Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)

1. 01

   Day 1: City landmarks and silk bazaars

   Start at Bibi Ka Maqbara in the early morning, spend an hour inside the mausoleum and its gardens, then move to the Jama Mosque and the old bazaars for a walk through the silk-weaving lanes. Stop at a traditional Marathi breakfast spot such as one in Aurangpura. In the afternoon, visit the Grishneshwar Temple (about 30 km south, roughly 1.5 hours by road), see the Jyotirlinga and return to the city by evening. If time allows, visit Panchakki before sunset, a small shrine with a water mill and quiet courtyard. End with dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Aurangabadi dishes.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)

1. 01

   Day 1: Bibi Ka Maqbara, bazaars and Panchakki

   Spend the morning at Bibi Ka Maqbara, touring the marble tomb and gardens. Walk into the surrounding old city lanes and browse silk-weaving stalls and textile shops. Have lunch at a quiet restaurant away from the main bazaar. In the late afternoon, visit Panchakki, the water mill shrine of the Sufi saint Baba Shah Musafir, spending an hour in its peaceful courtyard. Return for dinner.

2. 02

   Day 2: Grishneshwar Temple and Khuldabad

   Leave early for Grishneshwar Temple, 30 km south of the city. Spend the morning at the temple and nearby viewpoint, then drive to Khuldabad, a historic village about 30 km away. Visit the shrines of several Sufi saints, the Chhota Taj (a smaller mausoleum), and the burial place of Emperor Aurangzeb. Return to Aurangabad by late afternoon.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)

1. 01

   Day 1: Bibi Ka Maqbara and old city

   Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara at opening time, spend two hours inside and in the gardens, then walk into the old bazaars and silk-weaving lanes. Stop at a local snack shop for kachori or chikhalwali. In the afternoon, visit Panchakki and rest, then have dinner in the old city area.

2. 02

   Day 2: Ellora Caves day trip

   Hire a car early and drive roughly 30 km to Ellora. Spend the morning and afternoon exploring the Hindu and Buddhist caves, with particular focus on the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), the largest rock-cut temple in the world. The site is vast; pace yourself and take breaks. Return to Aurangabad by evening.

3. 03

   Day 3: Grishneshwar Temple and Khuldabad

   Drive south to Grishneshwar Temple, spend an hour there, then continue to Khuldabad. Visit the Sufi shrine complexes, the Chhota Taj and the historical burial sites. Explore the winding lanes and old havelis (mansions) of the village. Return to Aurangabad in the late afternoon or early evening.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Hire a car and driver for the duration of your stay; it protects you from heat, traffic and long walks between sights.
• Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki and the city's museums are relatively level; Ajanta and Ellora involve significant stairs and uneven ground. Do not undertake the caves without consulting your doctor.
• Choose a hotel on Jalna Road or in a quiet residential area like Aurangpura if access to restaurants and shops matters. Avoid staying in very narrow bazaar lanes if mobility is limited.
• The Grishneshwar Temple is 30+ km away and requires a full morning. Khuldabad is doable as a half-day trip if you are comfortable with 1–1.5 hours of gentle walking over old lanes.
• Aurangabad has good hospitals and pharmacies, especially around Jalna Road. Note the nearest one to your hotel before sightseeing.
• Carry water, a hat, sunscreen and socks for temple floors. Marble can be very hot in the afternoon; plan visits to Bibi Ka Maqbara and temples for early morning or late afternoon.