Pune to Aurangabad Best Places to Visit By Road, Train & With Family
Pune to Aurangabad Best Places to Visit By Road, Train & With Family
If you live in Pune or Mumbai, Aurangabad is one of the best weekend getaway options. The city is officially renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, but most people still call it Aurangabad. It is famous for the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The distance from Pune to Aurangabad is about 230 to 250 kilometers, and the drive takes around 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Why should you visit Aurangabad? Because it offers a perfect mix of history, architecture, spirituality, and natural beauty. You can see ancient rock-cut caves, a massive hill fort, a mini Taj Mahal, and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas – all in one trip. The roads are good, the food is tasty, and the locals are friendly. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or solo, this journey will leave you with wonderful memories.
In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know: the best routes, places to visit on the way, top attractions in Aurangabad, sample itineraries, food recommendations, and practical tips. Let us begin.
How to Reach Aurangabad from Pune
By Road (Most Popular and Recommended)
Driving from Pune to Aurangabad is the best option because you can stop at interesting places along the way. The roads are in good condition, and you can travel at your own pace.
| Route | Distance | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Ahmednagar (NH60 / Pune-Nagar Road) | ~235 km | 5 – 5.5 hours | Most common route; good roads and many food stops |
| Via Samruddhi Expressway (via Shirdi) | ~240 km | 4.5 – 5 hours | New, fast expressway; smoother drive but toll roads |
Route 1: Via Ahmednagar (NH60) – This is the traditional and most used route. You start from Pune, drive through Shirur, Shikrapur, and reach Ahmednagar. After crossing Ahmednagar city, you continue towards Aurangabad. This route has plenty of petrol pumps, restaurants, and small towns where you can take a break. It is also the route where you can visit Shani Shingnapur and Ahmednagar Fort.
Route 2: Via Samruddhi Expressway – This is a newly built expressway (part of the Mumbai-Nagpur Super Communication Expressway). It is wider, smoother, and faster. You take the expressway towards Shirdi and then exit for Aurangabad. This route is excellent if you want to reach Aurangabad quickly without many stops. However, you will miss the sights along the Ahmednagar route.
By Train
If you do not want to drive, you can take a train. The railway distance is about 400 km, and the journey takes over 7 hours. Trains like the Pune–Nanded Express (17629) depart Pune in the evening and reach Aurangabad the next morning. This is a cheaper option but not as comfortable or fast as road travel.
By Bus
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) runs regular buses from Pune to Aurangabad. The journey takes about 9 hours and costs around ₹440 to ₹500 per person. Buses are fine for budget travelers, but they are slower and less flexible.
By Flight
There are no direct daily flights from Pune to Aurangabad. You would have to take a connecting flight via Mumbai or Delhi, which is expensive and time-consuming. For a short distance like this, flying does not make sense.
My recommendation: Take your own car or hire a private cab. A one-way cab from Pune to Aurangabad costs around ₹3,500 to ₹4,500. For a family of 4 or 5, this is very economical and gives you complete freedom to explore.
Places to Visit on the Way (Pune to Aurangabad)
The journey itself has several interesting stops. If you are not in a hurry, you can break your trip and explore these places.
1. Shani Shingnapur
This is a famous village temple dedicated to Lord Shani (the planet Saturn). The unique thing about this temple is that there is no idol inside a closed room. The deity is a black stone placed on an open platform. Also, the houses in the village do not have doors or locks because people believe that Lord Shani protects them from theft. It is about a 30 km detour from Ahmednagar. Many travelers visit this temple for blessings.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Entry: Free
2. Ahmednagar Fort
Located in the heart of Ahmednagar city, this fort was built in the 16th century by Ahmed Nizam Shah. Later, during the British rule, it was used as a prison. Famous leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel were kept here during the Quit India Movement. The fort is well-maintained and has a museum inside.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Entry: ₹25 for Indians
3. Ranjangaon (Mahaganapati Temple)
This is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples of Lord Ganesha. It is located about 50 km from Pune on the Ahmednagar road. The temple is ancient and very peaceful. If you are traveling on a Tuesday or during Ganesh Chaturthi, expect crowds.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM | Entry: Free
4. Nighoj Potholes
This is a natural wonder about 90 km from Pune. The Kukadi River has carved deep, round holes (potholes) into the rock over thousands of years. The sight is stunning, especially during the rainy season. It is a bit off the main route, but worth it if you love nature and photography.
Food Stops on the Way
| Restaurant | Location | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| Vithal Kamats | Shikrapur | Authentic Maharashtrian thali, misal pav |
| Hotel Panchsheel Park | Shirur | Veg meals, quick service |
| Rio La Cafe | Ahmednagar | Coffee, pasta, snacks |
| PalmArks Garden Restaurant | Shikrapur | Kebabs, family dining |
Top Places to Visit in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar)
Once you reach Aurangabad, you need at least two full days to cover the main attractions. Here are the must-visit places.
1. Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Ellora is the crown jewel of Aurangabad. It is located just 30 km from the city center. The site has 34 rock-cut caves representing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The caves were built between the 6th and 10th centuries AD.
The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the highlight. It is a massive monolithic structure carved from a single rock from the top down. Imagine carving an entire temple starting from the roof and moving downwards – that is exactly what ancient sculptors did. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is covered with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. When you stand in front of it, you will wonder how such a marvel was possible without modern machinery.
Other notable caves: Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave) is a Buddhist chaitya hall with a stunning stupa. Cave 29 (Dumar Lena) is a Hindu cave with dramatic sculptures of Shiva. The Jain caves (Caves 30-34) are smaller but very detailed.
Tips:
- Ellora is a half-day trip (3 to 4 hours).
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The site has stairs and slopes.
- Carry water and a hat, especially in summer.
- Hire a guide for ₹500-800 to understand the history – it is worth it.
- The nearest railway station is Aurangabad; from there, take a taxi or auto.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset (generally 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Closed on Tuesdays.
Entry Fee: For Indians – ₹40 per person. For foreign tourists – ₹600 per person. Still camera free; video camera charges apply.
2. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Just 1 km from the Ellora Caves, this is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India. The temple is relatively small but very powerful spiritually. The red stone architecture is beautiful. Many devotees visit Ellora and Grishneshwar together. The temple is open from early morning to late night.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM | Entry: Free
3. Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Ajanta is about 100 to 110 km from Aurangabad city. It is a set of 30 Buddhist cave monasteries dating from the 2nd century BC to about 650 AD. Unlike Ellora which is famous for its sculpture, Ajanta is famous for its ancient wall paintings (murals). These paintings depict the life of Buddha, Jataka stories, and everyday scenes from ancient India. The colors have survived for over 1,500 years, which is a miracle in itself.
The caves are located in a horseshoe-shaped gorge, and the view from the opposite hill is stunning. You will need to walk up some steps to see the caves. Caves 1, 2, 16, 17, and 26 are the most important ones.
Important note: Photography with flash is strictly prohibited because it damages the paintings. You can take photos without flash.
Tips:
- Ajanta requires a full day. Start very early (by 7:00 AM) to avoid heat and crowds.
- There are few food options near the site, so carry your own snacks and water.
- The entry ticket includes a bus ride from the parking area to the caves.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: For Indians – ₹40 per person. For foreign tourists – ₹600 per person.
4. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Locally known as the "Mini Taj Mahal", this mausoleum was built in 1661 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, Rabia-ul-Daurani. It is a smaller but beautiful copy of the Taj Mahal. The white marble dome and the four minarets look very elegant. The gardens are well-maintained, and the entire complex is photogenic, especially during sunset.
Some people say it is not as grand as the Taj Mahal, but for ₹25 entry, it is absolutely worth a visit. The evening lighting makes it look magical.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
5. Daulatabad Fort (Devagiri Fort)
Located about 15 km from Aurangabad on the way to Ellora, this fort is a military engineering marvel. It was built on a conical hill and was once the capital of the Yadava dynasty. The fort is famous for its defense system:
- A 5 km thick stone wall.
- A moat filled with crocodiles.
- A dark, winding zigzag passage that was designed to confuse enemy soldiers. If you enter, you will feel lost. There are spikes, blind turns, and dead ends.
Climbing to the top takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, but the view of the surrounding plains and mountains is breathtaking. There is also a large cannon known as "Mendha Toph".
Tip: Carry a torch (flashlight) because the dark passage has no lighting. Also, be careful on the steep steps.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
6. Aurangabad Caves
If you want a quieter and less crowded cave experience, visit these 12 Buddhist caves located just 5 km from the city center. They are carved out of a hillside and date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The caves contain sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The best time to visit is late afternoon when the sun lights up the carvings.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
7. Soneri Mahal (Golden Palace)
This is a 17th-century palace built in Rajput style. It got its name because its walls were once painted in gold. The paintings have faded, but the architecture and arches are still beautiful. It is a peaceful place to spend an hour.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays) | Entry Fee: ₹10
Sample Itineraries
2-Day Itinerary (Weekend Trip from Pune)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Leave Pune at 6:00 AM. Drive via Ahmednagar. Quick breakfast stop. | Reach Aurangabad around 12:00 PM. Check into hotel. Have lunch. | Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara (1 hour). Then visit Daulatabad Fort (2 hours). Return to hotel. |
| Day 2 | Early breakfast at 7:00 AM. Drive to Ellora Caves (30 min). Explore Ellora for 3-4 hours. Visit Grishneshwar Temple. | Have lunch near Ellora. Start return drive to Pune by 2:00 PM. Reach Pune by 8:00 PM. |
Note: This itinerary does not include Ajanta Caves because they require a full day. If you want to see Ajanta, add a third day.
3-Day Itinerary (Recommended for Full Experience)
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Travel from Pune to Aurangabad via Ahmednagar. Visit Shani Shingnapur or Ahmednagar Fort on the way. Check in, relax. Evening – Bibi Ka Maqbara and local market. |
| Day 2 | Full day: Ellora Caves (3-4 hours) + Grishneshwar Temple + Daulatabad Fort (2 hours). Evening free. |
| Day 3 | Early morning drive to Ajanta Caves (approx 2 hours). Spend 4-5 hours. Return to Aurangabad for lunch. Drive back to Pune. |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Weather | Suitable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October to March | Pleasant, cool (12°C – 28°C) | ✅ Excellent |
| Summer | April to June | Very hot (35°C – 42°C) | ❌ Avoid |
| Monsoon | July to September | Humid, moderate rain | ⚠️ Okay, but caves can be slippery |
Winter (October to March) is the best time. The days are warm enough for sightseeing, and evenings are cool. Avoid summer at all costs – the heat will drain your energy, and exploring Ajanta and Ellora will become a painful experience.
Food and Shopping
What to Eat in Aurangabad
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Naan Qalia | A slow-cooked mutton curry with gravy, served with soft naan. Famous Aurangabadi dish. |
| Biryani | The Hyderabadi-style biryani here is very flavorful. |
| Jalna Mango Pickle | A famous spicy mango pickle from the nearby Jalna region. |
| Paithani Thali | A vegetarian thali with local Maharashtrian dishes. |
Recommended Restaurants:
- Kream N Krunch: Good for Chinese and continental.
- Swad Restaurant: Authentic Maharashtrian food.
- Green Leaf: Vegetarian thali and snacks.
- China Town: For Indo-Chinese.
What to Buy in Aurangabad
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Himroo Shawls | Traditional handwoven shawls with silk and cotton. Unique to Aurangabad. |
| Bidriware | Metal handicraft with silver inlay work (originated in Bidar, but available here). |
| Paithani Sarees | Silk sarees with gold borders. Expensive but beautiful. |
| Mango Pickle | Local pickle that makes a great gift. |
Shopping Places: Gul Mandi, Himroo Bazaar, and the Government Handicraft Emporium.
Practical Tips and FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to cover Ajanta and Ellora in one day?
A: No, not really. Both sites require at least 3-4 hours each, and they are 100 km apart. You would spend 4 hours just driving. Do Ellora one day and Ajanta another day.
Q2: Are there good hotels in Aurangabad?
A: Yes, plenty of options from budget to luxury. For mid-range, try Lemon Tree Hotel, Ginger Hotel, La Hotel California. For luxury, Vivanta by Taj is excellent.
Q3: Is Aurangabad safe for family travel?
A: Yes, it is a safe city. However, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets and at tourist sites.
Q4: What should I wear when visiting caves?
A: Wear comfortable clothes and strong walking shoes. Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Inside the caves, it can be dark and cool, so a light jacket is not necessary except in winter.
Q5: Can I hire a guide at the caves?
A: Yes, licensed guides are available at the entrance. They charge ₹500-800 for 2-3 hours. A guide will explain the history and art, making your visit much richer.
Q6: Are there restrooms and drinking water at the caves?
A: Yes, there are basic facilities. However, the cleanliness can be poor. Carry your own water bottle and tissues.
Q7: Can I take my car near the caves?
A: At Ellora, you can park near the entrance. At Ajanta, you must park at the base and take a bus for about ₹15-20 per person.
Q8: What is the road condition from Pune to Aurangabad?
A: Excellent. NH60 is well-maintained. The Samruddhi Expressway is even better. Avoid night driving because of trucks and village traffic.
My Final Words
A road trip from Pune to Aurangabad is one of the most fulfilling weekend getaways from Pune. You get to see the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple at Ellora, the ancient paintings of Ajanta, the strategic Daulatabad Fort, and the romantic Bibi Ka Maqbara – all in one trip. The drive itself is scenic, passing through rural Maharashtra with its sugarcane fields and windmills.
Plan at least 3 days if you want to peacefully explore both Ajanta and Ellora. If you only have a weekend (2 days), focus on Ellora, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Save Ajanta for a longer trip.
Carry water, wear comfortable shoes, start your days early, and respect the heritage sites. Aurangabad is a city that will leave you speechless with its history and craftsmanship. Pack your bags, fill up your car, and hit the road. You will not regret it.
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