Major city · India
Aurangabadछत्रपती संभाजीनगर
Give Aurangabad two nights: one full day for Ellora and Daulatabad, one for Ajanta or the city's Mughal sights. Skip it only if you have no interest in cave art.
Aurangabad — officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar since 2022 — is the base for two UNESCO cave sites, Ellora (29 km) and Ajanta (107 km), plus a Mughal-era city of gates and a scaled-down Taj. Most travellers come for the caves and stay two nights; the city itself fills a half-day. It is a Marathwada hub with an airport, a main rail line and good highways, so it works as a stop between Mumbai and Hyderabad rather than a destination on its own.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- avoid Apr–May (40°C (104°F)+), Jun–Sep (monsoon)avoid Apr–May (104°F (40°C)+), Jun–Sep (monsoon)
- Airport
- IXU
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Aurangabad112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Aurangabad, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyAurangabad is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are heat in April–May, aggressive auto fares and long, tiring cave drives.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 1363 Tourist helpline (India, 24 h, multilingual) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIXU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (Aurangabad Airport) (Jalna Road, Chikalthana, about 4 km (2.5 mi) east of the centre…IXU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (Aurangabad Airport) (Jalna Road, Chikalthana, about 2.5 mi (4 km) east of the centre…
- Getting aroundMetered auto-rickshaws are the default for short hops; agree that the meter runs before you board.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeFilter coffee or chai₹15–40 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi) in the cityTaxi, 3.1 mi (5 km) in the city₹150–250 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12)
- Museum or sight ticketEllora or Ajanta cave entry (Indian / foreign)₹40 (≈ under US$1)₹600 (≈ US$7) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₹500 (≈ US$6)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹3,000 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹6,000 (≈ US$70)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹2,000 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹4,500 (≈ US$55) · High ₹9,000 (≈ US$110)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IXU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (Aurangabad Airport) (Jalna Road, Chikalthana, about 4 km (2.5 mi) east of the centre; Air India and IndiGo serve Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad (check current schedules).)IXU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (Aurangabad Airport) (Jalna Road, Chikalthana, about 2.5 mi (4 km) east of the centre; Air India and IndiGo serve Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad (check current schedules).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
not flagged
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Apr
Avoid
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
May
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Jun
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: Apr–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Aurangabad: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Mar
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Apr
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
May
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
3 rd
Jun
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Metered auto-rickshaws are the default for short hops; agree that the meter runs before you board. Ola and Uber work in the centre. Chauffeur-driven taxis are the practical way to do Ellora, Daulatabad and Ajanta in a day — fares are quoted per km with a minimum of about 80 km. MSRTC and ITDC run daily conducted bus tours to the caves from the Central Bus Stand, but the schedule is tight.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ellora Caves
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
MSRTC bus from Central Bus Stand to Verul, or taxi; about 29 km (18 mi)MSRTC bus from Central Bus Stand to Verul, or taxi; about 18 mi (29 km)
Allow 3–4 h at the caves; the Kailasa temple is the centrepiece. Closed Tuesdays (check).
Daulatabad Fort
goDoor to door: About 45 min
On the Ellora road, about 15 km (9.3 mi) from the city; bus or taxiOn the Ellora road, about 9.3 mi (15 km) from the city; bus or taxi
Steep climb to the top; combine with Ellora in one day.
Ajanta Caves
goDoor to door: 2–2.5 h each way
MSRTC bus or taxi, about 107 km (66 mi) via Jalgaon roadMSRTC bus or taxi, about 66 mi (107 km) via Jalgaon road
A full day; leave by 07:00. Closed Mondays (check).A full day; leave by 7:00 AM. Closed Mondays (check).
Khuldabad
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Taxi or bus, about 20 km (12 mi) on the Ellora roadTaxi or bus, about 12 mi (20 km) on the Ellora road
Aurangzeb's tomb and Sufi shrines; pair with Ellora, not worth a trip alone.
Paithan
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
MSRTC bus, about 51 km (32 mi) southMSRTC bus, about 32 mi (51 km) south
Ancient Satavahana capital and Paithani weaving; a half-day if you have a third day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Station Road / Padampani
Walk to the rail station and Central Bus Stand; best for early trains and conducted cave tours.
CIDCO
Newer hotels, the MSRTC CIDCO depot and airport road; quieter, needs autos for the old city.
Old city (Kranti Chowk / Paithan Gate)
Closest to Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki and the surviving gates; busier and noisier.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–3,000 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹3,000–6,000 (≈ US$35–70) excl. bed
- High
- ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹4,500 | ₹18,000 |
| Taxi to Ellora and Daulatabad, return1 × ₹2,500 · check | ₹2,500 |
| Taxi to Ajanta, return1 × ₹4,500 · check | ₹4,500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹3,260 |
| Trip total≈ ₹8,970 per person per day, bed included | ₹35,860≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and cave entry tickets excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Filter coffee or chai | ₹15–40 (≈ under US$1) |
| Thali (veg) at a local restaurant | ₹120–250 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Auto-rickshaw, 3 km in the cityMeter-based; agree before boarding. | ₹60–120 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Taxi, 5 km in the city | ₹150–250 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Ellora or Ajanta cave entry (Indian / foreign) | ₹40 (≈ under US$1) / ₹600 (≈ US$7) (check) |
| Bibi ka Maqbara entry | ₹200 (≈ US$3) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Auto drivers at the station and bus stand often refuse the meter and quote inflated flat fares — insist on the meter or walk to the next stand.
- Conducted cave tours allow only a rushed look; if you want time at Ellora, hire a car or take a bus and go independently.
- Ajanta is 107 km (66 mi) each way — a return day trip is long; leave early.Ajanta is 66 mi (107 km) each way — a return day trip is long; leave early.
- Some roads away from the centre are potholed; allow extra time in the monsoon.
- The city was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2022 — signs, tickets and maps may use either name.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Tourist helpline (India, 24 h, multilingual)
- 1363
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Aurangabadछत्रपती संभाजीनगर
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
या पत्त्यावर न्याTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Tourist helpline1363
Embassy
No embassies in Aurangabad; the US, UK, Canada and Australia have consulates in Mumbai, embassies in New Delhi.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Auto, station → old city: ₹80–150 (≈ US$1–2) (meter, check)
- Taxi, city → Ellora, return: ₹2,000–3,000 (≈ US$25–35) (check)
- MSRTC bus, city → Ellora: ₹40–60 (≈ under US$1) (check)
Say or show
- नमस्कार — Hello / Namaste (namaskār)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavād)
- किती आहे? — How much is it? (kitī āhe?)
- मीटर लावा — Please use the meter (mīṭar lāvā)
- स्वच्छतागृह कुठे आहे? — Where is the toilet? (svachhatāgṛuh kuṭhe āhe?)
- कार्डने पैसे देऊ शकतो का? — Can I pay by card? (kārdne paise deū śakatō kā?)
Carry small rupee notes; many shops and autos do not give change for ₹500.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Aurangabad. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb · avoid Apr–May (40°C+), Jun–Sep (monsoon) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for IXU: last flight arrivals, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: station and Central Bus Stand, old city gates and Panchakki, Bibi ka Maqbara and the Aurangabad Caves, CIDCO.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Ellora, Ajanta, Daulatabad, Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Caves) and eat pages with last orders.
- Cave-day fixtures for Ellora and Ajanta so gates A–D can go green.