Top Things to do in Aurangabad District
Top Hotels in Aurangabad District
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
Discover the best top things to do in Aurangabad District, India including Ellora Caves, Ellora Caves, Jain Temple in Ellora caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ramakrishna Mission Aurangabad, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Ganesh Temple, Dargah of Pir Ismail, Mhaismal, Daulatabad Fort.
Restaurants in Aurangabad District
1. Ellora Caves
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By LindonH - Bruny Island, Australia
I have travelled extensively in India and this has got to one of the best heritage sites in India. We were just overwhelmed with the magnificence of the unique place Tidy, well managed, clean (apart from the occasional plastic bottle) Should be visited in conjunction with the magnificent Ajunta caves. But unlike Ajunta, there are no pestering hawkers at this site. The handful of vendors are extremely respectful to visitors Our tip ... get there when the gate opens. We experienced sunrise on site and had 2 hours in the main cave until other visitor began arriving. That quiet time in there was special We got a pass-out at the exit, so that we could go back to hotel for breakfast, and return in the cool of the afternoon. Take your water with you ... as with all heritage sites ... there are no vendors within Enjoy this extra special part of India. We are so glad that we took the extra effort to visit Ellora. Thankyou Joanna Lumley!
2. Ellora Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,668 reviews
Spectacular rock cut caves and elaborate sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths are over 10 centuries old.
Reviewed By mechmanoj - Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The majestic Kailash temple is one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment It is an engineering marvel and is a proof of our rich heritage and technical capabilities centuries before.
3. Jain Temple in Ellora caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Donna_in_India - New York City, United States
There are five Jain Caves (temples) at Ellora. They are separated from the Hindu and Buddhist Caves - about 1 km. away. If you have a car available, that is the best way to reach the Jain Caves. Jainism was founded in the 6th century BC and is based on a doctrine of non-violence to all living beings. Jains are strict vegetarians. They believe in 24 tirthankaras - enlightened beings - or crossing-makers who guide others across the river of transmigration (the journey of the soul from one life to the next). The first tirthankara was Adinath and the last was Mahavira, who is regarded as the religion's founder. The caves are dedicated to Mahavira and tirthankaras. The Caves are numbers 30-34. Only the 2 most important Jain Caves, 32 and 33 are open for visiting. It is said that the Jain Caves are not as nice/elaborate as the Hindu/Buddhist Caves, but I really found them to be so nice. I loved the stone carvings. We had a very good guide and I was really fascinated to learn about the teachings of Jainism. The excavation of the Jain Caves began in the 9th century after the excavation of the Buddhist and Hindu Caves and lasted until the 11th or 12th century. The caves still attract pilgrims today. Cave 32, the largest of the Jain Caves is known as the Indra Sabha or Assembly Hall of Indra and is considered the finest of the Jain Caves. The entrance leads into a small court at the center of which is a monolithic shrine on a high pedestal. I particularly liked the monolithic elephant near the entrance. The downstairs is pretty plain but the upstairs is ornate and richly decorated. There are images of tirthankaras, Parasnath and Gomateshvara. Inside the shrine is a staute of Mahvira. I also liked the huge lotus carved into the ceiling. Cave 33 is known as the Jagannath Sabha. It is similar to Cave 32 and the sculptures here are very well preserved. This cave - like Cave 32 - is double-storied and has five separate shrines. There were also some nice paintings on the walls.
4. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 935 reviews
Reviewed By drprmate - Pune, India
Beautiful stone art , whole temple made up by brownish red rock,The Grishneswar temple is an illustration of south Indian temple architectural style and structure. The temple, built of red rocks, is composed of a five-tier shikara. The temple was re-constructed by Shri Maloji Bhosale of Verul, (grandfather of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) in the 16th century and later again by queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. She is credited with rebuilding some of major Hindu temples such as the Kashi Vishvanath temple in Varanasi, a Vishnu temple in Gaya, and a much larger Shiva Jyotirlinga temple in Somnath.This pilgrimage site is located in Ellora (also called Verul), less than a kilometer from Ellora Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) north-west of the city of Aurangabad, and about 300 kilometres (190 miles) east-northeast from Mumbai.
5. Ramakrishna Mission Aurangabad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are twin organizations which form a worldwide spiritual movement aims at the harmony of religions, harmony of the East and the West, harmony of the ancient and the modern and peace for all humanity. Ramakrishna Mission is a registered society in which monks of the Ramakrishna Math and lay devotees cooperate in conducting various types of activities.
6. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,657 reviews
The "Tomb of the Lady" is a mini-Taj Mahal.
Reviewed By msg132 - Brisbane, Australia
I am still not sure why this little gem is not world famous! It’s beautifully done and the carving and Mughal architecture is just breathtaking. A must see- but do take a good guide to tell you all about its best features
7. Ganesh Temple
8. Dargah of Pir Ismail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
9. Mhaismal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
10. Daulatabad Fort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 674 reviews
Reviewed By IndradeepR - Mumbai, India
Doulatabad Fort also called as Devgiri Fort is one of those forts which can never be invaded unless otherwise there is an Inside traitor. I will not dwell much on the history as you can find a lot of material to read it in case you are a history enthusiast. I am writing this review from a tourist point of view and how I was excited all the way to trek upto the summit. The Fort is built on a hill of around 600 feet and thus trekking to the top is not for the faint hearted. If you have back or knee problem it is better to take it slow and go up as much as you can rather than stretching yourself as the pathway is rocky and the stair fit more from a horse traversing it than humans If you drive down you will be required to park the vehicle about 50 metres from the entrance gate. This is a paid parking albeit not maintained at all. The ticket counter is available before the entrance gate. You can pay by cash or scan a QR code and buy the tickets. As you enter the fort the QR code would be scanned from your handheld device and thus allowed entry. Alternatively you can also visit the ASI website and buy tickets and scan it too for entry. Please note that plastic water bottles are not allowed and if you intend to go all the way to the top you will require water, thus please carry water bottles/sippers as you deem fit. I always carry 2 steel water bottles in my backpack and by the time I came out of the exit it was over. As you enter through the gate you will be find a small courtyard where ASI have displayed the various forts of Maharashtra and the unique canons in front of them. I just loved it and spent time reading about them to enhance my knowledge. As you pass the courtyard you will reach the Main entrance ( Mahakoot), where you can till date see the wooden doors are spiked with Iron rods to ensure that elephants cannot break in. The other interesting aspects is that as you cross the door there is a right turn with an open passage which ensures that even if someone breaches the gate there would be soldiers awaiting to kill with boulders, rocks, bow and arrow etc. Once you cross the Mahakoot the real journey or trekking of the fort starts. As you continue to walk you will find large Orange structure called Chand Minar which stands around 210 feet in height. It can be reached on op through a spiral staircase however I found it closed at this point of time. On the opposite side please visit the Canon museum. This was conceptualised and executed by one of our archaeologist named Dr Dilip Kumar Khamari. My heartfelt tribute to his idea which allowed me to see 56 different types of Canons of different size and built and for different purposes. As you continue further you will find the Chini fort. While there are Chinese tiles used and thus the name. The fort has an architectural style of Anglo Indian and thus caught my attention, Importantly, the spot is amazing to get a few clicks of Chand Minar from this spot. Henceforth the terrain will continue to be steep and treacherous so brace yourself mentally and keep your body moving rather than sitting down. You will soon reach the Sarawati well the Moat which is normally there across any Forts. This is probably the most difficult breach for the enemy if they even reach here. Earlier there were no bridge to cross the moat and I am told that soldier used to swing in with the help of Leather belts. Thankfully we don’t have to do it as the Government has provided a steel bridge. If you have not taken a guide as the official guide charges around Rs 1800/- speak with the security guard and get to know of the details of Andheri ( Dark) Passage. I am uploading a video of this place for you to get a sense of the total darkness. This was done to ensure that if an enemy breach the moat and enter they would not be able to see anything and soldiers waiting in darkness can eliminate them completely. After you have crossed this segment the fort continues upward to the top of the hill.You will find a Ganesh temple with an old lady telling you tales if you have the time and energy. But patience hearing to such tales can be enlightening if you go with an open mind. As you go up further you will find Baradari a fantastic place for a 360 degree view from the fort. If you decide that you cannot go up further probably this is the place you can stay put for sometime before you start your descend. For others who can continue the best is yet to come. First you will be greeted with Kala Pahad canon which is also a fantastic place to take a few pictures. Once you are done with your pictures you will be taking the last leap of faith towards the top most part of the Fort where a gigantic and powerful Canon rests called the “Durga Canon” If you have a basic sense of imagination personify yourself to an eagle and take a good view of the world around you. The entire fatigue of the journey will vanish off because of the magnificent all around view the wind which will rejuvenate you back to take the steps down. Catch on the air as much as possible and take a few sips of water before you walk back. The coming down is tougher than climbing and thus take it slow so that you don’t hurt your knees. As you reach your Parking spot turn around and take a long look of the Fort and feel proud of what you have achieved in climbing it. Bid goodbye with a thought and gratitude for our ancestors for building something so unique and a marvellous structure on a hill with no modern tools and equipments.
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