Malik Ambar founded Aurangabad (formerly known as Khadki), one of the oldest cities in India, more than 400 years ago. It is a fusion of business, culture, and education. Known as the tourism capital of Maharashtra, Aurangabad offers a variety of destinations to explore, including enormous forts, immaculate lawns, and historical landmarks. Make your Shimoga to Bangalore trip memorable by booking a car rental in Pune and explore the city at your own pace!
Table of Contents
- Why travel from Pune to Aurangabad
- Best time to visit
- Popular routes from Pune to Aurangabad
- Pune to Aurangabad best route
- How to reach Aurangabad from Pune
- Popular attractions in Aurangabad
- Places to eat in Aurangabad
- Hotels and Resorts in Aurangabad
Why travel from Pune to Aurangabad?
Ever been on a road trip where you saw an intriguing sign and decided to visit the location? If not, keep an eye out for these clues and begin exploring! Numerous such sights on the route from Pune to Aurangabad would require you to detour. Pune is about 235 kilometers away from Aurangabad, taking only 3 to 4 hours. It makes the trip even more worthwhile when two UN World Heritage Sites are so close to one another. You can book a cab from Pune to Aurangabad to enjoy sightseeing on the way.
Best time to visit
The most fabulous season to visit Aurangabad is in the winter, from November to February. With their beautiful skies and chilly temperatures, winters are delightful and make great vacations. It is recommended to avoid the monsoons as they significantly restrict sightseeing activities because most of the city’s tourist attractions are outside.
- Peak: November to February
- Optimal: July to September
- Avoid: March to June
Popular routes from Pune to Aurangabad
Route 1: Distance and time taken from Pune to Aurangabad by road via Pune Expressway
On the shortest and quickest route, Pune to Aurangabad distance is around 236.2 KM, and the travel time is almost 5 hours and 50 minutes in regular traffic. For the most recent information on the state of the road from Pune to Aurangabad, always check live maps and instant traffic updates.
This is Pune to Aurangabad best route:
Famous sights/monuments along this route
Beautiful places to include in your Pune to Aurangabad itinerary:
- Aga Khan Palace: This palace was constructed in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III as a charitable gesture for those severely impacted by the famine that had struck Pune at the time. This opulent palace, which sits on a 19-acre plot of land, comes on the way when you are traveling from Pune to Aurangabad by road, was formerly a prison used by the British to house Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, and other political prisoners. This imposing structure, with Italian architecture and landscaped gardens, is now the Gandhi National Memorial Society’s main office.
- Shaniwar Wada: The Peshwas constructed the great fort Shaniwar Wada in 1732. Multiple fires decimated the fort, leaving the stone-built historic structure with a lovely garden. The Shaniwar Wada attracts visitors with tales of ambition, betrayal, and death, as well as a history of the Peshwas and rumors that the Wada is one of India’s most well-known haunted locations.
- Ahmednagar Fort: While traveling from Pune to Aurangabad, you can find in the heart of Ahmednagar city, a shining example of illustrious Indian heritage. Some of the most priceless memories from Indian history are kept at the enormous fort at Ahmednagar. Ahmednagar Fort is one of the most well-known landmarks in Ahmednagar. This unique encounter with Indian history is what makes it so.
Places to eat along this route
- Rio La Cafe, Ahmednagar: Best coffee, terrific service, and pleasant ambiance.
- Shiva Pizzeria, Shirur: A popular local restaurant with a family-friendly environment.
- PalmArks Garden Restaurant, Shikrapur: A heaven for kebab lovers.
Route 2: Distance and time taken from Pune to Aurangabad by road via NH60
On this route, Pune to Shirdi distance is 201 km which takes almost 4 hours to complete in regular traffic. From Shirdi, one has to take Vaijapur – Gangapur Rd and NH753F to reach Aurangabad. It takes almost 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Aurangabad from Shirdi (Distance between Aurangabad and Shirdi 121.3 km). The complete journey is around 322.3 km which you can cover in almost 6 to 7 hours in regular traffic.
Famous sights/monuments along this route
Beautiful places to include in your Pune to Aurangabad itinerary:
- Shri Chattushringi Devi Mandir: In the Indian state of Maharashtra, Pune is home to the Chattushringi Temple, also known as Chattushrungi Temple. On Senapati Bapat Road, the temple is situated on a hillside. It is claimed that it was constructed during Shivaji’s rule as the Maratha king.
- Shree Chintamani Temple: Located around 30 kilometers from Pune, this Ganpati temple is accessible from both the Pune Ahmednagar and Pune Solapur roads. The Ashtavinayak Ganesh idol and temple are very stunning. There is a peaceful village with shops outside that sell Pooja Sahitya and a few vegetable vendors. The wooden temple mandap is beautiful. The temple’s surroundings are filled with sparrows, and their chirping creates an earthy atmosphere.
- Nighoj Potholes: Strange water-cut landforms in the bedrock of the Kukadi River are known as Nighoj Potholes. The formations are spread out along a 500-meter portion of the river, where the river has carved out a gorge that is 50 feet deep—an excellent location to explore and take amazing pictures around sunset. A few temples include viewing bridges so visitors can enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of the gorge.
Places to eat along this route
- Hotel Panchsheel Park, Shirur: This is quite a decent option to eat a wholesome meal.
- Hotel Malganga, Ahmednagar: Nice ambience, quick service, polite staff.
- Vithal Kamats Original Family Restaurant, Shikrapur: Fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
Route 3: Distance and time taken from Pune to Aurangabad by road via NH753F, NH361F, and NH52
This route is a bit of a detour where Pune to Beed distance is 246.4 km which takes almost 6 hours to complete in regular traffic. From Beed, one has to take NH361F and NH52 to reach Aurangabad. It takes almost 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Aurangabad from Beed (Distance between Aurangabad and Beed 126 km). The complete journey is around 372.4 km which you can cover in almost 8 to 9 hours in regular traffic.
Famous sights/monuments along this route
Beautiful places to include in your Pune to Aurangabad itinerary:
- Bagh Rauza Fort: The historical landmark known as Bagh Rauza Fort is one of Ahmednagar’s most popular tourist destinations. Since Ahmed Nizam Shah, the man who founded the city of Ahmednagar, is buried here, this fort is also known as the “Garden of Shrine.” Beautiful carvings and Mughal architecture can be found throughout the fort. The writings from the Koran are written in gold on the fort’s domes and are carved out of exquisite black stone. The tomb’s sculptures have endured time and remain unaltered today.
- Dagdi Darwaja: Several stores like clothing, grocery, and other things are present here. Historical significance, pride, and one of Amalner’s most recognizable sites In the past, it served as the city’s entryway. Because of this, it is called “Dagadi Darwaja,” a Marathi phrase that translates to “A door of stone.” Excellent location for history buffs!
- Farad Bag: Farah Bagh, one of the fascinating destinations close to Ahmednagar, was constructed by the Nizam Shahi kings who ruled the region in the 13th and 14th centuries. Murtaza Nizam Shah once utilized the charming structure as a refuge, going on walks and playing chess in the complex’s gardens. While most of the complex’s structures are currently in ruins, it is fascinating to stroll through the gardens and complex and learn about the life history of the location and the activities that were once carried out there.
Places to eat along this route
- Sentosa Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Pimpri: Famous for authentic North Indian food.
- Barbeque Nation, Pimpri: Famous for Paneer Tikka and Stuffed Chaap.
- Lemon Spice, Ahmed Nagar: Finger-licking food with a fantastic ambience.
Pune to Aurangabad Best route
The Pune Expressway is one of the quickest routes from Pune to Aurangabad by road. Following this route on a road trip from Pune to Aurangabad will allow you to arrive in the city more quickly due to the excellent state of the roads. Along this journey, you will pass through the towns of Shirur, Shikrapur, and Ahmednagar. Shaniwar Wada, Shani Shingnapur, and Ahmednagar Fort are the main sights you’ll see along this trip. If you want to spend quality time with your family or friends, then this road trip is worth taking.
Other means of traveling from Pune to Aurangabad
- How to reach Aurangabad by bus: The time taken for a bus journey from Pune to Aurangabad is approximately 9 hours. MSRTC bus operates regularly from Pune to Aurangabad, providing comfortable journeys and making sure that passengers reach their destinations on the stipulated time. The timing however depends on traffic, roads and climatic conditions. Travelling by bus would cost around Rs.440.
- How to reach Aurangabad by train: The Pune Nanded Express (17629) travels around 421 kilometers from Pune to Aurangabad. To get to Aurangabad from Pune via train takes 7 hours and 30 minutes. It leaves Pune at 21:35:00 and arrives in Aurangabad at 05:05:00. This train runs on all days. For the latest and most accurate information on train timings, always evaluate the timetables of IRCTC before you book your tickets.
- How to reach Aurangabad by flight: One has two options when flying from Pune to Aurangabad: a one-stop trip or a two-stop flight. A one-stop flight from Pune takes around nine to ten hours to reach Aurangabad (Depending on your flight). In contrast, a two-stop trip from Pune to Aurangabad takes between ten and thirteen hours (Depending on your flight). For detailed information, you can always check online travel booking websites or the official portals of different airlines. In addition, you can hire an airport taxi in Aurangabad for a convenient option to reach your destination.
Attractions in Aurangabad for sightseeing
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves: Along with the Ajanta Caves, protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India and regarded as marvels of ancient art, the Ellora Caves are an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Grishneshwar temple, a century-old Shiva temple, is one of the 12 naturally occurring Jyotirlingas.
- Bibi ka Maqbara: The mausoleum constructed in 1661 to honor Rabia-ul-Daurani, the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, is similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Soneri Mahal: The Soneri Mahal, so named because it had paintings made of gold, was constructed in a typically Rajput style of architecture with simple yet flower-patterned arches.
- Bhadra Maruti Temple: This temple is unique because it features a reclining image of the monkey god Hanuman.
- Chatrapati Shivaji Museum: Rare artifacts used by the Maratha Empire’s kings are displayed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum.
Savaari recommends – popular places to eat in Aurangabad.
A treat for food lovers, the Aurangabad restaurant offers a fantastic multi-cuisine experience. The cooks make a particularly exquisite supper from the well-known Aurangabadi dishes Pulao, sumptuous Biryani, and tender meats prepared with fresh herbs and spices. Don’t forget to sample some of the city’s many restaurants’ authentic Maharashtrian fare while you’re there. See which Aurangabad restaurants are the best.
These are some of the best-rated places to eat in Aurangabad.
- Kream N Krunch, Plot No 2, Akashwani Rd, Opp. S.F.S. School, Mahesh Nagar, Mondha, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431002
- Swad Restaurant, Kanchan Chambers, Kranti Chowk, below Saraswat Bank Landmark, near Shivaji Statue, New Usmanpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001
- Yalla Yalla, New Osmanpura Rd, Snehnagar, Konkanwadi, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431005
- Green Leaf, Shop No 6 to 9, Block J B, Town Centre, N 1, Cidco, beside Inox Tapadiya, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001
- China Town, Pandit Nehru Marg, Jalna Road, Hotel Amarpreet, Near Mondha, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001
Hotels and resorts in Aurangabad
| Hotel Name | Address | Contact Number |
| Ambassador Ajanta Hotel | R – 4, CIDCO Jalna Road, Opp High Court, Maharashtra 431003 | 0240 660 7236 |
| Lemon Tree Hotel | R 7/2, Airport Rd, CIDCO Cannought, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431210 | 0240 660 3030 |
| Vivanta by Taj | 8-N-12, Dr Rafiq Zakaria Marg, Rauza Bagh, Cidco, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431003 | 0240 261 3737 |
| Ginger Hotel | Railway Station Rd, Venkateshwar Colony, Bansilal Nagar, New Usmanpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431005 | 0240 671 3300 |
| The Fern Residency | Jalgaon Rd, Sector C/3, Town Centre, Town Center, Cidco, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431003 | 098500 08222 |
Shopping for Himroo silk handicrafts in Aurangabad is a must. When Tughlaq moved his capital to Aurangabad, he brought this art form with him and has since established a permanent residence here. Each knot is individually handmade on a manual loom. In addition, one should keep an eye out for bidri art. Bidri art is popular in the Bidar district of Karnataka, but it also has a home in Aurangabad in the shape of trinkets.
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