Introduction

Aurangabad is known for some of the finest colleges and university in Maharashtra. And it is the fastest growing industrial town in India. But the charm and glory of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage is rich and varied - the result of the artistic and cultural influences of several dynasties since its first Stone Age inhabitants. Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, founded the city of Aurangabad in 1610 A.D, on the site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city 'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. Maurya rule heralded the advent of Buddhism in the state of Maharashtra. Aurangabad is northern Maharashtra's largest city though it is remarkably uncrowded and quiet except for the occasional politicalrally. The earliest caves at Ajanta and Pithalkora were excavated in the 2nd century BC, during the Satvahana era. Paithan, then known as Pratishthana, was an important trade centre at the time. Aurangabad has a number of attractions and could easily stand on its own were it not overshadowed by the famous EIlora and Ajanta caves nearby. The city is named after Aurangzeb

Area	200 sq km
Altitude	513 metres above sea level
Temperature	Summer-21.0 C-38.0 C Winter--5.2 C-32.0C
Language	Marathi, Hindi and Urdu
STD Code	0240
Rainfall	734 mm average yearly
Best Time to Visit	September to March

How to get there

Air :- Aurangabad is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Delhi.
Rail:-Aurangabad is directly connected by rail with Bombay, Hyderabad and Nasik.
Road:-Aurangabad is directly connected by bus Mumbai – Aurangabad, Hyderabad- Aurangabad, Nagpur- Aurangabad

Places to Visit

Aurangabad Caves	Bibi ka Maqbara	Ghrishneshwar Temple
Dargah	Panchakki	Purwar Museum

Excursion

Rauza	Daulatabad	Ellora Caves	Ajanta Caves
Lonar	Sayeed Burhan ud-din Dargah

Shopping

The rich fabrics of Aurangabad are known throughout the country. The Paithani sarees that one can buy there are simply awesome.Aurangabad is quite known for its silver crafts, especially the Bidriware. It is basically the intricate silver inlay craft which was once patronized by the Mughal rulers of India.Another popular shopping item of Aurangabad comprises of the jewelry made of semiprecious stones and decorative pieces. Amongst them, the most popular is the jewelry with Agate stones, of various shades and shapes.

Accommodation

Taj Residency

Ambassador Ajanta