There are a number of ways to get around the city. Auto-rickshaws are the all time favourites as their drivers often double as local guides. Car with drivers can be rented from car rental companies, or through travel agents and hotels. They will also arrange for a tourist guide from the tourist office for you. Ellora is connected by regular bus service to Aurangabad- the trip takes around 45 minutes. The caves of Ajanta are further away (3hrs); four buses leave each morning for the caves. An hourly bus service is available from Aurangabad to the nearby town of Jalgaon via Ajanta. The main taxi stand is near the bus stand from where one can hire taxis to Ellora and the fortress of Daulatabad.

Daulatabad : Rising dramatically over 600 ft above the Deccan plain is the arresting sight of Daulatabad. Once known as Devgiri, this fort served as the head quarters of the powerful Yadava rulers. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, or City of Fortune.

Khuldabad : In the 14th century, several Sufi saints of the Chishti order, chose to reside in Khuldabad or the Abode of Eternity. The dargah, or tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, the spiritual guide of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, is within this sacred complex. The austere emperor himself rests nearby, in a grave as simple as that of a common man's, in striking contrast to the grand mausoleums of his predecessors. Eloquent testimony to Aurangzeb's simplicity is the inscription on his plain tombstone: "No marble sheets should shield me from the sky as I lie there one with the earth."

Grishneshwar Temple : Just half a kilometre from the Ellora Caves is Ghrishneshwar Temple. It enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva. The temple walls are richly sculptured. Both the temple and its masonry tank were built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled Indore from 1765 to 1795.

Anwa Temple : A Shiva temple, with beautifully carved sculptures and decorated pillars stands in the village of Anwa, 10 kms east of Golegaon, on the main road leading from Aurangabad to the Ajanta Caves. It was built in the 12th century, and consists of a sanctuary, a mandapa or open hall with decorated pillars. The niches have exquisitely sculpted images of Vishnu, Ganesha and other divinities.

Pitalkhora Caves : Thirteen Buddhist excavations, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD lie about 40 km northwest of Ellora, cut into the side of the a secluded ravine. Comprising mainly viharas, they form the largest group of Hinayana Buddhist structures.

Lonar Crater : 170 kms from Aurangabad, is the village of Lonar. Over 30,000 years ago, a falling meteorite struck the area creating the world's largest impact crater in basaltic rock. Botanists have recently discovered vegetation life forms not found anywhere else on this planet, in the stunning lake of the crater.

Paithan : 51 kms south of Aurangabad, the looms of Paithan still weave the beautiful Paithani saris that are prized by all Indian women. The town is also famous for the Dnyaneshwar Udyan, which is the largest garden in Maharashtra, and a museum which treasures a fascinating collection of art. The Jaikwadi Dam nearby is a bird-watchers delight.

When to Visit Aurangabad
This city can be visited anytime of the year but the best time to travel in and around Aurangabad is between October and March, when winter temperatures make the days pleasant, perfect for sightseeing.

What to bring
Pack in light woollens for the winter months and cool cotton clothes for summer; hats and shades for the hot sunny days; a first aid kit consisting of basic medicines and prescription drugs. Aurangabad has plenty of well-stocked shops and malls that will supply all requirements for toiletries, cosmetics, medicines and sundries like camera films etc.