Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of glory saw the building of some fascinating monuments, including a Taj Mahal replica
(Bibi-qa-Maqbara), that continue to draw a steady trickle of visitors. These monuments,
alongside other historic relics, such as a group of ancient Buddhist caves, make Auran-
gabad a good choice for a fairly decent weekend excursion. But the real reason for
traipsing all the way here is because the town is an excellent base for exploring the World
Heritage Sites of Ellora and Ajanta.
Silk fabrics were once Aurangabad's chief revenue generator, and the town is still
known across the world for its hand-woven Himroo and Paithani saris.
The train station, cheap hotels and restaurants are clumped together in the south of the
town along Station Rd East and Station Rd West. The MSRTC bus stand is 1.5km to the
north of the train station. Northeast of the bus stand is the buzzing old town with its nar-
row streets and Muslim quarters. Interestingly, Aurangabad also has a sizeable Buddhist
community who follow in the footsteps of eminent humanist and social leader BR
Ambedkar, and celebrate his conversion to Buddhism during Dussehra.
