Best Places To Visit Near
Best Places To Visit Near
1. Ajanta Caves: While searching for all the Aurangabad places to visit, Ajanta Caves will be one of the first and foremost names. A group of around 30 Buddhist caves carved out of rocks, these caves date back to the 2nd century and are considered an epitome of ancient architecture and one of the most brilliant forms of Indian art. It is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Daulatabad Fort: One of the most commanding and undefeatable forts in the entire country, Daulatabad Fort is among the must-visit places near Aurangabad. Located around 11km north-west of Aurangabad, this glorious fortress stands strong on a conical hill around 200m above sea level.
3. Ellora Caves: Another architectural brilliance of a bygone era, Ellora Caves is among the must-visit places near Aurangabad. Located around 29km from the city centre, these chains of caves were built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty and Jain groups. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the richness of Indian culture.
4. Grishneshwar Temple: An important pilgrimage site for Hindus, this ancient temple is located around 30km from Aurangabad near the historic Ellora Caves. It is considered the 12th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and holds great religious importance among devotees.
5. Jayakwadi Dam: Another not to miss Aurangabad place to visit is the fascinating Jayakwadi Dam. Known as one of the largest irrigation dams in Maharashtra and one of the biggest earthen dams in Asia, it mainly contributes to irrigation and agriculture in the drought-prone Marathwada region.
6. Lonar Crater Lake: Located around 3 hours from Aurangabad in Buldhana district, Lonar Crater Lake is an important tourist attraction. This lake was formed due to a meteor impact and is studied by geologists, ecologists, archaeologists, naturalists, astronomers, and students from around the world.
7. Huzur Sahib Nanded: One amongst the five Takhts in Sikhism, Hazur Sahib Nanded is considered a holy place for Sikhs and attracts thousands of devotees every year. Situated on the banks of the Godavari River in Nanded, it is an important spiritual site.
8. Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Located on the slopes of the Meru and Naganarayana mountains, Parli is an ancient village near the Brahma, Venu, and Saraswati rivers. The famous Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva.
9. Dnyaneshwar Udyan: Dnyaneshwar Udyan is the largest garden in Maharashtra, inspired by the Vrindavan Gardens of Mysore. Located in Paithan near Jayakwadi Dam, the garden spreads across 125 hectares with beautiful parks, orchids, and floriculture.
10. Gautala Sanctuary: Gautala Sanctuary is located 65 km from Aurangabad and was declared a protected area in 1986. Spread across the Sahyadri hill ranges, the sanctuary supports rich wildlife, diverse vegetation, sloth bears, and many resident and migratory birds.
11. Pitalkhora Caves: Pitalkhora Caves located in the Satamala range of the Sahyadri hills are of great historical interest. There are thirteen caves situated high on the hills, overlooking beautiful ravines and scenic landscapes.
12. Khultabad: Khuldabad, also known as Kuldabad or Khultabad, is a historic town in Aurangabad district. Earlier known as Rauza meaning “Garden of Paradise,” it is famous as the Valley of Saints because many Sufi saints resided here in the 14th century. The town also houses the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and several important dargahs.
13. Kagzipura: Kagzipura is a place near Daulatabad known for producing the first handmade paper in India after the technology was introduced by Mongol invaders. The paper made here was also used for printing the Holy Quran.
14. Sharanpur: Sharnapur is a small village in Aurangabad district located around 10 km from Aurangabad. It is famous for adventure activities like all-terrain vehicles, parasailing, tandem paramotoring, golf, and laser tag.
15. Mhaismal: Mhaismal is a beautiful hill station in Aurangabad district situated at an altitude of 1067 meters. Tourist attractions include the Girijamata temple, a scenic lake, a 300 ft TV tower, and a replica of the famous Balaji Temple of Tirupati.
