Aurangabad, the city named after one of the largest Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb is home to some of the oldest monuments and buildings in the country. From UNESCO sites to ancient rock caves, the city has been a most preferred tourist destination due to which the city is also called the ‘Tourism Capital of Maharashtra’. Whether you want to explore the rich Indian culture or have an interest in exploring historical sites, the city of Aurangabad can be your ideal destination.
These attraction sites are located all over the city and can be difficult to cover in a single day therefore booking Aurangabad car rental can be an ideal choice. Hiring a car not only allows you to explore most of the destinations in a single but will let you travel across various destinations comfortably and at your convenience. In this blog, we will be focusing on 10 of the must-visit places in Aurangabad especially if you are a history enthusiast.
Top Places to Visit in Aurangabad
The city of Aurangabad has been one of the most popular tourist destinations that offers a perfect blend of rich history and modernization. The city has been under numerous dynasties and foreign powers due to which the city offers diverse tourism opportunities. The following is a list of some of the historical sites to visit near Aurangabad.
Bibi-ka-Maqbara
Bibi-ka-Maqbara is an iconic landmark of Aurangabad that holds great cultural and historical significance for the people of the city. Dating back to 1660, the Maqbara was built by Aurangzeb in memory of her beloved wife Dilras Banu Begum. The building shares huge similarities with the Taj Mahal as it was designed by Ataullah, the son of Ahmad Lahauri who was the main architect behind the creation of the Taj Mahal. Located in the Sihaychal Ranges, the building is one of the most popular attraction sites that reflect the architectural marvel of the Mughal era.
Daulatabad Fort
Situated in the northwestern part of the city, the Daulatabad Fort is one of the oldest forts in the country. Built-in the year 1187, the fort once used to serve as a military outpost and was considered the symbol of power for the Mughal dynasty. Spread across 100 hectares of land, the fort is built over a 200m tall granite rock and is an impressive example of Mughal architecture that was unbeatable by the enemies. To date, Daulatabad Fort with its rich structure and panoramic views attracts tourists and history lovers from all over the world.
Tomb of Aurangzeb
The Tomb of Aurangzeb is another historical landmark of Aurangabad situated at a distance of 25m from the heart of the city. The site is the grave of the last emperor of the Mughal dynasty Aurangzeb and is one of the most common attractions among history lovers. Unlike other luxury tombs, the Tomb of Aurangzeb is a simple grave that is placed in an open space near a mosque in the village of Khuldabad. It is believed that Aurangzeb wished to be buried in this place. You can also book a car rental in Aurangabad which will help you reach the Tomb of Aurangzeb with ease.
Soneri Mahal
Nestled at a distance of 1km from the iconic Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the Soneri Mahal once used to be home to golden paintings on which it was named. Built in the early 20th century the fort reflects the architectural brilliance of Indo-European style that is highly admired by history lovers from all over the world. The interior of the Mahal has been designed with precious metals and gems which showcases the craftsmanship of the era. Apart from historical significance, the Mahal is surrounded by lush green gardens and a serene environment making it the perfect place to relax and spend your leisure time.
Naukhanda Palace
Although the fort is not as popular as other monuments, Naukhanda Palace holds a great history of the Mughal era. Built by Malik Ambar in 1616, the palace has undergone numerous modifications by various rulers however; it still has been able to preserve its royal touch that attracts visitors from all over the country. The palace houses nine luxury apartments that showcase the grandeur and lavish living of the Mughal era.
Aurangabad Caves
Considered to be one of the oldest caves in the country dating back to the early 6th and 8th century, Aurangabad Caves has been a major choice among visitors. The cave offers a panoramic view of the city along with stunning views of the Bibi Ka Maqbara and Soneri Mahal which can be travelled easily with a rental car from Aurangabad. These are a group of caves which once used to be the meditation centre for Buddhist monks and nuns. Currently, Aurangabad Caves are among the protection sites of the Archaeological Survey of India which can be visited throughout the year.
Panchakki
This is basically a water mill built by Hazrat Baba Shah Musafir in the year 1734 to fulfil the water needs of the pilgrims. The mill includes an underground water system that transports water from a distance of 6km using multiple earthen pipes. Although the Panchakki was built as a water reservoir for the city, it also comprises a court, a mosque, and a house of ministers that adds up to the overall beauty of the place. The place is also home to a 300-year-old banyan tree that has been a major attraction among its visitors.
Salim Ali Lake
Popularly known as Khiziri Talab, Salim Ali Lake was built as a form of major attraction for visitors by the Mughals. The place once used to be an unused land which was later reclaimed by Aurangzeb and converted into a Mughal garden. Spread across a vast area, the lake is known for its serene climate and pleasant environment that attracts tourists all over the year. Apart from historical significance, the lake is also home to a bird sanctuary that inhabits numerous species of native and migratory birds making it a major site for bird lovers.
Hazur Sahib Nanded
Being located on the bank of River Godavari, the Hazur Sahib Nanded is one of the five takes and is considered the sacred place for the people of the Sikh religion. This is the place where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh took his last breath and is therefore a major site for Sikh followers. The place is also known as ‘Sachkhand’ or a ‘region of trust’ and attracts devotees all around the year.
Ellora Caves
Located at a distance of 29 km from the city of Aurangabad, the Ellora caves are one of the most popular tourist sites in the region. The caves are home to over 100 temples and monasteries that have been a major attraction among some of the most popular tourist hotspots of the city. Ellora Caves is considered one of the largest rock-cut caves in the country and has been also recognized in the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO. Dating back to the early 6th to 10th centuries, these are the most visited sites in Aurangabad that reflect the timeless charm of the bygone era.
Aurangabad is also called the city of tourism and has been one of the most visited cities in Maharashtra for its rich history. Whether you want to explore the charm of the Mughal era or the architectural marvel of Ancient rock caves, the city will amaze you with its diversity. However, to have a great experience in Aurangabad rental car can play a great role as most of the sites are located in a distant place and covering all of it in a single day can be a challenging task. You can also contact tour operators or car rental companies who can guide you with a smooth and hassle-free travelling experience in the city.
