2-Day Travel Itinerary for Aurangabad

Aurangabad

Certainly! Here’s a detailed 2-day travel itinerary for visiting Aurangabad, Maharashtra, along with a table summarizing key attractions, their popularity, average time spent, and entry fees.

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Caves and Historical Sites

Morning

  • 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Visit the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples and exquisite frescoes. The caves are located approximately 110 km from Aurangabad, so an early start is essential. Entry fee: ₹35 for Indian nationals; ₹550 for foreign tourists.

Midday

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Aurangabad. Options include Green Leaf or Tandoor Restaurant, both offering authentic regional cuisine.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Explore the Bibi Ka Maqbara, often referred to as the “Taj of the Deccan.” This Mughal-era mausoleum is a tribute to Aurangzeb’s wife and resembles the Taj Mahal. Entry fee: Free for Indian citizens; ₹100 for foreign tourists.
  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Visit Panchakki, a 17th-century water mill that showcases medieval engineering marvels. Entry fee: ₹10 for Indian citizens; ₹100 for foreign tourists.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll around Salim Ali Lake and Bird Sanctuary, a serene spot for birdwatching and unwinding. Entry is free.

Day 2: Discovering Forts and Caves

Morning

  • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive rock-cut temples and monasteries. Entry fee: ₹40 for Indian nationals; ₹600 for foreign tourists.

Midday

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Ellora. Options include Taste of Maharashtra or Hotel Kailas, both offering authentic regional cuisine.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Visit the Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Entry is free.
  • 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Explore the Daulatabad Fort, a 14th-century fort known for its robust defense mechanisms and historical significance. Entry fee: ₹25 for Indian citizens; ₹100 for foreign tourists.

Evening

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Conclude your day with a visit to the Aurangabad Caves, a group of 12 Buddhist rock-cut temples dating back to the 2nd to 6th centuries. Entry fee: ₹10 for Indian citizens; ₹100 for foreign tourists.

Table: Key Attractions in Aurangabad

AttractionPopularity RankAverage Time SpentEntry Fee (Indians)Entry Fee (Foreigners)Timings
Bibi Ka Maqbara11.5 hoursFree₹1008:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Ellora Caves22–3 hours₹40₹6006:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ajanta Caves32–3 hours₹35₹5509:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Daulatabad Fort41.5 hours₹25₹1006:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Aurangabad Caves51.5 hours₹10₹1009:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Panchakki61 hour₹10₹1009:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Grishneshwar Temple71 hourFreeFree5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary81 hourFreeFreeOpen all day

Tips for Your Visit:

  • Transportation: Consider hiring a local taxi or using ride-sharing apps for convenient travel between attractions.
  • Clothing: Wear comfortable footwear and modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Weather: Carry an umbrella or raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Photography: Check for any photography restrictions at each site and carry a valid ID for ticket purchases.

Enjoy your trip to Aurangabad!

Leave a Reply