Aurangabad is the most frequented and largest city of central Maharashta, situated on the western coast of India. Named after Aurangzeb, who established a capital here in 1633, Aurangabad was previously known as Khadke. Today, Aurangabad is emerging as an industrial center, with silk fabrics as the major industry. Aurangabad has a number of attractions, other than the world famous EIlora and Ajanta caves, located with easy reach.

Aurangabad is a city in Maharashtra, India. The city is a tourist hub, surrounded with many historical monuments including Ajanta and Ellora World heritage sites. This district center is the administrative headquarter of Aurangabad Division, or Marathwada region.

There was a village named Kirki (Khadki) where the city stands today. According to some historians, the city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar. Malik Ambar was the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II of Ahmednagar, the then ruler of the Deccan (central parts of Southern India). It is widely believed that city took shape between 1604 and 1610 under Malik Ambar's rule. Initially, it was named Fatehpura (city of Victory), probably after Malik's son Fateh Khan. A mint was built in the city. In 1634, Aurangzeb was sent to Kirki, and named as Governor of Deccan. In 1644, he moved to Agra to play an active role in Mughal politics.

In 1681, the city again became the residence of Aurangzeb, who had now become Mughal Emperor. He used the city as base for his campaigns to conquer the last remaining Deccan sultanates. He lived there until his death in 1707. The modern name of the city was probably taken after his death. Aurangzeb's tomb is situated at Khultabad, a small town near the city.

The location co-ordinates for Aurangabad are N 19° 51' 47" - E 75° 23' 54"

The highest maximum temperature ever recorded at Aurangabad was 46°C (114°F) on 25 May 1905. The lowest minimum temperature was 2°C (36°F) on 2 February 1911. [1]

Temperatures in Aurangabad range from 9 to 40°C. The best time to visit Aurangabad is in the winter - October to February.

Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season (June to September). Rainfall in Aurangabad varies from 9.0 to 693 mm/month. Average annual rainfall is 725 mm.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bearing a little resemb Bibi Ka Maquara is the tomb of Begum Rabia-ud-Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangazeb. Thus, it is also called, “Poor Man’s Taj Mahal”. The monument is an excellent example of Persian Architecture, with excessive captivating look. The monument has its own charm and has been attracting tourist far and wid

Himroo Factory

The Himroo factory, situated in the old town near Zaffar Gate, produces hand-woven Himroo shawls from cotton, silk and silver threads. This art, known as Kam Khab, is considered to be a cheaper alternative to the prized brocades of silk and gold thread. This is the best bet while shopping in Aurangabad.

Aurangabad Caves

Apart from the world famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, Aurangabad acquires its own group of caves 2 km north of the Bibi-ka-Maqbara. They were carved out of the hillside around the 6th or 7th century AD. All the 10 caves at this place are associated with Buddhism. All the caves in the Western group are called Viharas.

Ellora caves

Ellora Caves consist of temples and monasteries hewn from rock by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks and craftsmen. They tell the story of the evolution of these Religions. Over 2000 years old, they have been compared to the pyramids for truer amazing constructions, sculptures and frescoes.

Ajanta Caves Aurangabad Ajanta Caves

This group of caves consist of 24 Monastaries and 5 temples, again carved out from solid rock. The wall paintings and frescoes of these caves have a beautiful flow of line and a wealth of colour.

By Air

Nearest Airport is Aurangabad 10 Kms. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have a daily flight to Mumbai (Bombay).

By Rail

Aurangabad is easily accessible by rail from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. Regular trains are available on South Central Railway to reach Aurangabad.

By Road

Aurangabad is well connected with a metal road, which is comfortable and suited to all weathers. The distances for some of the major cities from Aurangabad are Pune (214 km), Nasik (218 km), Indore (402 km) and Mumbai (403 km).

Aurangabad is known for its woven Himroo shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves. The fabulous Paithani sarees charms most women, as to the wide array of semi precious stones displayed in rough, polished and jewelry form. All of these are the best buys at Aurangabad.