Before you go
Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) with elderly parents: what to know
- 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.
- The city is drier and less humid than coastal Maharashtra, which can be easier on the body. April to June is very hot; avoid this period if possible.
Easiest first
Places in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (11)
- Ambazari Lake (Places to visit · 1–1.5 hours) — The bund walk is flat and paved, with regular benches and adequate shade from trees. It is one of the better places in Aurangabad for older visitors who want open air and movement without strain.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara (Places to visit · 45 minutes to 1.5 hours) — The site is flat and easy to navigate. A car can drop you near the main gate. The paths around the tomb are paved and the garden courtyard is spacious. One flight of steps leads to the main platform, but you can enjoy the exterior and gardens without climbing.
- Chhota Taj (Places to visit · 20–30 minutes) — The building sits on a plinth with steps, but they are shallow. The surrounding garden is flat. There is some shade, but it is more exposed than other monuments.
- Himayat Bagh (Places to visit · 30–45 minutes) — The garden is flat and paved with benches throughout. A car can drop you at the entrance. Shade from trees makes it comfortable even in warm weather. Ideal for a quiet, low-effort visit.
- Jama Mosque (Places to visit · 20–45 minutes) — The mosque courtyard is flat and accessible. You remove footwear at the entrance, usually at a manned counter. The prayer hall has minimal steps. Benches are available in the courtyard. Good for older visitors, though barefoot walking on stone can be uncomfortable if not in socks.
- Marathwada Art & History Museum (Places to visit · 1–1.5 hours) — A car can drop you at the door. The galleries are indoors and air-conditioned. There is ground and first floor, with a few stairs between. Benches are available in some galleries.
- Mecca Masjid (Places to visit · 20–30 minutes) — The courtyard is flat and open, with shaded colonnades. Entering the prayer hall requires removing footwear. The interior is cool and the prayer hall is at ground level.
- Panchakki (Places to visit · 30–45 minutes) — The site is mostly flat, with a small descent to the mill building. Shaded gardens and benches make it restful. A car can drop you near the gate. Good for older visitors who want a quiet, low-effort stop.
- Protem Bagh (Places to visit · 30–60 minutes) — The garden is flat and shaded with benches throughout. A car can drop you at the gate. It is one of the most comfortable leisure spaces in Aurangabad for older visitors.
- Rauza of Aurangzeb (Places to visit · 30–45 minutes at the site, plus travel) — The compound is flat and open, with some shaded arcades. A car can drop you at the entrance gate. There are a few steps to the tomb chamber, but mostly level walking. Benches are scarce; bring a hat for shade.
- Salim Ali Lake (Places to visit · 45 minutes to 1.5 hours) — The walking path around the lake is flat and well-used, with benches at intervals. A car can drop you near the water. There is little shade, so go in the morning or with a hat.
Some walking — plan a break (8)
- Ajanta Caves (Places to visit · 5–6 hours including travel) — The walk up to the caves is steep in places but stone paths are cut into the rock and have handrails. A guide who walks at a measured pace helps. Many older travellers manage the lower caves comfortably; the upper caves require more climbing. Take water, rest frequently, and consider hiring a porter to help carry bags.
- Aurangabad Caves (Places to visit · 1.5–2 hours at the site) — A car can drop you close to the caves. The path up is reasonably gentle with steps carved into the rock and some railings. The caves themselves require climbing in and out of chambers. Most older travellers manage the main caves; the upper ones are more demanding.
- Aurangabad Silk Bazaar (Shopping · 1–2 hours) — The streets are narrow and crowded during business hours. A car can drop you at the entrance and pick you up later. Walking between shops means pushing through crowds and stepping over goods. Not ideal for someone who tires easily or needs space.
- Ellora Caves (Places to visit · 4–5 hours at the site, plus 1 hour travel) — The site is more compact than Ajanta. Most major caves are reachable on mostly level paths, though there are stairs between levels. The Kailash Temple itself involves climbing but can be explored at ground level too. A guide, good footwear and frequent rests make it manageable for most older travellers.
- Grishneshwar Temple (Places of worship · 1.5–2 hours including travel) — There is a flight of steps to the temple entrance and several more inside to reach the sanctum. The temple corridors are narrow. A slower pace and a handrail help. The main chamber is cool and has seating for older visitors. Temple staff are generally helpful to pilgrims.
- Khuldabad (Places to visit · 1–1.5 hours at Khuldabad, plus 45 minutes travel from the city) — The village is built on a slope with uneven paths and stairs. Handholds and railings help. Many narrow alleyways and stone steps make it challenging for those with mobility issues. A slower pace and frequent rest stops are necessary.
- Padmavati Cave Temple (Places of worship · 30–45 minutes) — There is a flight of steps up to the cave entrance from the road, and the steps are steep but not long. Inside, the cave floor is uneven stone. There is shade inside the cave and some seating areas. Not suitable for those with knee or hip issues.
- Soneri Mahal (Places to visit · 30–45 minutes) — The palace has multiple levels and some stairs between sections. A car can drop you at the entrance, and you can choose which sections to explore based on energy. The ground floor is the most rewarding and least strenuous.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (1)
- Daulatabad Fort (Places to visit · 2–2.5 hours at the fort, plus travel) — The walk to the top involves a steep spiral ramp cut into the rock, and a narrow underground passage with low ceilings. There are long stone steps. This is challenging for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. The intermediate levels offer views and rest points; you do not have to reach the summit. A porter or strong walking companion helps.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) with parents
Aurangpura (old city, silk bazaar area)Best for: Travellers who want to be in the bazaar atmosphere and close to Bibi Ka Maqbara
Jalna Road (main commercial area)Best for: Practical base with good restaurants and easy transport
Ajinkyatara (Daulatabad area, south of the city)Best for: Travellers visiting Daulatabad Fort and wanting a quieter setting
Airport area (North Ward)Best for: Convenient if you have early or late flights, or want to avoid the city
Compare all areas and hotels in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) →
Plan the rest of your Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) trip
Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) travel guidePlaces to visit in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)Best time to visit Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)How to reach Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)Where to stay in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) itineraryPlan a trip for your parentsTell us who is travelling and how they like to move.
Want help?
Have Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.