Overview of the destinationAurangabad is popular for places around it like ajanta-ellora, shirdi, nander, rather than for itself. It's the preferred base, though, if one wants to visit these surrounding areas. True to its name, Aurangabad reverberates with memoirs of Aurangzeb. My experience with the people of this city was particularly heartening.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Lug on to a tourist bus and have an eventful day. Daulatabad fort spells intrigue. Secret passages, night entry portals, combat tactics, elephant spikes, cannons, moat, self filling reservoir..like a chapter from Arabian nights come alive. Bibi ka makbara, tomb of Aurangzeb's queen is a miniature taj mahal but nowhere close to the original. Its gardens are good, though. Aurangzeb's own tomb has a lot of religious sanctity and people come from far and wide to offer prayers here. Panchaki is where you can see a grindstone run by a water turbine. Shop curios and trinkets here but bargain well
Activities & things to do
No adventure sports type options, but you could always visit Paithan. A few kilometers away from the city, this place is the best thing that can happen to your evening. Gaze in awe at puppets and fountains dance to latest hindi and marathi numbers. Applaud the magical lighting. Succumb to the toothsome bhelpuris and pani puris. Enjoy the breeze.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Maharashtra state tourism bus is the best bet. Package is very economical and guides are good. If your places-to-visit itinerary is long, do not spend more than a day seeing Aurangabad. Overnight buses from close-by cities are popular. Don't forget to tip the blind boy who reads out the prayer at Aurangzeb's tomb, and if you believe, make a wish, for they say prayers said here are unfailingly answered.
.gif){kind=small}
