
Travellers to Aurangabad will find history dating back to the 2nd century BCE, when the Satavahana rulers established their capital in Pratishtanapura, today known as Paithan. It was around this time that the viharas (monasteries) were carved out of caves in what is now Ajanta, and the stunning cave paintings were made, to be lost and rediscovered in the early 19th century. The carvings in the Ellora caves track the changing fortunes of three major religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism between the 5th and the 10th century CE.
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City of Gates... Aurangabad is famous for its Historic gates. These are the thirteen gates which still stand with pride and have become the characteristic part of the city. These are as follows-
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The Yadava kings established their capital in Devagiri (also spelt Deogiri) and built a fort that stands to this day. The fort was reputed to be impregnable, but Ala-ud-din Khilji of Delhi captured it by laying siege on it and renamed it to Daulatabad. Malik Kafur, his general consolidated his hold on the region. As the Delhi Sultanate was captured by Mohammad bin Tughluq, the fort passed to him. Tughluq is famous for his famously botched plan to move his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad along with the entire population of the city, only to have to return because he had not planned for water supply at his new capital. This fiasco ensured fame for his name, as Indians took to describing the oft-shifting plans of their rulers as "Tughluq policies".
Aurangabad then fell to the local Muslim rulers of Deccan who revolted against the Delhi Sultan. The city of Aurangabad was founded by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of one of these rulers, though the name of the city then was Fatehpura. The region kept changing hands till the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan consolidated his hold and appointed his son Aurangzeb as the governor. Aurangzeb established his base here. He returned to the city again in 1681, this time as an emperor, determined to crush the south once and for all. He spent the last two decades of his life battling the Marathas in an ultimately fruitless campaign. He died in 1707 in Khuldabad near Aurangabad city and was buried there — the battles ultimately resulted in the demise of his empire too.
The district is now the headquarters of the backward region of Marathwada, but it is also a manufacturing hub as many Indian companies have their plants here. It also contains the headquarters of Videocon, a fairly large Indian MNC.
Aurangabad has a long association with the concept of heritage. Aurangabad has seen several dynasties and experienced the power of rulers of different religions, cultures and communities, each of which has left its mark on the city.
The city of Aurangabad was founded in 1610 by Malik Amber, the prime minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. The town was named as ‘Khirki’ and was stated a capital. The town started growing. Aurangzeb when he became Viceroy of the Deccan plateau made it his capital and named it Aurangabad. This was the golden time in the history of Aurangabad when the city flourished the most in terms of culture, architecture, art etc. In the year 1679, Aurangzeb’s son built a replica of the Taj-Mahal, the ‘Bibi-ka-Maqbara’, in tribute to his mother Begam Rabia Durani. It is considered to be a masterpiece of Mughal architecture in the Deccan plateau.
The entire city of Aurangabad was fortified and huge entrance gates were erected. Except for Bharkal gate all the other gates are associated with the period of Aurangzeb. The gates with prime importance were the ones facing the four directions, Delhi Gate facing the North, Paithan gate facing South, Makai Gate (Mecca Gate) facing East and the Khas Gate facing the West. In all there were 54 gates in Aurangabad. Out of 54 gates only 13 have survived over the period of time. The important and Architecturally most appealing gates include Delhi Gate, kala Darwaza, Makia Gate, Paitahn gate and Rangeen Darwaza.
The nobility, grace and serenity inherent in Buddha is reflected in the sculptures of these caves. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two - storeyed structure sports a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music.The Kailasa temple in Cave 16 is architecture. The entire structure was a exquisite piece carved out of a monolith, the process taking over a century to finish. This mountain - abode of Lord Shiva, is in all probability, the world's largest monolith, the gateway, pavilion, assembly hall, sanctum and tower, all hewn out of a single rock. The most striking feature about this structure is that unlike other temple structures that are built base onwards, the sculptures or architects of this majestic and fantastic sculptures started carving from the very top and the sides. The gigantic yet delicate and intricate piece of ancient work is the most amazing structure here. The Dumar Lena cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva, resembles the famous cave temple of Elephanta. The Jain caves are about a mile away from the Kailasa temple, amongst which Cave 32, houses a beautiful shrine adorned with fine carvings of a lotus flower on the roof, and a yakshi on a lion under a mango - tree, while Caves 32 and 34 contain grand statues of Parasnath. The other Jain caves sport the images of Tirthankaras, and one of them, also, has a seated figure of Mahavira.These caves are a treasure of India which hold the wealth and display the rich Indian heritage.Festival: Every year in the third week of March, M T D C organizes the Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music at the caves.
The caves are open from 9AM to 5:30PM Tues-Sun (closed on national holidays) Cave Timings: 9.00AM to 17.30PM Indian Standard Time (IST) Ajanta Caves remain closed on Monday and Ellora Caves remain closed on Tuesday. BOTH CAVES REMAIN OPEN ON ALL NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
Aurangabad is well connected by Air, Rail and Road to other parts of country. Aurangabad enjoys central location with respect to Maharashtra and Goa. All major cities in Maharashtra lie within a radius of 500 Km. Aurangabad has a good network of National and State highways connecting all parts of the country. Aurangabad railhead is directly connected to many parts of the country including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad. Direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi are available on a daily basis. One Flight except on Mondays from Udaipur is also available during tourist seasons.
Aurangabad has its own International airport. A new Airport Terminal Building was inaugurated on Nov 21,2008 on outskirts of the city. Chikalthana Airport is equipped with all modern facilities (Airport code : IXU). Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Class, Kingfisher Red and JetLite have a number of regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi & Hyderabad to Aurangabad. The nearest international airports are Mumbai and Pune. Kingfisher Class also operates a seasonal flight from Udaipur to Aurangabad. The first 'Jumbo Jet' - Boeing 747 (one of the largest commercial aircraft till date) landed in aurangabad in 1974. Many War planes Of Indian Air Force used refuel at the Chikalthana airport.
Flights to Aurangabad
Air India (IC-887 - Dep 15:55 hrs) -Full Service Carrier [2]
Jet Airways (9W-113 - Dep 07:15 hrs) -Full Service Carrier [3]
Jet Airways (9W-3109 - Dep 18:25 hrs) -Full Service Carrier [4]
Kingfisher Red (formerly Deccan) (IT4139 - Dep 19:05 hrs) -Budget Carrier [5]
JetLite (S2-6171 - Dep 09:05 hrs) -Budget Carrier [6]
Air India (IC-887 - via Mumbai - Dep 13:00 hrs) -Full Service Carrier [7]
Kingfisher Class (formerly Kingfisher) (IT-2921 - Dep 15:00 hrs) - Except Tuesday -Full Service Carrier [8]
FLIGHTS FROM UDAIPUR (Available during the Tourist season only)
Kingfisher Class (formerly Kingfisher) (IT-2331 - Dep 07:55 hrs) - Except Monday -Full Service Carrier [9]
Aurangabad is a Railway Station of South-Central railway on Manmad - Secunderabad section (Railway Station code - AWB). The city has direct rail links to important Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, etc. Aurangabad Railway Station is an average Indian railway station, with an information booth, waiting rooms, rest rooms, book stalls, canteen and a computerized ticket booking office. Wheel chairs are available on request from the Station Master's office located on Platform No. 1. No trolleys are available. Porters can be hired to help with luggage. Please utilize the services only of Licensed Porters wearing red uniforms having numbered badges and pay them a fixed rate. The official approved rates in Maharashtra currently are as follows-
INR-25 for up to 10 kgs/3 pieces of luggage (whichever is less)
INR-20 per additional 5 kgs/piece of luggage (whichever is less)
A lightweight briefcase not exceeding 300 cubic cm is not included, but carries a INR-5 surcharge. No receipt is given by the porters. You can tip the porters up to INR-5 if you desire.
Trains are quite comfortable and fairly fast mode of transport. They are ideal for long and short hauls in India as they are extremely cheap and affordable. The difference between a lowest-fare air-ticket and The highest class train fare is remarkable. E.g. The highest fare (Air-conditioned First Class Overnight Sleeper) for Mumbai - Aurangabad travel (around 375 Km)is only about INR-1050/-, or INR-420/- for an Air-conditioned Chair Car in a superfast Janshatabdi for a day journey of 6 1/2 hours, while the lowest air-fare of any low cost Airline, starts from around INR.3500/-! Indian Railways offer various options including Air-conditioned compartments like Air-conditioned First Class (Railway code 'H'), Air-conditioned 2-Tier Sleeper (Railway code 'A'), Air-conditioned 3-Tier Sleeper (Railway code 'B'), and for day trains Air-conditioned Chair-Cars (Railway code 'C'). IRCTC provides complementary Blankets, pillows and hand towels on all Air-conditioned sleeper class compartments (H, A & B). Apart from this reserved Non Air-conditioned sleeper class (Railway code 'S') and Second Class Seating (Railway code 'D') are available on all sleeper trains and seating trains respectively.
Tapovan express (7617) - Dep-06:10 hrs Arr-13:15 hrs
Mumbai, Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Dewlali Cantt., Nasik, Lasalgaon, Manmad, Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Nanded.
Aurangabad Jan-Shatabdi (2071) - Dep-13:55 hrs Arr-20:30 hrs
Mumbai, Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Nasik, Manmad, Aurangabad.
Nandigram Express (1401) - Dep-16:35 hrs Arr-23:43 hrs
Mumbai, Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Dewlali Cantt., Nasik, Lasalgaon, Manmad, Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Nanded, Adilabad, Wani, Sevagram, Nagpur.
Devagiri Express (7057) - Dep-21:05 hrs Arr-04:00 hrs
Mumbai, Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Dewlali Cantt., Nasik, Lasalgaon, Manmad, Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Nanded, Dharmabad, Basar, Nizamabad, Secunderabad.
Sachkand Superfast Express (2716) - Dep-13:10 hrs Arr-11:30 hrs
Amritsar, Jallandher, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt., Panipat, New-Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Gwaliar, Jhansi, Bhopal, Itarsi, Khandwa, Bhusawal, Manmad, Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Nanded.
Ajanta Express (7064) - Dep-18:10 hrs Arr-04:00 hrs
Secunderabad, Nizamabad, Dharmabad, Nanded, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Manmad.
Devagiri Express (7058) - Dep-13:320 hrs Arr-23:20 hrs
Secunderabad, Nizamabad, Dharmabad, Nanded, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Manmad, Lasalgaon, Nasik, Dewlali Cantt., Igatpuri, Kalyan, Thane, Dadar, Mumbai.
Availability of trains can be checked here on the Indian Rail Official web-site : [10]
Rail links via Manmad Junction: Manmad is the nearest Railway Junction on Central Railway wherein trains to all parts of India are available. Manmad - Aurangabad journey can be made by a good connection of trains or by road in a span of 2 to 2 1/2 hours. If you have a connecting train, make sure that there is at least a gap of 2 hours in the departures. In case you miss the connecting train, due to late running of a previous train, you can avail of a full refund at any of the two stations (ie connecting station or destination station).
Aurangabad is linked by national highways and state highways to all parts of the country. Aurangabad has excellent road connectivity to all important cities in Maharashtra namely Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Nasik etc. The highway connections make the journey to the world famous destinations of Ajanta and Ellora very comfortable.
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Road Distances... Distances from major Cities in Maharashtra and the places of Tourist interest:
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BUS SERVICES TO AURANGABAD
Apart from these cities Aurangabad has direct bus links from cities like Hyderabad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Goa, Ahmedabad, Indore and many more.
Visit MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) web site for time-table of all buses to and from Aurangabad (NOTE: The web site requires the location of bus station eg. for Pune you have to write 'Shivajinagar' for Ellora you may enter 'Verul')[11]
The city of Aurangabad has all forms of transport right from intra-city buses, metered auto-rickshaws to chauffeur-driven taxis. Intra-city Bus service is Municipal Corporation owned but privately operated. AMT (Aurangabad Municipal Transport) buses ply throughout the city and outskirts reaching thousands of citizens to their offices, schools, colleges efficiently and in a cost effective manner. MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses connect Aurangabad to nearby tourist places, distant suburbs and villages around. As a tourist one is recommended to either take Metered Auto-rickshaws (3-wheeler taxis) or Chauffeur driven Taxis. These taxis are not very expensive and are ideal for one day tours to Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad, etc. A hatchback type air-conditioned taxi will cost you around INR 7.00/- per kilometer for a least count of 80 KM or 8 hours whichever is less. Rates of more premium taxis are also computed in same manner with a higher cost per KM.
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Attention - Important for the Tourists visiting Aurangabad for the first time Although Aurangabad has Metered Auto rickshaws(Three wheeler taxis) which run based on the fare as shown in Meter (details given below), it is seen that like any other tourist place Auto rickshaw drivers ask for exorbitant rates from the tourists especially at Railway station, Central bus stand or stops of Private buses. Make sure to ask before boarding the three wheeler cab that he will be charging you based on the meter reading, he activates the meter when you board, he has a certified tarif card. The actual fare around 10 times the meter reading in INR. But you can pay him around 12 times the reading. A tip up to 10% of the fare may be given ONLY IF you are happy with his services. Mid night fare is applicable from 00.00 hrs. to 05.00 hrs. which is 1.5 times the usual fare i.e. around 15 times the meter reading. Around half hour consideration can be given to auto rickshaw drivers (23.30 hrs to 05.30 hrs) as given by a majority of residents of Aurangabad. |
AMT (Aurangabad Municipal Transport) intra-city buses ply throughout the city including the outskirts and connect different parts of the city and adjoining suburbs together. The AMT bus service is affordable and thus masses use it for their daily transport. AMT buses carry thousands of passengers to and fro their workplaces, schools & colleges daily and thus are quite crowded during morning and evening rush hours.
MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses connect Aurangabad to nearby tourist places, distant suburbs and villages around. MSRTC Red Buses are available at regular intervals to the important tourist destinations near Aurangabad like Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad, etc. The frequency is good, are extremely safe and fairly comfortable though not very luxurious. MSRTC also operates semi-luxury Asiad buses also to these destinations but the frequency is not very good. All these buses depart from and arrive at the Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (CBS). There is no need for Advance Booking and the tickets are issued on the bus itself. [12]
Tourists who wish to travel to Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad, Paithan or any nearby tourist place are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to travel only in MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses from Aurangabad CBS (Central Bus Stand), if they have not hired a Chauffeur driven Taxi from an authorised agent. Do remember that it is worthwhile to wait some time for an MSRTC bus than travelling in maxi-cabs (medium sized black-yellow taxis) parked outside the Aurangabad CBS (Central Bus Stand). These taxis are extremely unsafe.
Aurangabad depot of MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) was crowned as Number One in Maharashtra in terms of the passenger flow and revenue generation for the year 2007-08. Aurangabad Bus depot is also the depot operating maximum number of 'Janata Bus routes' (public buses which halt at every stop particularly connecting the small villages and localities around the nearest big city) to and from the smaller towns nearby.
In general, public transport in and around the city is fairly good.
MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) and ITDC (India Tourism Development Corporation) operate daily conducted tours by semi-Luxury buses to the tourist destinations like Ellora, Ajanta and Daulatabad wherein they also take a note of the tourist destinations in the city. These journeys can be booked at Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (CBS).
Tour 1: Aurangabad CBS to Ajanta Caves, Bibi-Ka-Muqbara, Pan-Chakki and back to Aurangabad CBS
Tour 2: Aurangabad CBS to Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-Ka-Muqbara, Pan-Chakki and back to Aurangabad CBS
These conducted bus tours are ideal only if you are short of time and are alright having a glance at all these places. The major disadvantage of these tours is a very tight time-schedule. The sightseeing has to be wound up very fast without you being able to take your own time.
Metered Auto-Rickshaws are undoubtedly the most suitable and convenient way of traveling through the city. This is due to their easy availability at any time and the affordability. These are hired three-wheeler taxis which are ideal to move around the city. The Meter reading is read along-with a 'tariff-card' available with the driver. The actual fare is usually around 10 times the meter reading. Always ensure that the driver starts the meter on beginning of the journey. Fare from Mid night 12:00 AM to 05:00 AM is One and Half times the regular fare. The minimum regular fare is as low as INR 10/- Only.
These are ideal for the tourists visiting the city and the tourist destinations around. The tourist taxis can be booked from various travel agents in the city like Blue-Ocean travels,Wonder, Manmandir, Saibaba, Welworth, Classic Cars, etc. All hotels also have a taxi-counter. The fare is calculated per kilometre with a minimum of 80 KM. The fare depends on the class of vehicle and the type (AC or Non-AC). See to it that the taxi you hire has a tourist permit and is not a private vehicle. The tourist permit cars can be easily identified by a yellow number plate.
This is the most common way of transport for the local people. But for the tourists, self driven cars and two wheelers are not easily available on hire basis in India. Driving on the streets is fairly comfortable as there is not much traffic on the roads and the roads are wide (except that in old part of the city). Some roads are not very well-maintained and are prone to pot-holes.
Apart from these there are a number of Multi Brand Retail Outlets like:
Along with these, there are a number of small time retail shops and grocery shops all around the city.
Aurangabad has a fairly good restaurants and eating joints spread across the town. Apart from the star catagory hotels there are many restaurants in the city.
Indian Vegetarian(a-la-carte)
Indian Vegetarian(Thaali Meals) 'Thaali' in Marathi & Hindi means a complete meal. Thaali meals consis of Assorted Indian breads, Rice varieties, 2 or 3 vegetables, Munchins, Dals, Kadhi, Tradtional cold drinks, Indian Desserts, etc.
Indian Non-Vegetarian
Non Vegeterian Dhabas (Garden Restaurants & Bars) on outskirts of the city These are Open air/ semi open restaurants on outskirts of the city. They serve good food and liquor. Being a bit far from town they make ideal getaway for families.
Pizza, Coffee, Breakfast, Snacks, Savories, Pastries, etc.
Hookka lounges
There are a number of good road side eateries in the city. Apart from being cheep, they serve hot and tasty food provided you are used to deep fried and medium spicy Indian junk food. Drinking water should be avoided at such places.
Foreigners wanting to try the food from road-side eateries must make sure that it is hot, fried in front of them and must resist from having the non-vegetarian road-side eatables, sauces (chutneys), juices, ice-candies, etc; however tempting may they look! Drinking regular water on streets is strict no no. You must have mineral water.
Paan at Tara Paan Centre, Osmanpura is a must have. If you feel how can a 'Paan' be so special then you have to feel a variety of mouth melting Paans with exquisite presentation at this joint. You will not have a Pan like this anywhere in India.
Although Aurangabad is not a very Alcohol friendly place, there are a number of good bars in the city. Do not try very cheep looking bars as they can be unsafe at times. Usually All good hotels have in-house bar facilities. Some good places to enjoy a drink in Aurangabad are: