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Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a Maratha-era fort, a Jyotirlinga temple, the "Taj of the Deccan" — and a handful of quieter spots locals still keep for themselves.

Last updated: 14 June 2026

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The two reasons most travellers fly in — and the two you should never rush.

Kailasa Temple, the monolithic rock-cut centrepiece of Ellora Caves
UNESCO • 30 km

Ellora Caves

34 rock-cut temples spanning Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths (6th–10th c. CE). Cave 16 — the Kailasa Temple — is the largest monolithic excavation on earth and easily a half-day in itself.

Plan your Ellora visit
Ajanta Caves carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff
UNESCO • 100 km

Ajanta Caves

29 Buddhist viharas and chaityas dating from 2nd c. BCE, world-famous for their delicate murals depicting the Jataka tales. A full-day round trip from the city.

Plan your Ajanta visit

City & nearby monuments

Comfortably done across 1–2 days from any city hotel.

Bibi Ka Maqbara — the Mughal-era marble mausoleum
Mughal • In city

Bibi Ka Maqbara

The "Taj of the Deccan", commissioned in 1660 by Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah for his mother, Dilras Banu Begum.

Visitor info
Daulatabad Fort rising from a conical hill
Fort • 15 km

Daulatabad Fort (Devagiri)

One of the most strategically designed forts of medieval India. Climb past the Chand Minar to panoramic Deccan views.

Visitor info
Grishneshwar Temple near Ellora
Pilgrimage • 30 km

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

The 12th and final Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva — a short walk from the Ellora gates.

Darshan details
Panchakki water mill
In city

Panchakki Water Mill

A peaceful 17th-century Sufi complex built around an ingenious gravity-fed water mill.

Visitor info
Detail of an Ajanta cave fresco
Art • UNESCO

Ajanta Murals

Dedicated viewing of the cave paintings — what to look for in caves 1, 2, 16 and 17.

Reading the frescoes
Detail of Kailasa Temple sculpture panel
Highlight • Ellora

Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)

The single most extraordinary thing you will see in central India. Period.

Why it's a must-see

Cultural experiences

The crafts, kitchens and conversations that turn a sightseeing trip into a real visit.

Paithani silk saree with gold zari peacock motifs
Craft

Paithani Silk Weaving

A 2,000-year-old handloom tradition from the nearby town of Paithan. Visit a working weaver's studio to see why a single saree takes weeks to make — and to understand the value behind the price tag.

Naan Qalia — Aurangabad's signature spicy mutton curry served with naan
Food

Naan Qalia & Mughlai-Marathi Cuisine

The city's signature dish — a mutton curry that's a delicious fusion of Mughlai and Marathi influences. Add Tahri (spiced rice), pithla bhakri, and a small-batch local Hyderabadi-style biryani for a perfect plate.