Given its status as the centre of the Mughal universe more than three centuries ago, Aurangabad is a hugely historic city with a wider area that is well known especially for its ancient cave temples carved into the rock, notably Ellora and Ajanta. Aurangabad is also the final resting place of the well-known and hugely influential Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who made the city the seat of his thrown until his death at the beginning of the 18th century. Seeing the best of the sights in and around Aurangabad will require transport which can easily be arranged in the city through a tour operator or by agreement with a taxi driver.

Ajanta Caves
Like the Ellora Caves, the Ajanta have been carved by man into the rock and as such have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to their unique nature. Getting here requires travelling 100kms from Augurabad, a trip that can easily be done in one day – and one which should be considered a compulsory part of any itinerary when in Aurangabad. The murals in some of the caves are exquisite with the oldest group of temples dating back more than 2,000 years.

Aurangabad Caves
Like the more illustrious Ajanta and Ellora caves farther out of the city, the Aurangabad Caves are actually intricately carved out of the surrounding rock. These fine examples date back to between the 2^nd and 6^th centuries and form a total of 12 caves, some of which show Tantric images. Taxis out of the city can reach here in approximately 15 minutes.

Aurangzeb’s Tomb
Located in nearby in Khuldabad, the tomb of Aurangzeb is one of the most revered sites among Aurangabad locals and historians in particular given that the Mughal Emperor was largely responsible for the development of the city. His tomb has been a feature here for 300 years since he passed away in 1707. The site is not only important for Aurangabad residents but also for peoples as far away as Lahore in Pakistan, where he built a number of important monuments that still exist today.

Devagiri Fort
Dating back to the late 12^th century, this iconic fort is built upon a round 200-metre-high hill, the lower slopes of which have been deliberately cut steeper to improve defences, thereby giving the fort an isolated feel. Although much of the fort is in disrepair, the Mughal pavilion here is still standing whole and the views out from the top are fantastic, extending the 30kms back to Aurangabad on a clear day. Head to nearby Daulatabad to get here, a journey that should take about 45 minutes from the city by road transport.

Ellora Caves
One of the top attractions in Augurabad, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are in fact a series of 35 temples carved out of the surrounding rock more than 1,000 years ago by local monks. Lying about 30kms from the city, the caves are a World Heritage site and one of the finest examples of their kind in the whole of India. The caves are a mixture of Jain, Hindu and Buddhist monuments, making them a popular attraction for all Indians as well as foreign tourists. Do not miss the Kailash Temple, the highlight of the Ellora Caves representing Mount Kailash, the home of Lord Shiva.

Paithan
Again a little way out of Aurangabad, Paithan is a small, historical town on the Godavari river that was previously the capital of the Sathavahana empire around 2,000 years ago when the city was one of the most important in central India. The tomb of Saint Eknath is one of the many historical sites here along with a well known garden, Sant Dnyneshwar Udyan, which is modelled on that found in Mysore. Paithan is also home of a successful, traditional silk-making business whose wares sell in Aurangabad and all over Maharashtra state.

Valley of Saints
Just outside the city close to Khuldabad, the Valley of Saints is one of the most historically significant areas around Aurangabad. The area takes its name from the handful of Sufi saints that lived here during the 14^th century. Aurangzeb’s tomb is also located in this area.

Although Aurangabad is one of the less touristy destinations, you need not worry about spending time sitting bored in your hotel room. The natural scenery around here begs to be enjoyed, and even if you do nothing else, you should make sure to take long walks and see the goings on of the town and surrounds. Additionally, there are plenty of worth historical sites that are all the more precious for the fewer people who have seen them.

Eat a hearty curry Indian style. Among all the other tourists in places like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra and Goa you might feel self-conscious about eating with your hands but Aurangabad is a little less-travelled so head to a local restaurant, order a curry and finger it into your mouth with balls of rice. Make sure to use your right hand only for a sensuous eating experience in which you can taste and feel your food.

Cycle the Valley of Saints. Head to this nearby historic area of Aurangabad under your own steam and visit the tomb of the city’s founder, Aurangzeb. The distance is about right for moderately fit cyclists and you won’t have to haggle over a taxi fare.

Go fishing on the Godavari river. Popular spots for casting a line around the city include near Paithan, about 50kms from Aurangabad, where the Godavari river flows. Ask a city tour company for more details and equipment hire.

See the historic sites. Some of the attractions in and around Aurangabad rank among the most spectacular and unique in India, particularly the Ellora and Ajanta caves, so get out of the city and see them in order to make the most of your visit here.

Shop for local silks. Paithani silks are legendary in the bazaars of Aurangabad, so too the exquisite Himroo garments for sale here – a traditionally weaved mix of silk and cotton not dislike satin.

Take a daytrip to Lonar. At 160kms away from the city, this amazing site is a fairly long 3-hour drive from Aurangabad but if you have enough time then make the effort. This is the largest basalt meteor crater on the planet filled with a lake devoid of life that nevertheless is a striking part of the local scenery.