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Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora)

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Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora) (India)

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Aurangabad serves as the historic soul of Maharashtra and the primary gateway to the UNESCO sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Ajanta is world-renowned for its exquisite Buddhist frescoes and murals, while Ellora showcases a harmonious blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples, featuring the stupendous Kailasa Temple, the largest monolithic structure in the world. Within the city, the Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the 'Taj of the Deccan', stands as a grand testament to Mughal architecture. Nearby, the Daulatabad Fort is a formidable medieval stronghold set atop a conical hill, known for its ingenious defense systems. Aurangabad is also famous for its traditional 'Himroo' silk and cotton weaving. The local cuisine reflects a rich Mughal heritage, particularly the spicy meat dish 'Naan Qalia'. The best time to explore these wonders is from October to March, when the weather is comfortably cool.

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Aurangabad itself is a bustling city; the caves of Ajanta and Ellora are open to the public. Visitors can see the ancient rock-cut architecture both inside and outside.
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Typical hours
The caves are usually open daily from sunrise to sunset, with exact hours varying by season.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the caves, but flash is often prohibited to protect the murals.
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Time needed
Allow at least half a day for the Ajanta caves and another half for Ellora. A full day is enough for an overview.
Combine with
Combine visiting both cave systems with each other. Aurangabad also has historic tombs and markets.
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Getting there
Aurangabad is reachable by flight, train, or bus. From the city, taxis and buses run to the caves.
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Insider tip
Visit the Ajanta caves early in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat. Bring plenty of water.

Geography

Population
1,175,116 (2025)
Coordinates
19.88879, 75.34344

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Monolithic Kailasa Temple
  • Bibi Ka Maqbara (Mini-Taj)
  • Ancient Ajanta frescoes
  • Strategic Daulatabad Fort
  • Himroo silk weaving center
  • City of 52 Gates
  • Buddhist rock-cut art

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora) (14)

Bibi Ka Maqbara📍 landmark

A magnificent 17th-century mausoleum known as the 'Taj of the Deccan' for its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.

Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Museum🏛 museum

A museum in Aurangabad exhibiting weapons and artifacts from the era of the Maratha king Shivaji.

Sunehari Mahal🏛 museum

A 17th-century palace featuring gilded wall paintings, now serving as a regional museum.

Chatrapati Shivaji Statue🏺 historical

An imposing monument in the city center honoring the famous Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Roshan Gate🏺 historical

One of Aurangabad's historic city gates, formerly part of the city's massive fortification system.

Aurangabad caves (1-5)🏺 historical

Twelve Buddhist caves from the 6th and 7th centuries carved into a basalt hillside overlooking the city.

Gopal Cultural Hall (Gopal tea Center)🎭 culture

A local cultural center providing space for events and community gatherings in Aurangabad.

Sant tukaram natya gruha🎭 culture

A regional theater and cultural hall named after the famous Marathi poet-saint Tukaram.

shivprasad xerox⛪ religious

A small neighborhood shrine serving as a place for brief spiritual reflection for residents.

Eknath Rang Mandir⛪ religious

A prominent cultural center and theater frequently used for spiritual and cultural performances.

computer science⛪ religious

A modest place of prayer located near the educational institutions in Aurangabad's academic district.

Vegetable MarketPlace🎭 culture

A bustling local market where vendors sell a variety of fresh seasonal vegetables and local produce.

Panchakki📍 landmark

A historic 17th-century water mill famous for its ingenious underground water channel and masonry tanks.

Aurangabad caves (6-9)📍 landmark

Ancient Buddhist rock-cut shrines dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, carved into the hillside.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora): where is it located?
Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora) is located in India.
Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora): what is there to see?
Highlights include Bibi Ka Maqbara, Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Museum, Sunehari Mahal.
Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora): why is it worth visiting?
Aurangabad serves as the historic soul of Maharashtra and the primary gateway to the UNESCO sites of Ajanta and Ellora.
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