Top Things to do in Aurangabad
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What to do and see in Aurangabad, Maharashtra: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Aurangabad, India including Jain Temple in Ellora caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Himroo Fabrics, Jayakwadi Dam, Ganesh Temple, Nizamshahi Mahal, Gul Mandi Market, Valley of the Sufi Saints, Bhadra Maruti, Mhaismal.
Restaurants in Aurangabad
1. Jain Temple in Ellora caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Donna_in_India - New York City, United States
There are five Jain Caves (temples) at Ellora. They are separated from the Hindu and Buddhist Caves - about 1 km. away. If you have a car available, that is the best way to reach the Jain Caves. Jainism was founded in the 6th century BC and is based on a doctrine of non-violence to all living beings. Jains are strict vegetarians. They believe in 24 tirthankaras - enlightened beings - or crossing-makers who guide others across the river of transmigration (the journey of the soul from one life to the next). The first tirthankara was Adinath and the last was Mahavira, who is regarded as the religion's founder. The caves are dedicated to Mahavira and tirthankaras. The Caves are numbers 30-34. Only the 2 most important Jain Caves, 32 and 33 are open for visiting. It is said that the Jain Caves are not as nice/elaborate as the Hindu/Buddhist Caves, but I really found them to be so nice. I loved the stone carvings. We had a very good guide and I was really fascinated to learn about the teachings of Jainism. The excavation of the Jain Caves began in the 9th century after the excavation of the Buddhist and Hindu Caves and lasted until the 11th or 12th century. The caves still attract pilgrims today. Cave 32, the largest of the Jain Caves is known as the Indra Sabha or Assembly Hall of Indra and is considered the finest of the Jain Caves. The entrance leads into a small court at the center of which is a monolithic shrine on a high pedestal. I particularly liked the monolithic elephant near the entrance. The downstairs is pretty plain but the upstairs is ornate and richly decorated. There are images of tirthankaras, Parasnath and Gomateshvara. Inside the shrine is a staute of Mahvira. I also liked the huge lotus carved into the ceiling. Cave 33 is known as the Jagannath Sabha. It is similar to Cave 32 and the sculptures here are very well preserved. This cave - like Cave 32 - is double-storied and has five separate shrines. There were also some nice paintings on the walls.
2. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 935 reviews
Reviewed By drprmate - Pune, India
Beautiful stone art , whole temple made up by brownish red rock,The Grishneswar temple is an illustration of south Indian temple architectural style and structure. The temple, built of red rocks, is composed of a five-tier shikara. The temple was re-constructed by Shri Maloji Bhosale of Verul, (grandfather of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) in the 16th century and later again by queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. She is credited with rebuilding some of major Hindu temples such as the Kashi Vishvanath temple in Varanasi, a Vishnu temple in Gaya, and a much larger Shiva Jyotirlinga temple in Somnath.This pilgrimage site is located in Ellora (also called Verul), less than a kilometer from Ellora Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) north-west of the city of Aurangabad, and about 300 kilometres (190 miles) east-northeast from Mumbai.
3. Himroo Fabrics
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Himroo Fabrics is a one stop shop to buy the Genuine Handmade Himroo and designer Paithani saree. It was Started in the year 1891 by Father and Son duo of Habib Ahmed Quraishi & Bashir Ahmed Quraishi. Quraishi Family is credited for reviving the art of Himroo in Aurangabad. Himroo Fabrics has installed many handlooms in the houses of female and men weavers where they can weave independently. Most of the designs used in the fabrics are incorporated from the paintings of the Ajanta And Ellora caving, rest are floral Mughal motifs. We offer some exclusive textiles which cannot be seen elsewhere. Owner of this factory Mr. Faisal Quraishi is an engineer and has given up his profession to support the family business. He is the six generation decendent of the Quraishi Family. An activist in the research development and promotion of the art & has also traveled across the world to participate in textiles seminars, fairs and exhibitions. His Father Ishtiaq Ahmed Quraishi was a National Awadee for Himroo Weaving and Faisal is carrying forward his legacy. Himroo Fabrics is a guranteed handloom vendor and is also certified by Silk Mark of the Ministry of Textiles. We have Paithani Sarees, shawls, stoles, fabrics, bedcovers, duppattas and lot more. We welcome you and await for your visit.
Reviewed By nellnbundy
I was interested and the silk and silk and cotton shawls and was not disappointed. They were stunning and I ended up buying 11 (over 3 visits) for my friends. Also got to see the weaving out the back which was truly fantastic.
4. Jayakwadi Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By RajuSalvi - Pune, India
We were on our 2 days following sightseeing trip from Pune: Day 1: a) Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan & Jayakwadi Dam at Paithan b) Daulatabad Fort at Aurangabad Day 2: a) Grishneshwar Temple & Ellora Cave in morning b) Ajanta Cave in afternoon Helpful Tips On Dam: 1. No entry fee 2. No specific timing 3. Free parking 4. Small food centers, tea stall, corn, juice shops 5. You have to climb up the steps to reach to the Dam Gate or on Dam Top 6. Time required for visit, 20 to 30 minutes more than enough Route, Direction & Distance From Pune Bibvewadi: 1. Pune Bibvewadi to Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan Paithan Gate - 219 km Via Ranjangaon Shirur Ahmednagar Tisgaon Pimpalgaon Shegaon 2. Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan to Jayakwadi Dam - 1 km NB: Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan a very very very beautiful vast botanical garden with musical fountains is closed for public since last few years after it was taken over by Government. Government has wiped out the existence of botanical garden. I visited it in 1992 & 2013. Dam is located behind the Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan. Three options to reach Dam foothills: 1) You have to walk thru center of Sant Dyaneshar Udyaan We used this option. I won't recommend this. 2) You have to walk thru left side walk way of Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan I recommend this option. NB: Take help of the boys or men there in front of the Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan Gate. The boys men in front of the Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan took money from us Rs. 15 per person & Rs.15 for parking car inside parking area of Sant Dyaneshwar Udyaan. They will pretend that computer is not working for issuing the printed ticket. The funny thing is that the computer is already out of order & garden is closed. 3. Another best option I recommend to avoid long walk is to drive your car to the Dam foothills. Ask the locals for the route. Once you reach the Dam foothills, climb up the steps or steep hill to reach Dam top & then you can walk to the Dam gate also. On reaching top, it provides excellent views all around. I have attached few photos with appropriate tag for ease of understanding. The center location of vast water reservoir will give you feel of sea / ocean without a end. It is a nice family picnic spot & I will surely recommend this for any one going via Paithan to Aurangabad or Pune.
5. Ganesh Temple
6. Nizamshahi Mahal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Gireesh619 - Mumbai, India
The place hosts some well maintained cannons. The fort seems quite small from outside....but it has a garden and other ruins inside. The top of the fort provides a good view of the surrounding mountain ranges.
7. Gul Mandi Market
8. Valley of the Sufi Saints
9. Bhadra Maruti
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By ShvRm_Traveller - Goa, India
The temple is located in Khuldabad, near Aurangabad. Lord Maruti's idol in the temple is in reclining position. We visited the place on Sunday, but the temple was not much crowded. Learnt that, except for Saturday and Tuesday, the temple is not much crowded. The original temple was small, now it is being expanded with new constructions. There are stalls selling souvenir and devotional items as well as restaurants near the temple.
10. Mhaismal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
