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Aurangabad travel guide — Gateway to Ajanta & Ellora, India
🇮🇳India

Aurangabad

Gateway to Ajanta & Ellora

Ellora's Kailasa Temple was carved downward from a single mountain of basalt. Ajanta hides 2,000-year-old Buddhist murals in a horseshoe gorge. Aurangabad is the doorway to both.

📅Updated May 2026

Best: Oct – Mar
Budget: $15–$60/day
HistoricalCulturalSpiritual

At a Glance

Best Time

Oct – Mar

Daily Budget

$15–$60/day

Language

Marathi, Hindi, Urdu

Currency

INR (Rupee)

When to Visit

Best Time to Visit Aurangabad: Month-by-Month Guide

Aurangabad is best planned around Oct – Mar. Shoulder months usually give better prices and fewer crowds.

Best Months

JanFebMarOctNovDec

Good

AprSep

Okay

MayJun

Avoid

JulAug

Experiences

Top 5 Things to Do in Aurangabad (2026)

The best experiences in Aurangabad — from iconic landmarks to local favourites, ranked by what travellers love most.

📍
01

Ellora Caves (UNESCO)

Historical

Ellora Caves (UNESCO) is one of the essential experiences in Aurangabad. Build your day around it, then leave time for nearby food, viewpoints, and slower local exploring.

2-3 hours
🏛️
02

Kailasa Temple

Cultural

Kailasa Temple is one of the essential experiences in Aurangabad. Build your day around it, then leave time for nearby food, viewpoints, and slower local exploring.

1-2 hours
🌄
03

Daulatabad Fort climb

Spiritual

Daulatabad Fort climb is one of the essential experiences in Aurangabad. Build your day around it, then leave time for nearby food, viewpoints, and slower local exploring.

1-2 hours
🍽️
04

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Historical

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the essential experiences in Aurangabad. Build your day around it, then leave time for nearby food, viewpoints, and slower local exploring.

1-2 hours
🚶
05

Ajanta Caves (UNESCO)

Cultural

Ajanta Caves (UNESCO) is one of the essential experiences in Aurangabad. Build your day around it, then leave time for nearby food, viewpoints, and slower local exploring.

1-2 hours

Interactive Map

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Explore Areas

TripGenius Destination Guide

Aurangabad— Where to Go & What to Do

Ellora & Daulatabad
🏛️

Ellora & Daulatabad

  • Ellora Caves (UNESCO)
  • Kailasa Temple
  • Daulatabad Fort climb
  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
📍

Quieter Local Base

  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
  • Ajanta Caves (UNESCO)
  • Cave 1 Padmapani mural
Best Time:Oct – Mar
Daily Budget:$15–$60/day
Currency:INR (Rupee)
Language:Marathi, Hindi, Urdu

Go Beyond the Guidebook

Hidden Gems in Aurangabad: Offbeat Places Locals Love

The places locals know and tourists miss. No queues, no crowds — just the side of Aurangabad that makes you feel like you actually discovered something.

Accommodation

Where to Stay in Aurangabad

Pick your area first — each neighbourhood has a completely different price point and vibe.

Ellora & Daulatabad, Aurangabad
$$ · Mid-range

Ellora & Daulatabad

Historical

Ellora & Daulatabad is the easiest base for a first visit to Aurangabad, with access to the main sights and practical transport.

First-time visitorsShort staysSightseeing
Find Hotels →
$$ · Mid-range

Quieter Local Base

Relaxed

A calmer stay outside the busiest core works well if you have extra time in Aurangabad.

Slow travellersCouplesRepeat visitors
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Not sure which area?

Search all hotels in Aurangabad and filter by neighbourhood

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Dining

What to Eat in Aurangabad: Best Local Food & Restaurants

From street food to fine dining — the dishes you must try and the restaurants locals actually go to.

Aurangabad Local Food Trail

Regional Indian

Start with simple local restaurants around Ellora & Daulatabad; the best meals are usually regional staples rather than generic tourist menus.

Must try:Regional thali or local breakfast
Price range
$3-$12/person

Aurangabad Cafe Stop

Cafe and snacks

A relaxed break between sightseeing stops, useful for planning the next leg and escaping midday heat or rain.

Must try:Tea, coffee, bakery items, or local snacks
Price range
$4-$15/person

Aurangabad Special Dinner

Regional / Contemporary Indian

Choose one dinner with a view, heritage setting, or standout regional kitchen to anchor the trip.

Must try:House speciality
Price range
$12-$40/person

Transport

Getting Around Aurangabad

Base yourself near Ellora & Daulatabad if you only have 1-2 days.

Use autos or app cabs for short hops where available; agree prices before starting if rides are not metered.

Hire a local driver for spread-out sights or day trips.

Start outdoor sightseeing early for better light, lower heat, and fewer crowds.

Keep cash for small entries, parking, local snacks, and places without reliable card payments.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Tips for Aurangabad

Prioritise Ellora Caves (UNESCO) early in the day before crowds build.

Pair Kailasa Temple with nearby food stops instead of crossing the city repeatedly.

Check weekly closures and festival dates before locking the itinerary.

Carry a light layer, sun protection, and water; Indian travel days often run longer than expected.

Book peak-season accommodation ahead, especially around long weekends and school holidays.

Ready to go?

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Tours & Activities

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Based on:HistoricalCulturalSpiritual