Aurangabad

Aurangabad, officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in 2022, is a historic city in central Maharashtra located at an elevation of 568 meters, around 335 kilometers from Mumbai. Founded in 1610 by the Nizam Shahi rulers and later serving as the capital of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the city became one of the most important urban centers of 17th-century India. Today, Aurangabad is best known for its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves, located 100 km and 30 km away respectively, making the city the primary base for travelers planning to visit Aurangabad and explore these iconic sites. Among the top attractions in Aurangabad are the Bibi ka Maqbara, a 17th-century mausoleum built by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum and closely inspired by the Taj Mahal, and the historic Panchakki water mill systems, with more than 50 Mughal-era hydraulic structures spread across the city. Another highlight featured in every Aurangabad travel guide is the city’s renowned himroo textile tradition, a distinctive silk-cotton weave used for shawls that has been produced here for over 400 years. These cultural landmarks make Aurangabad one of the most rewarding places to visit beyond the famous cave complexes.