Best things to do in Aurangabad

One of twelve major shrines devoted to the goddess Shiva, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple features a red-brick design with many intricate details, fine carvings, and statues of Indian gods. When you visit, keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves, a series of 34 temples carved in the Charanandri hills. The majestic, stone-cut cave temples were built between the fifth and 10th centuries, carved into a tall basalt cliff in an uninterrupted sequence. Despite some of the structures being dedicated to Hindu deities, and others serving as Jain and Buddhist monasteries, the temples harmoniously coexisted for hundreds of years. Admire the architectural splendor, elaborate detailing, and intricate decorations of the massive, multi-religion complex.

Often compared to the Taj Majal, Bibi Ka Maqbara was constructed by Azam Shah in memory of his mother. Stroll through the formal garden with pillared pavilions located at the center of northern, eastern, and western sections of the enclosure wall. The entire estate may lack in maintenance, but unlike the real Taj, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere and remains a fine example of 17th-century Mughal architecture.

See an impressive place of worship devoted to an iconic yet mysterious spiritual leader at Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple. Built to honor the life and work of Sai Baba of Shirdi, the temple consists of numerous buildings and shrines, with images and statues of the local man deemed to be a saint, fakir, and satguru by his many devotees. Known for his incorporation of aspects of Islam into Hinduism, he led a pious and moral life that had appeal beyond the borders of nations and faith. Today, the mix of pilgrims who find their way to the site stands in testament to that fact.

Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir represents the final resting place of modern religious leader Sai Baba of Shirdi. As you enter the white-marble temple, head toward the shrine where an adorned statue stands resembling the deceased spiritual master. The temple displays and preserves pictures and articles depicting his life and work. Learn about the legends which came to existence after the saint's death and observe the rituals dedicated to his grace and honor. The temple closes during the night, except for a few occasions during special festivals.

Daulatabad Fort, a 14th-century fort city and one of the seven wonders of Maharashtra, carries the impressive reputation of never having been defeated in battle. Some believe Lord Shiva lives in the hills surrounding this historical attraction, which stands high on its own hill and only grants access to the summit across a narrow bridge. The lower slopes of the hill were once cut away to create steep sides and make defenses stronger, and a deep moat infested with crocodiles once surrounded the fort, but has since dried up. However, you can still explore the damp tunnels winding through the hill. Keep an eye out for monuments like the Chand Minar, a distinctive tower. A visit to the fort requires a lot of walking, so arrive early in the day for cooler weather and wear proper shoes.

See the perpetual fire at Dwarkamai Masjid, a temple representing a blend of Hindu and Islamic influences, and a major shrine for followers of Sai Baba of Shirdi, an early 20th-century spiritual master and "satguru." An abode of Lord Baba, who was known for his soup kitchens, the spiritual site features some period cooking items, including grinding stones and storage vessels. In the courtyard, a large, colorful statue of Sai Baba perched over a cauldron stands on a pedestal, marking the spot where he used to prepare food for the masses. The "dhuni" lit by Sai Baba still burns, and you can line up to receive a blessing.

Visit a premium display of Indian classical art dating back many centuries at Aurangabad Caves. Twelve caves divided into three groups make up the system, where sculptural carvings of various Buddhist religious deities date between the 2nd and 7th century CE. Many describe the seventh cave as the most fascinating of the lot: like a snake, this corridor adorned with sculptural embellishments encircles a central shrine. Carved Buddhist gods and goddesses fill the corridor, which features recesses at regular intervals. Go on your own, or inquire with a local tour operator to arrange transportation and a guided visit.

Appreciate the cultural importance of Baba's Chavadi, where the highly regarded Indian spiritual master Sai Baba stayed on alternate nights during the last ten years of his life. You can observe the room in which the master would meditate and contemplate the spiritual life he led. Examine the portraits and photographs, and the wooden bed where Baba received his last bath. Note that one section containing a silver throne remains closed off to women per tradition, though men and children can enter. Watch out for the weekly procession held in tribute to Sai Baba every Thursday evening; if you choose to attend, consider arriving a little earlier to get a good vantage point.

Admire mosaic ceilings, floral motifs and hymns written all over the interior of Bhadra Maruti, a tall ornate Hindu temple made of white marble. Built in the 1960s as the house of a unique and old and intensely orange-colored image of Lord Hanuman, this is one of the three temples in which you can see Hanuman in a sleeping or reclining position. The legend has it that Hanuman was entranced having heard a devotional song sung by King Bhadra dedicated to Lord Rama. Devotees flock here to seek the blessing and the place gets crowded over weekends. Try some peda sweets sold around the temple.

Taking water as a source of energy from 8 km (5 mi) away via clay pipes and pillars, Panchakki (Water Mill) displays a masterful piece of 17th-century engineering set in traditional Hindu architecture. This water mill, still in use, used to grind grain for countless pilgrims, saint disciples, and troops. Get a glimpse of medieval times, admiring a large library with a gold-plated Quran. The complex, once an external abode for Sufi mystics, houses a mosque, madrasa, court, minister's house, and lodgings for women. You can take a cab or wait for the bus to the site, which lies some 8-10 km (4-6 mi) from Aurangabad's train station.