Aurangabad is a historical city in the Indian state of Maharashtra and famous for its monuments like the world-famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara and the mighty Daulatabad Fort. These sites give a glimpse of the glamorous past of the city and are visited by tourists from all over the world.
But the beauty of Aurangabad does not end here at the famous sites. The regions within a 200 km radius of the city are filled with other less popular but equally interesting places to visit in Maharashtra. Below are the 10 places that are a must-visit around Aurangabad.
Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations Near Aurangabad Within 200 km:
1. Ajanta Caves (84 km from Aurangabad)
The Ajanta Caves are a group of 29 Buddhist caves built out of the Sahyadri mountain range and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are the caves that were carved in the 2nd century BCE and are famous for their beautiful sculptures and paintings that depict the life of Buddha and the Jataka stories.
The artwork is considered one of the best specimens of art from ancient India and the workmanship and the imagination that has gone into the work is evident. These are divided into two periods; the first one dates back to the 2nd century BCE while the other is from the 5th century CE and gives visitors an enchanting view of India’s cultural and religious past. Read More: Why The Ajanta Caves Are Famous: A Comprehensive Guide
2. Ellora Caves (24 km from Aurangabad)
The Ellora Caves, located near Aurangabad, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing 34 monasteries and temples, which are Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain.
The main attraction is the Kailasanath temple which is one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva and has remarkable carving work on it. This site presents the architectural and historical aspects of India and its people and demonstrates how the three main religions of ancient India can exist side by side. Check more info: 10 facts about the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Maharashtra
3. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (24 km from Aurangabad)
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is another of the twelve Shiva temples known as Jyotirlinga in India. Situated close to the Ellora Caves, this is an old temple of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. The temple is well carved and it is one of the most sacred places of worship for the devotees.
The temple is very beautiful and has a very attractive architectural design with carved walls and ceilings. Pilgrims from all over the country visit the temple to pay their respects at one of the twelve Jyotirlingas which are believed to be the most divine form of Lord Shiva.
Maharashtra Tour Packages:
- 3 Days Aurangabad Itinerary
- Aurangabad Package for 4 Days
- 2 Nights 3 Days Mumbai Trip
- Mumbai One Day Itinerary by Car
4. Bibi Ka Maqbara (6 km from Aurangabad)
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful tomb constructed by the son of Aurangzeb, Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. Known as the Taj Mahal of the Deccan, this monument showcases Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural designs.
The Bibi Ka Maqbara is yet another monument of the Mughal style of architecture; it has a white marble dome and delicate ornamentation. The mausoleum is well surrounded by lawns and fountains and is one of the famous tourist spots in Aurangabad. Due to the resemblance to the Taj Mahal in Agra, it is referred to as the Taj of the Deccan.
5. Daulatabad Fort (16 km from Aurangabad)
Daulatabad Fort is a massive fort standing from the 14th century and was the capital of the Deccan region. There are several walls moats and gateways and that is why the fort is one of the strongest forts in India.
The fort also has the Chand Minar, a 210-foot-tall tower constructed in memory of the victory of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
6. Panchakki (2 km from Aurangabad)
Panchakki is a special water mill site which is situated nearby Bibi Ka Maqbara. It contains a court, a madrasa, a minister’s house, a mosque, female houses and a sarai. The complex has a complicated water power system that is used to drive the mill.
The Panchakki complex is a fine example of medieval engineering work especially the water supply system which is used to operate the mill. The complex also consists of several other buildings such as a court, a madrasa, and a mosque which testify to the fact that the building was used as a center of learning and religious activities in the past.
7. Jayakwadi Dam (45 km from Aurangabad)
Jayakwadi Dam is an important irrigation dam site situated on the river Godavari near Paithan. This dam is located on a green background of hills and is ideal for picnicking and nature walks. The Jayakwadi Dam provides irrigation water to the nearby agricultural fields and the water stock of the dam is used for fishing and boating.
The dam is located in a picturesque area and is bordered by hills and forests that offer good camping grounds and nature walks. It is also possible to walk around the territory in a calm and quiet environment observing the beautiful countryside views.
8. Lonar Crater Lake (155 km from Aurangabad)
Lonar Crater Lake is a meteor impact structure formed during the Pleistocene epoch and is among the largest and most unique craters in the world. The water of the lake is saline and alkaline and the area is covered with a forest that is home to diverse plant and animal life.
Famous for birding and nature walks, anyone can take a walk along the edge of the crater to get a view of the lake and the surrounding scenery. This natural site is a perfect destination for those who are interested in nature and geology.
9. Bhuleshwar Temple (198 km from Aurangabad)
Bhuleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple which is located near Yawat in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It has a rich ornamentation and is a place of worship for the believers. The Bhuleshwar Temple is famous for its carving and architecture.
It is a temple of Lord Shiva and is one of the famous temples of India which is visited by Hindu pilgrims. People can walk around the temple and appreciate the great work done by sculptors and artists who decorated the temple with its carvings on the walls and ceiling.
10. Sula Vineyards (174 km from Aurangabad)
Sula Vineyards is one of India’s largest and most popular wine producers based in the Nashik region and attracts wine lovers as well as tourists.
The tourists can take a tour of the vineyard and get to see how the wine is produced, as well as taste the wine. The estate also features wine-related activities and wine-themed accommodations which makes the estate perfect for a weekend getaway.
Perfect Aurangabad Get Away!
The surroundings of Aurangabad are filled with history, culture and natural attractions starting from the temples from the ancient times and ending with the modern wineries and beautiful lakes. No matter whether you are in the mood for something exciting or for something calm and relaxing, there is something for anyone. Allow Tusk Travel to take you through the marvels of this diverse area in Maharashtra.
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