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HERITAGE · MAHARASHTRAAurangabad
The gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, with a marble "mini-Taj" and a hill fort — a treasury of world heritage.
The gateway to Ajanta and Ellora
Aurangabad, officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is a historic city in Maharashtra that serves as the gateway to two of India’s greatest treasures — the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora.
The Ajanta caves dazzle with ancient Buddhist murals, while Ellora astonishes with the colossal, monolithic Kailasa temple carved from a single hillside — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The city itself adds the marble Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called a “mini-Taj”, the hilltop Daulatabad Fort and the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, making it a rich cultural stop for travellers from Gujarat.
The colossal monolithic Kailasa temple at Ellora, carved from one rock.
Reasons to make the time
Ajanta murals
Ancient Buddhist cave paintings.
Ellora Kailasa
A temple carved from a single hill.
Bibi Ka Maqbara
A marble "mini-Taj" tomb.
Daulatabad Fort
A dramatic hilltop citadel.
Top sights in Aurangabad
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
Marvel at Ajanta
See the ancient Buddhist cave murals.
Explore Ellora
Stand before the monolithic Kailasa temple.
See Bibi Ka Maqbara
Visit the marble "mini-Taj".
Climb Daulatabad
Explore the dramatic hill fort.
Visit Grishneshwar
Take darshan at the Jyotirlinga near Ellora.
When to go
Comfortable weather for the caves and forts.
Green surrounds and full waterfalls near the caves.
Hot; long cave-days are tiring in the heat.
🗓️ Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays — plan your two cave days around the closures.
Timings & entry
- The caves are day-trips; Ajanta and Ellora need a day each.
- Ajanta closes Mondays, Ellora closes Tuesdays.
Getting there
By Air
Aurangabad airport has flights from major cities.
By Rail
Aurangabad is on the rail network via Manmad.
By Road
About 620 km from Ahmedabad; often combined with Shirdi.
Know before you go
Aurangabad FAQ
Why is Aurangabad famous?
As the gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, plus the marble Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort and the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
Is Aurangabad renamed?
Yes, the city has been officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, though Aurangabad remains widely used.
How many days do you need?
Two to three days, with a full day each for Ajanta and Ellora.
Which days are the caves closed?
Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays.
How far is it from Gujarat?
About 620 km from Ahmedabad, and it is often combined with Shirdi.
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