About
Aurangabad is a historic city in the state of Maharashtra, in western India. It serves as a useful base for travellers interested in the country's ancient rock-cut art, and its surroundings are among the most notable of their kind on the subcontinent.
Why visit
The city is best known for its proximity to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Both feature rock-cut monuments associated with the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions, which means a single trip can bring together sculpture and architecture from three of India's major religious currents.
What to expect
- Rock-cut monuments: The caves are carved directly into rock, and visitors can see how the different traditions shaped their spaces and imagery.
- Historic character: As a historic city, Aurangabad gives visitors a sense of a place that has long been a centre of culture and passage in the region.
- A base for exploring: Because the caves lie within reach of the city, it suits those who want to plan day visits from one place.
Planning the trip
Aurangabad works well for travellers with an interest in history, religious art or archaeology, and for anyone following a wider route through Maharashtra. Those drawn to the caves will want to allow time to move slowly through each site, as the scale and detail of the carvings reward close looking. Check current access arrangements before setting out, as conditions at heritage sites can change.