Aurangabad is one of India’s great heritage bases, with rock-cut art, Mughal architecture and fortresses all within reach.
- Ellora Caves — A UNESCO-listed group of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples, including the extraordinary Kailasa Temple carved from a single rock.
- Ajanta Caves — Buddhist caves in a horseshoe-shaped gorge, famous for their ancient murals and sculptures, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara — A Mughal mausoleum built for Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife, often compared to the Taj Mahal.
- Daulatabad Fort — A dramatic hilltop citadel with defensive walls, moats and tunnels.
- Aurangabad Caves — Lesser-known Buddhist caves on the hills above the city.
- Grishneshwar Temple — An important Shiva temple near Ellora, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
- Panchakki — A historic water mill and garden near a Sufi shrine, showing clever medieval engineering.
Aurangabad has a dry climate with hot summers. From about March to May temperatures are high, and the monsoon usually arrives in June and lasts until September, bringing moderate rain that turns the surrounding hills and the Ajanta gorge green.
October to March is the best time to visit, with cool mornings, warm sunny days and comfortable conditions for climbing forts and exploring the caves. The monsoon months can also be rewarding at Ajanta, where seasonal waterfalls appear, but paths may be slippery. Whatever the season, start cave visits early to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Aurangabad Airport is at Chikalthana, on the eastern side of the city, a short drive from the centre and from the main hotel area along Jalna Road. It handles domestic flights connecting the city with major Indian hubs.
Taxis and app-based cabs are the usual way into town, and many hotels arrange pick-ups. For Ajanta and Ellora, most visitors hire a car with driver for the day, as the sites are some distance from the city and from each other. Auto-rickshaws are handy for short trips within Aurangabad.
Aurangabad has a good range of hotels, making it a comfortable base for excursions.
- Jalna Road — The main hotel strip, between the airport and centre, with business and upscale hotels.
- Station Road and Cantonment — Central and well connected, convenient for rail travellers and mid-range budgets.
- CIDCO — A planned residential and commercial area with restaurants and shopping.
- Near Ellora — A handful of simple hotels for travellers who want an early start at the caves.
- Money: Cards and mobile payments are common in hotels and restaurants; keep cash for drivers, snacks and souvenirs near the caves.
- Getting around: Hire a car with driver for the cave sites and confirm the day’s itinerary and price in advance.
- Planning: Ajanta and Ellora each have a weekly closing day, so check before you go and plan each site on a separate day.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples and the mausoleum, and follow rules on flash photography to protect the ancient paintings.
- Health: Wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and carry water, as the cave sites involve plenty of walking and steps in the sun.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Aurangabad?
Aurangabad is served by Aurangabad Airport (IXU) at Chikalthana, on the eastern side of the city.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Taxis, ride-hailing apps and hotel pick-ups are the usual options; the drive to the centre is short.
What currency is used in Aurangabad?
India uses the Indian rupee (INR). Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but cash is useful at the cave sites.
Do I need a visa to visit Aurangabad?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before travelling.
When is the best time to visit Aurangabad?
October to March offers cool, dry weather that is ideal for visiting the caves and forts.
Can I visit Ajanta and Ellora in one day?
It is possible but tiring, as the sites are far apart. Most travellers spend a full day at each to enjoy them properly.
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