10 Famous Tourist Attractions in Aurangabad
Aurangabad is a city in Maharashtra, named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is considered a place rich in history due to the rulers and kingdoms from centuries ago. It is a heritage site with many monuments, mosques and numerous gates, hence the name “City of Gates”. Aurangabad has become the most popular tourist destination in Maharashtra and is known as the tourist capital of the state. We’ve selected the 10 best places to visit in Aurangabad below.
Best tourist attractions in Aurangabad:
1. Bibi Ka Magbala:
Bibi ka Maqbara is a memorial site built in memory of Aurangzeb’s wife Rabia-ud-Durrani, where her body was buried. It looks like a knockoff of the Taj Mahal and has a similar design. At the entrance there is a garden with ponds, waterways and fountains. There is also an archaeological museum behind the tomb.
2. Ajanta Caves:
The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad consist of more than 300 “rock caves” dating from the 2nd century BC. The caves have been painted and carved, excavated into Buddhist and mural religious art, similar to Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka.
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3. The gates of Aurangabad:
We see monuments and monuments everywhere in India, but Aurangabad stands out among other tourist attractions due to the number of gates. It has 52 gates, all with a history of their creation. There are several most important gates that should be a must visit, such as Badkar Gate, Jarna Gate, Mecca Gate, Delhi Gate, etc.
4. Salem Ali Lake and Bird Sanctuary:
Salem Ali Lake is located near Derry Gate in the north of the city. The Mughals used to call it “Khiziri Talab” in their time, but it was later named Salim Ali in honor of the great ornithologist and environmentalist. It also has a bird sanctuary, protected by the municipal corporation. Visitors had a great time, boating or picnicking among the tree-lined and colorful birds.
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5. Nokanda Palace:
The construction of Naukhanda Palace was completed by Malik Amber in 1616, but it was later occupied by Nizam Ali Khan. The palace consists of 5 parts and is well maintained with gardens and water tanks. In addition, visitors can see Deewan-i-am, Deewan-i-Khas, Kacheri and a mosque.
6. Himalayan Abalone:
Himayat Baugh near Delhi Gate is a 300+ acre Mughal Baugh (garden) built in the 17th century. Currently, it has a fruit research station and nursery, run by Marathwada University of Agriculture.
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7. Aurangabad Caves:
There are 12 Buddhist caves resembling the Ajanta Caves on a hill just about 5 kilometers from the busy city. The caves were discovered in AD 3. The caves of Aurangabad are specimens of Indian art and are famous all over the world for their exquisite works. It adds to the country’s heritage.
8. Chalk Mosque:
Chowk Masjid was built by Aurangzeb’s uncle Shayista Khan. There are 5 arches, connected by 8 columns and pilasters, which further support 5 domes. The entire monument is a high basement with open rooms leading to the road. There are two slender towers and tanks in the courtyard.
9. Soneri Mahal:
Soneri Mahal is a palace built in the 17th century. There is a green lawn at the entrance, separated by a cistern, leading to the golden building. It used to be famous for having golden paintings, now the place has been converted into a museum.
10. Panchaki:
Panchakki is known for its underground waterways, which originate from remote mountain peaks. The passage has been made into an artificial waterfall that powers the mill and dancing fountain. It is located next to a mosque.