Aurangabad in Southern Maharashtra is a typical case of reflected glory. It is the nearest port – as in airport as well as railway station to a host of travel destinations in India. Ajanta Ellora Caves are situated near Aurangabad and we were in Aurangabad chiefly to visit the two aforesaid world heritage sites. Aurangabad to Shirdi tour is also common.

This is however being somewhat unfair to Aurangabad. This ancient city has lot of history and a character that is so pleasantly Maharashtra.  We were expecting this and in the course of our Aurangabad to Ajanta Ellora trip, had kept an extra day to explore just Aurangabad. And we were pleasantly surprised.

Things to do in Aurangabad

There is so much to do in Aurangabad.  Top attractions to visit in Aurangabad include Bibi Ka Maqbara, Sunheri Mahal, Panchakki, Sidhharth Garden Zoo, Shivaji Maharaj Museum and Aurangabad Caves. Given that we were restricted in time, we could only visit some of these sites. Plus we also wanted to visit the markets where one can always feel the pulse of the city. Local food was also on the agenda. Thankfully Aurangabad is not very spread out and places are not far. Therefore we had a great day and could feel this unfussy friendly town. Based on our lovely experience, here is a guide to how to spend one day in Aurangabad and make the most of it.

Places to Visit in Aurangabad

Bibi ka Maqbara

Bibi ka Maqbara or Tomb of the Lady was built in the memory of Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife Rabiya ud Durant.  Located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, this mausoleum bears huge similarity with Taj Mahal in Agra. In fact in photographs it looks exactly like the Taj Mahal. No wonder this mausoleum is also referred as Taj of the Deccan.

The similarity ends there though. Bibi ka Maqbara is a marble structure and parts of the minarets look like covered with grout. The marble here is carved but we could not find any stone inlay that is iconic of Taj Mahal. Plus Bibi ka Maqbara is much smaller that Taj Mahal. Yet it is a peaceful place and the gardens surrounding this mausoleum are well kept. On the whole, the place leaves an impression and is a must-visit in Aurangabad.

Sunheri Mahal and Museum

Sunheri Mahal alias Sonari Mahal is a grand double-storied palatial mansion, located a few kilometres away from Bibi ka Maqbara, in the campus of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. The palace was built in the Rajput style of architecture by a Bundelkhand chieftain who had accompanied Emporer Aurangzeb.  The property was later sold to the Nizams of Hyderabad.

Sunheri Mahal or the “Gold Mansion” got its name from the gold paint used extensively on the palace walls. The paint has peeled off over time and the façade is now covered with soothing sandstone plus alum coating. Some samples of the gold-painted walls and gorgeous floors can still be seen inside.  Sunheri Mahal is now a museum that houses remnants of the palace as well as sculptures excavated from the surrounding areas.

Where to eat in Aurangabad

Bhoj Restaurant, Aurangabad

Bhoj means a feast. And that is what this place is like. Their set meals or thalis comprise of innumerable dishes that are a combination of Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Marathi cuisine. Every item albeit spicy is divinely tasty. In fact, the Rajasthani Gatte ka Sabzi is the best we have had in a while.  The desserts comprised, amongst others, Gajar ka Halwa. This dish was perfectly sweetened, did not reek of ghee, and, was yummy. But the best was saved for the last – Aamras. It was a dish made of mango pulp diluted with milk. The sweet dish with a hint of tanginess was a riot on the taste buds. Prices are moderate and the restaurant was super busy when we went. Given the soul-satisfying lunch we had here, we are not surprised.

Uttam Mithai Bhandar, Gulmandi,, Aurangabad

Our bid to find local sweets made us ask around for a reputable place. We got many references for this one. And after we tried some of the items, we could clearly see why. Their Paneer Jalebi was crunchy on outside but soft inside. The Imarti was moderately sweet, crunchy, and overall very tasty. The savouries that they served, particularly the mixture was fresh. We packed all the three items all the way to Delhi and people at home love it.

Tea Cafes in Aurangabad

Aurangabad and Kolkata have a clear similarity. Both these cities run on tea. In Kolkata, there are tea stalls in every street corner. We can say almost the same for Aurangabad. Except that, in Kolkata these are mostly tea shacks while in Aurangabad these are proper cafes with ceramic cups, sitting arrangement, and branding on the wall. Notwithstanding, tea here comes at most affordable prices.  We were surprised that at one such café, we had tea and biscuit combo for just Rs. 10/- per head.  Wish some of them opened shop in the tea-parched Delhi – NCR.

Where to shop at Aurangabad

Gulmandi market, Aurangabad

Gulmandi market, Aurangabad is a busy place. Like any traditional Indian market it spreads into lanes and bylanes with shops lined on both side. It was a fusion market – traditional as well as modern clothes, florists, and provision stores, shops selling household items as well as tea stalls and eateries. We loved this market where tradition peacefully survives with contemporary. People were patient and did not get upset if they had to wait a while. There were temples and mosques here too.

Nauvari saris are unique to Maharashtra. These colourful saris with narrow contrasting borders are much longer than regular saris. Given that Maharashtra is the cotton growing zone of India, and we are suckers for handloom and handicraft, we purchased some locally woven Ilkal and Nauvari saris for family. Also, we came across a Khadi shop and bought Marathi dhotis for the “Bangali babu” while the Punjabi dude watched the other way in askance.

Markets are the best place to study the lifestyle and culture of a city. Aurangabad is courteous and colourful with a hint of vintage and we realised that on the roads of Gulmandi. If you like an old-world charm or are looking for colourful vignettes for your camera, Gulmandi is a must-visit.

Prozone Mall, CIDCO,  Aurangabad

If you like contemporary cool, then it is Prozone Mall. This is an air-conditioned shopping mall not far from the airport. Most big clothing and accessories brands have their outlet here. The mall is not crammed and has a spacious food court as well. We were exhausted by dinner time and had some comfort food – burger and coffee here.

And then we headed to the airport for catching our late-night return flight to Delhi. We shall write separately about Ajanta and Ellora caves. Moreover, during our next visit, we will keep some more time for Aurangabad as well. The city royally deserves it.