Aurangabad Historical Places — Forts, Tombs, Gates and Caves

The Aurangabad historical sights span more than two thousand years, from rock-cut Buddhist caves to a Deccan hill fort, Mughal tombs, mosques and old city gates. Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, became Aurangzeb’s Deccan base, and today holds some of Maharashtra’s richest heritage.

This guide lists the main Aurangabad historical places, who built them, and how to fit them into a day or two. Dates vary slightly between sources, so treat them as approximate.

Aurangabad Historical Places — Overview

Aurangabad’s past has several layers. The oldest are the Buddhist caves at Ajanta, Ellora and the city itself. Then come the Yadava and Sultanate era at Daulatabad, Malik Ambar’s early 1600s city, and the Mughal period under Aurangzeb, who ruled the Deccan from here. For the city’s story in detail, see our History of Aurangabad guide.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is the most famous of the Aurangabad historical places. Often called the Mini Taj Mahal, it was built around 1660 by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. It is modelled on the Taj Mahal at a smaller scale. See our Bibi Ka Maqbara guide.

Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad Fort, about 15 km from the city, was earlier called Devagiri and served as the capital of a powerful Deccan kingdom. In 1327 Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the Delhi Sultanate’s capital here for a few years. It is a massive hill fort with moats and layered walls, so wear comfortable shoes. See our Daulatabad Fort history guide.

Panchakki

Panchakki is a historic water-mill complex linked to the dargah of Baba Shah Musafir. Most of the complex dates to around 1695, with a reservoir and fountains added some years later. Its engineering used water brought from the hills. See our Aurangabad dargah guide.

Historic Mosques

Jama Masjid was built in 1612 by Malik Ambar and extended under Aurangzeb, and Chowk Masjid and the Alamgir Mosque add to the city’s Mughal-era mosques. These mosques sit in the old city, so they are easy to combine with Panchakki and the gates.

Old City Gates

Aurangabad is called the City of Gates because it was once a walled city. Delhi Gate and Roshan Gate survive from the city wall linked to Aurangzeb’s reign around 1682, though accounts vary. See our Delhi Gate and Roshan Gate pages.

Caves — Aurangabad, Ellora and Ajanta

The Aurangabad Caves (Buddha Leni) date roughly to the 3rd to 7th centuries CE and are about 8 to 9 km from the centre. Ellora, about 30 km away, has 34 caves carved roughly between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, and Ajanta, about 100 km away, has Buddhist caves from the 2nd century BCE onward. See our Buddha Leni, Ellora place and Ajanta Cave Maharashtra guides.

Khuldabad — The Valley of Saints

Khuldabad, about 25 km from Aurangabad, is known as the Valley of Saints and holds several Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangzeb. See our Khuldabad guide.

Aurangabad Historical Places — Timeline at a Glance

Note: Dates and distances are approximate and vary by source.

Plan Your Aurangabad Historical Places Trip

For one day, cover Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki, the Aurangabad Caves and the gates. A second day suits Ellora, Daulatabad and Khuldabad, and a third day suits Ajanta. Start early, wear comfortable shoes and confirm timings locally, since they can change. See our places to visit in Aurangabad guide for non-historical stops.

A private taxi saves time between monuments: see our Aurangabad local sightseeing taxi service, Aurangabad taxi service, Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad and Ajanta Ellora taxi services pages.

Arriving by air? Our airport taxi in Aurangabad service gets you to the old city smoothly. Staying near the CIDCO area? See our CIDCO Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar taxi service. If you also want a pilgrimage trip after the monuments, check the 3 Jyotirlinga tour package from Aurangabad.

Aurangabad Historical Places — FAQs

1. What are the best Aurangabad historical places to visit?

The best Aurangabad historical places are Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Panchakki, Jama Masjid, the old city gates such as Delhi Gate, and the Aurangabad Caves. Ellora and Ajanta Caves, both UNESCO sites, are within a day trip.

2. Who founded Aurangabad and when?

Aurangabad was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, who first called it Khadki. It was later renamed Aurangabad after Aurangzeb, and is now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

3. Which is the most famous historical monument in Aurangabad?

Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the Mini Taj Mahal, is the most famous monument inside the city. It was built around 1660 by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum.

4. Why is Daulatabad Fort historically important?

Daulatabad, earlier called Devagiri, was the capital of a powerful Deccan kingdom, and in 1327 Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the Delhi Sultanate’s capital here for a few years. It is a massive hill fort about 15 km from Aurangabad.

5. What are the historical gates of Aurangabad?

Aurangabad was once a walled city with many gates, which is why it is called the City of Gates. Surviving gates include Delhi Gate and Roshan Gate, associated with the city wall built in Aurangzeb’s reign around 1682, though accounts vary.

6. Are Ajanta and Ellora Caves also Aurangabad historical places?

Yes. They are the region’s oldest and most famous heritage sites, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ellora is about 30 km from Aurangabad and Ajanta about 100 km, so they are best done as separate day trips.

7. How many days do I need for Aurangabad historical places?

One day is enough for the main city sights, such as Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki and the Aurangabad Caves. Add one day each for Ellora with Daulatabad and Khuldabad, and for Ajanta.

8. Can I book a taxi to see Aurangabad historical places?

Yes. A private taxi can cover the city monuments, Daulatabad, Ellora and Khuldabad, with the driver waiting between stops. Call 9860080525 or WhatsApp to book.