🏍️ Akash's Rider Trail: Pune to Aurangabad & Ajanta on My Bike
Riding from Pune to Aurangabad (235 km) on my bike via the scenic Ahmednagar Highway (NH753F) is a memorable road trip. The smooth road winds through rolling Deccan plateau landscapes. Rider Pro Tip: Ride to Ellora Caves (30 km) early in the morning, and keep your helmet and riding jacket in the cloakroom at Cave 16 to explore the massive rock complex comfortably!
Complete Travel Guide to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)
Renowned globally as the "Tourism Capital of Maharashtra", Aurangabad (officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) is a magnificent historic city surrounded by 52 medieval gates, ancient rock-cut caves, and formidable fortresses. If you are planning a broader Maharashtra road trip, combine Aurangabad with cosmopolitan vibes in Mumbai, cultural spots in Pune, wine country in Nashik, orange city trails in Nagpur, and hill stations in Lonavala.
During my motorcycle journeys across Maharashtra on my bike, Aurangabad blew my mind. Standing inside the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple at Ellora — a 1,300-year-old temple carved out of a single mountain peak — is a jaw-dropping experience that no photograph can truly capture. Official state tourism info is available on the Maharashtra Tourism Official Portal.
Top 10+ Places to Visit in Aurangabad
1. Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Dating back from 2nd century BCE to 480 CE, Ajanta Caves consist of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments carved into a horseshoe-shaped gorge along the Waghora River. Famous worldwide for preserved Jataka tale mural paintings and serene Buddha statues.
Akash's Insider Tip: Ajanta Caves are located 100 km northeast of Aurangabad. Note that Ajanta is strictly closed on Mondays!
2. Ellora Caves & Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
Located just 30 km from Aurangabad, Ellora Caves feature 34 rock-cut caves representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions side-by-side. The crown jewel is Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) — documented on Wikipedia's Kailasa Temple entry as the world's largest single monolithic rock-cut structure, carved from top-to-bottom.
3. Bibi Ka Maqbara ("Taj of the Deccan")
Commissioned in 1668 by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum (wife of Emperor Aurangzeb), Bibi Ka Maqbara bears a striking architectural resemblance to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Its marble dome, surrounding minarets, and Mughal charbagh gardens are stunning at sunset.
4. Daulatabad Fort (Devagiri)
Perched atop a 200-metre high conical hill, Daulatabad Fort is one of the most impregnable medieval fortresses in India. Trek up past the pink Chand Minar tower, cross the moat, and navigate the famous pitch-dark subterranean trap passage (Bhul Bhulaiya).
5. Panchakki (Medieval Water Mill)
Built in 1695 to honor Sufi saint Baba Shah Musafir, Panchakki is an engineering marvel that uses an underground clay pipe aqueduct to bring water 6 km from a mountain spring to power a flour mill.
6. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Located right near Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple is the 12th and final Jyotirlinga shrine of Lord Shiva in India. Rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in red stone, it features exquisite 5-tiered Dravidian carving.
7. Khuldabad ("Valley of Saints")
Located 3 km from Ellora, Khuldabad is a holy Sufi town housing the simple, open-sky marble grave of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, constructed according to his last wishes using earnings from sewing caps.
8. Old City Markets & Authentic Naan Qalia
Foodies must indulge in Naan Qalia — Aurangabad's iconic dish made of slow-cooked mutton curry rich in yogurt and spices served with fluffy tandoori naan. Also shop for handcrafted Himroo shawls and Paithani silk sarees in Gul Mandi market.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Travel Tips
- Best Season: October to March for pleasant 15°C–28°C winter days. Monsoon (July–September) turns Ellora waterfalls lush green.
- Closed Days Notice: Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays; Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
- Footwear & Trekking: Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip as you'll walk 10–12 km exploring cave complexes and fort staircases.
- Rider Tip: Riding on two wheels from Aurangabad through the scenic Ghats toward Nashik or Pune is an unforgettable road trip experience.
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