7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Aurangabad

Saturday, August 26: Arrival and Exploration

Start your trip by arriving in Aurangabad and checking into your hotel. In the morning, head to Bibi Ka Maqbara, a beautiful mausoleum that resembles the Taj Mahal. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Aurangabad Caves, a complex of ancient Buddhist caves carved out of rock. In the evening, visit Panchakki, a water mill dating back to the 17th century, and enjoy a peaceful stroll in its surrounding gardens.

• Bibi Ka Maqbara: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
• Aurangabad Caves: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Panchakki: Cost - Free, Time - 1 hour

Sunday, August 27: Ellora Caves Exploration

Embark on a full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves. Marvel at the extraordinary rock-cut temples and monasteries representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain art and architecture. Spend the day exploring the intricate carvings and ancient sculptures within the caves.

• Ellora Caves: Cost - INR 40 (approx. $0.54) per person, Time - 4-5 hours

Monday, August 28: Ajanta Caves and Daulatabad Fort

Take a day trip to the Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the stunning frescoes and ancient Buddhist art in the rock-cut caves. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Daulatabad Fort, known for its impressive architecture and panoramic views from the top.

• Ajanta Caves: Cost - INR 40 (approx. $0.54) per person, Time - 4-5 hours
• Daulatabad Fort: Cost - INR 10 (approx. $0.14) per person, Time - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, August 29: Lonar Crater Lake

Embark on a day trip to Lonar Crater Lake, a unique and rare meteorite impact crater lake located around 150 kilometers from Aurangabad. Explore the crater and its surroundings, which provide a habitat for numerous bird species and offer breathtaking views.

• Lonar Crater Lake: Cost - INR 100 (approx. $1.35) per person, Time - 4-5 hours

Wednesday, August 30: Excursion to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and Aurangabad Caves

Start your day with a visit to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the temple and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, revisit the Aurangabad Caves for further exploration or visit the nearby Siddharth Garden and Zoo for a relaxing family outing.

• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
• Siddharth Garden and Zoo: Cost - INR 30 (approx. $0.40) per person, Time - 2-3 hours

Thursday, August 31: Shopping and Local Cuisine

Spend the day exploring the local markets of Aurangabad, such as Gul Mandi and Connaught Shopping Market. Indulge in shopping for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of authentic Aurangabadi cuisine.

• Shopping in Gul Mandi: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
• Connaught Shopping Market: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours

Friday, September 1: Departure

On your last day, check out from your hotel and bid farewell to Aurangabad. If time permits, you can visit the Sunheri Mahal or explore the vibrant streets of the city for any last-minute shopping. Head to the airport for your return journey.

• Sunheri Mahal: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting Siddharth Garden and Zoo, which offers a pleasant blend of nature and wildlife. The garden features lush greenery, beautiful flowers, and a variety of animals, making it a great place for families to relax and enjoy. Don't miss trying the local specialty dish of Aurangabadi Naan Qalia, a flavorful and aromatic meat curry served with naan bread.

To check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Aurangabad, you can visit this link.