🇮🇳 India
Aurangabad travel guide
Aurangabad is the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Ajanta Caves (Buddhist paintings 2nd century BC–6th AD) and the Ellora Caves (Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples). The city itself features the Bibi Ka Maqbara (the 'mini Taj Mahal') and remains one of India's most culturally rich stops.
Language
Marathi, Hindi (English at tourist sites)
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Timezone
Asia/Kolkata
Best time
November–March
Budget/day
₹1,500-3,500/day ($18-42)
When to visit
Jan
12 to 28°C
Feb
14 to 30°C
Mar
18 to 35°C
Apr
22 to 40°C
May
25 to 42°C
Jun
24 to 35°C
Jul
23 to 30°C
Aug
22 to 30°C
Sep
22 to 32°C
Oct
18 to 32°C
Nov
14 to 28°C
Dec
12 to 26°C
Safety
7Aurangabad is moderately safe. Official guides at Ellora prevent harassment. Sun protection and proper footwear are essential at the cave sites. Don't touch the Ajanta frescoes.
Women travellers
Exercise standard caution. cave sites are reasonably safe in guided groups. Avoid isolated areas after dark.
Culture & etiquette
- + Hire an authorised guide at Ellora — the three religious traditions (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain) require explanation
- + Remove shoes before entering active temple areas within Ellora
- + Visit Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) with sufficient time — it took 100 years to carve from a single rock
- - Don't touch cave paintings at Ajanta — even breath moisture damages 1,500-year-old frescoes
- - Don't buy from unlicensed sellers near caves claiming 'ancient artefacts'
- - Don't skip Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) — the greatest rock-cut structure in human history
Food to try
Naan Qalia
The Aurangabad signature — slow-cooked boneless mutton in a thin stock-based gravy scented with cloves and cardamom; distinct Deccani Muslim cooking tradition inherited from the Mughal court that settled in Aurangabad; served with tandoor-baked naan at old city restaurants
Sheer Khurma
Vermicelli cooked in whole milk with dates, cardamom, saffron and toasted nuts — the Eid dessert of Aurangabad's significant Muslim community; rich, aromatic, served warm at the city's old-quarter sweet shops year-round
Bhadang
Maharashtra's spicy puffed rice snack — mixed with peanuts, dried coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves and chilli; sold by street vendors near Bibi Ka Maqbara; a snack consumed while sightseeing
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.