Aurangabad: Cave Art and Historic Buildings

Discover Aurangabad through its cave art, historic buildings and cultural collections. Ajanta and Ellora represent different forms of rock-cut art, while Bibi-ka-Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort offer their own historical and architectural highlights. Other attractions include the waterworks at Panchakki and birdwatching opportunities at Salim Ali Lake. This variety gives you different options to consider when planning your trip and choosing a hotel in Aurangabad.

Cave Art and Religious Traditions

The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1983. Their paintings and sculptures are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art in Maharashtra. Ellora is also in Aurangabad district, in the state of Maharashtra. The complex consists of 34 rock-cut monastery caves representing Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain traditions. Aurangabad district is home to two World Heritage Sites in total.

A special structure at Ellora is Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple: a large monolithic temple carved out of the rock. The cave complex and this individual temple offer different perspectives on rock-cut architecture. Ghrushneswara is described as one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas and adds to the region’s religious heritage.

Historic Buildings and Collections

Bibi-ka-Maqbara is the tomb of Rabia-Ud Baurchi, also known as Dilres-Banu Begam, the wife of Aurangzeb. Bhadkal Gate is considered the best-known, oldest and largest of the 52 gates of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The two structures highlight different aspects of history: one is a tomb associated with a named historical figure, while the other is a gate singled out from a group of city gates.

Daulatabad Fort includes a defensive passage known as Andheri and cannon towers as additional defensive features. The climb to the summit offers views across the vast plains of the Deccan. Those interested in military architecture will find both named defensive structures and a viewpoint that opens up the surrounding landscape.

Soneri Mahal is a two-storey historic palace in the Rajput style, near the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Caves, and serves as a museum. Musicians and dancers perform there during the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Festival, and regional craftspeople offer their products. Check the festival dates before your trip. The collection at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum includes artifacts, paintings, sculptures and other objects relating to the life and achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The History Museum also has its own collection focus. It includes sculptures from excavations at Bhokardan and Daulatabad, regional paintings, weapons, coins and textiles, as well as excavated objects from Paithan. The stated origins of the objects and collections give the museums distinct thematic emphases.

Water and Winter Birdwatching

Panchakki is a 17th-century water mill. It is powered by an underground channel and an artificial waterfall; Panchakki also offers views of the Kham River. Here, the waterworks’ technical function and the river views go hand in hand. A small bird sanctuary at Salim Ali Lake is home to resident and migratory birds. Birdwatching is possible in winter, and the birds’ presence varies seasonally. The nature and technology themes therefore differ: Panchakki combines the history of a water mill with river views, while seasonal birdlife takes center stage at the lake.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

The Ellora Caves can be reached from Aurangabad by bus, taxi, private vehicle and rail connections. Daulatabad Fort is accessible by road, rail and air; private taxis, state buses and auto-rickshaws are available from Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves are also well connected by road, rail and air. Transport arrangements may change, so check the connections suitable for your travel dates before departure.

If you are looking for a hotel in Aurangabad, these travel options may factor into your sightseeing plans. Consider which themes matter to you: cave art and architecture, historic buildings and collections, or the combination of a water mill, river views and winter birdwatching. This can help you tailor your stay to your interests without confusing the distinct highlights of each place.

Discover more destinations: Aurangabad, Khandala, Kesapuri Tanda, Ajanta, Khuldabad, Yavatmal, Akola, Nanded.

For the main travel overview: Maharashtra.