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave temples. These caves are adorned with intr…
💡 Tip: Hire a local guide at the entrance to understand the significance of the murals and sculptures.
Day 2 — More to Explore
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🪨 Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves are another UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising a complex of rock-cut cave temples representing Buddhism, Hinduism…
💡 Photography is allowed inside the caves, but avoid using flash to preserve the artwork.
Top Places to Visit in Aurangabad: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🪨 Ajanta Caves | ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 4-6 hours | 09:00-17:00 daily |
| 2 | 🪨 Ellora Caves | ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 4-6 hours | 06:00-18:00 daily |
| 3 | 📍 Bibi Ka Maqbara | ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) | 1-2 hours | 08:00-20:00 daily |
| 4 | 🏛️ Daulatabad Fort | ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | 09:00-18:00 daily |
| 5 | 🙏 Grishneshwar Temple | Free | 1-2 hours | 05:00-21:00 daily |
| 6 | 🪨 Aurangabad Caves | ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) | 2-3 hours | 09:00-17:00 daily |
🪨 1. Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave temples. These caves are adorned with intricate murals and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha and Jataka tales.
📍 Getting there: Taxi or bus from Aurangabad, 100km
🪨 2. Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves are another UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising a complex of rock-cut cave temples representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. The caves showcase a remarkable blend of religious art and architecture.
Honest take: Worth it for the Kailasa Temple alone. Hard to skip.
📍 Getting there: Taxi or bus from Aurangabad, 30km
📍 3. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's son, Azam Shah, in memory of his mother. It is often referred to as the 'Taj of the Deccan' due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
Honest take: Worth visiting if you appreciate Mughal architecture or are short on time to see the Taj Mahal.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw or taxi from Aurangabad city center
Food & Restaurants in Aurangabad: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Naan Qalia, Thalipeeth, Bhakarwadi, Gulab Jamun
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Cakes, pastries, coffee | ₹₹ (₹600-1000 for two) | Shopping Area |
| Maharashtrian Thali | ₹₹ (₹700-1100 for two) | City Center |
🛺 Street Food: Gulmandi Market — Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Chaat (₹50-150 per person)
Aurangabad Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹2500-4000/night | ₹6000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Aurangabad: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Green Olive
₹800-1200/night
Near Railway Station
Hotel Indraprastha
₹900-1300/night
Central Aurangabad
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel VITS Aurangabad
₹2500-4000/night
Near Airport
Keys Hotel Aures Aurangabad
₹2800-4500/night
Central Aurangabad
⭐ Luxury
The Taj Residency Aurangabad
₹6000+/night
Central Aurangabad
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Rama International, Aurangabad
₹5500+/night
Near Airport
Aurangabad Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Touts at Ajanta and Ellora offering 'special' access: Ignore them. They are overpriced and unnecessary.
- ✓ Overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers: Always negotiate the fare beforehand.
- ✓ Wear light, breathable clothing, especially during the summer months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Carry a scarf or shawl for sun protection.
- ✓ ATMs are widely available in Aurangabad.
- ✓ Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. A local SIM card costs around ₹300-500 with data.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Aurangabad
How many days are enough for Aurangabad?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Aurangabad. Day 1 covers Ajanta Caves, while Day 2 explores Ellora Caves.
What is Aurangabad famous for?
Aurangabad is famous for Ajanta, Ellora, Bibi Ka Maqbara.
What is the best time to visit Aurangabad?
The best time to visit Aurangabad is October to March. Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for sightseeing. Days are sunny and evenings are cool.
How do I reach Aurangabad from Ellora Caves?
Aurangabad is 30 km from Ellora Caves by road, approximately 0h 50m drive via NH-52, NH-52;752I, NH-52;NH752I. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB). The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (IXU), 10km from city.
Is Aurangabad worth visiting?
Yes, Aurangabad is worth visiting for Ajanta, Ellora, Bibi Ka Maqbara. It is especially recommended for all travellers and can be combined with a visit to Nashik.
What is the budget for a trip to Aurangabad?
A 2-day trip to Aurangabad costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.
What are the timings of Grishneshwar Temple?
Grishneshwar Temple is open 05:00-21:00 daily. Best time to visit: Early morning for prayers.
What is the entry fee for Grishneshwar Temple?
Entry fee at Grishneshwar Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Grishneshwar Temple?
Remove footwear before entering when visiting Grishneshwar Temple.