Things to do in Aurangabad
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Bibi-qa-Maqbara
Built by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Khan in 1679 as a mausoleum for his mother Rabia-ud-Daurani, Bibi-qa-Maqbara is widely known as the ‘Poor man’s Taj’. With its four minarets flanking a central onion-domed mausoleum, the white structure bears striking resemblance to the original Taj Mahal in Agra. However, it is much less grand, and apart from a few marble adornments, most of the structure is finished in lime mortar. Apparently, the prince had conceived the entire mausoleum in white marble like the Taj, but was thwarted by his frugal father who opposed his extravagant idea of draining state coffers for the purpose. Despite the use of cheaper material and the obvious weather…
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Paithani Weaving Centre
Hand-woven Himroo material is a traditional Aurangabad speciality (though people have differing opinions regarding its aesthetic appeal). Made from cotton, silk and silver threads, it was developed as a cheaper alternative to Kam Khab, the more lavish brocades of silk and gold thread woven for royalty in the 14th century. Most of today’s Himroo shawls and saris are mass-produced using power looms, but some showrooms in the city still run traditional workshops, thus preserving this dying art. One of the best places to come and watch the masters at work is the Paithani Weaving Centre, behind the Indian Airlines office. It’s worth a visit even if you’re not buying.
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Indian Tourism Development Corporation
The Indian Tourism Development Corporation runs daily tours to the Ajanta caves and Ellora caves, which includes a guide but no admission fees. The Ellora tour also includes all the other major Aurangabad sites, Daulatabad Fort and Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, which is a lot to swallow in a day. Tours start and end at the MTDC Holiday Resort.
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B
Panchakki
Literally meaning ‘water wheel’, Panchakki takes its name from the hydro-mill which, in its day, was considered a marvel of engineering. Driven by water carried through earthen pipes from the river 6km away, it once ground grain for pilgrims. You can still see the humble machine at work, but don’t expect any grandeur.
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C
Swad Veg Restaurant
As well as a pile of cheap-eat Indian staples, this place offers pizzas (Rs. 40 to Rs. 50) and lots of ice creams and shakes – all of which are gobbled up under the benevolent gaze of Swami Yogiraj Hanstirth. It’s quite hard to find, but if and when you do get to it, you’ll realise it’s worth the effort.
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D
Food Lovers
For some lip-smacking Punjabi and Chinese fare, try this restaurant across the road from the MTDC Holiday Resort, where the decor comprises a row of aquariums (sadly dry at the time of research). Locals vouch for its quality, and say it’s a reliable place to tuck into the meaty stuff.
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E
Kailash
Adjacent to Hotel Nandanvan, this pure-veg restaurant is a classy glass-and-chrome place where you can sit back after a long day out and wolf down a variety of local delicacies brought to your table by smartly dressed waiters.
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Shivaji Museum
This dull museum, dedicated to the life of the Maratha hero Shivaji, includes a 500-year-old chain-mail suit and a copy of the Quran handwritten by Aurangzeb.
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G
Tandoor Restaurant & Bar
Offering fine tandoori dishes and flavour-some North Indian and Chinese vegetarian options in a weirdly Pharaonic atmosphere, this is one of Aurangabad’s top restaurants.
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H
Prashanth
Prashanth wins trophies from travellers for its delightful vegetarian-only dishes, epic fruit juices and enjoyable patio setting.
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