Direct answer
Aurangabad is a historic city in Maharashtra best known as the gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara and several Mughal- and Maratha-era sites. Plan for hot summers, seasonal monsoon rains, and busy tourist seasons; ensure you have appropriate entry documentation and local transport arranged for archaeological sites outside the city.
Visa & entry requirements
- Foreign nationals: most travelers to India require an e-Visa or regular visa. Apply online for an e-Visa (tourist) at India’s official e-Visa portal well before travel. Check nationality-specific requirements and allowed duration.
- Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival and have blank pages.
- Arrival: Aurangabad has a small international-friendly airport (IXU) with domestic connections. International travelers commonly fly into Mumbai or Delhi and connect onward.
Best time to visit
- October to February: ideal — cooler temperatures (10–30°C), comfortable for sightseeing.
- March to May: hot (up to 40°C+), not ideal for long outdoor touring.
- June to September: monsoon season — lush surroundings but some sites may be slippery or have reduced accessibility.
Safety tips
- Aurangabad is generally safe for tourists. Use common-sense precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, keep valuables secure, and use hotel safes.
- Beware of touts at major sites (Ajanta/Ellora, Bibi Ka Maqbara). Politely decline unsolicited guides; use licensed guides if needed.
- Drink bottled water and avoid street ice; eat at reputable places if you have a sensitive stomach.
- For road travel, only use registered taxis, prepaid airport cabs, or app-based services; agree fares in advance for non-metered rides.
Local customs & etiquette
- Dress modestly at religious and heritage sites (cover shoulders and knees).
- Remove shoes where required (temples and some tombs).
- Ask before photographing people, especially inside religious sites.
- Greetings: a simple “Namaste” or handshake is fine in most situations.
Currency & payments
- Local currency: Indian Rupee (INR). Cash is widely used for small purchases and at smaller eateries/shops.
- ATMs: available in the city; carry sufficient cash if traveling to remote sites.
- Cards & UPI: cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and some shops; mobile payments (UPI) are common locally.
Getting around / transportation
- By air: Aurangabad Airport (IXU) connects to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and some other cities.
- Trains: Aurangabad Railway Station links to major Indian cities.
- Local travel: autorickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, prepaid taxis, and app taxis (Ola, Uber where available). Negotiate or confirm fares beforehand for non-metered rides.
- To Ajanta & Ellora: both require road travel (Ellora ~30 km from city; Ajanta ~100 km). Consider hiring a private car with a driver for a day trip or join organized tours; start early for Ajanta (longer drive) to avoid heat and crowds.
Top sites & must-know tips
- Ellora Caves: UNESCO site with 34 caves (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain). Allow 2–4 hours. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes; climbing required to view some caves.
- Ajanta Caves: UNESCO rock-cut Buddhist caves with murals; best seen in the morning. Closed on Mondays. Photography rules vary—check on arrival.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara: often called the "Taj of the Deccan"; visit around sunset for best light.
- Daulatabad Fort: impressive hill fort nearby — steep climb and uneven steps; not ideal in midday heat.
- Aurangabad Caves, Panchakki, Siddharth Garden & Zoo, local bazaars (textiles, Paithani sarees, Himroo shawls).
Practical advice & local insights
- Start early: cooler mornings make cave visits and fort climbs far more pleasant.
- Hire licensed guides at UNESCO sites if you want historical context—this enhances the experience.
- Accommodations: Aurangabad has options from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and a few luxury properties near the airport. Book ahead during peak season and festivals.
- Food: try local Maharashtrian dishes (vada pav, poha, thali) and Hyderabadi-influenced cuisine; choose popular or well-reviewed places if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Shopping: buy Paithani sarees, Himroo textiles, stone and brass handicrafts — bargain politely in bazaars.
- Health: carry sunscreen, hat, rehydration sachets; if traveling to Ajanta/Ellora, pack insect repellent and basic first-aid.
Quick checklist before you go
- Valid visa/e-Visa and passport with 6+ months validity.
- Copies of important documents (digital and physical).
- Sufficient INR cash and at least one card.
- Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, refillable water bottle.
- Pre-arranged transport for day trips to Ajanta/Ellora or confirmed tour/driver.
Enjoyment tip
Allow time to soak in slow-paced local life, explore markets for textiles and snacks, and schedule Ajanta and Ellora on separate days if possible to appreciate each site fully.