The historic city of Aurangabad is a prominent tourist destination that was previously called Fatehnagar. Aurangabad is very well known internationally because it is the closest city to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, a UNESCO world heritage site. Read on to learn more about some of the Best Picnic Spots Near Aurangabad, and where you can go if you are planning on going there.
10 Great Picnic Spots Near Aurangabad
Tourist Places Near Aurangabad Within 50 km
Bani Begum Garden
Bani Begum Garden, in Kuldabad, is 26 km away from Aurangabad. The garden gets its name from Mughal king Azam Shah’s wife, and its fountains, huge domes, and fluted pillars. A wonderful example of Mughal architecture this garden is a must-see.
Yet again, this is a great suggestion for 1 day picnic spot near Aurangabad. The gorgeous garden houses the tomb of Bani Begum and is in the center of the garden. The garden has an aura of comfort, and also greenery all around making it even more beautiful. What’s more, the garden has a couple of cisterns and large fountains everywhere that are a real delight to look at.
- How To Reach Bani Begum Garden ?: Aurangabad airport is 32 km away from the garden, Khuldabad Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand is 7 km away, and Aurangabad Railway station is 25 km away.
- What Is Bani Begum Garden Famous For?: Bani Begum is famous for housing the tomb of the Mughal King Azam Khans’ wife. It is a beautiful garden and is also a fine example of Mughal Architecture, and its huge domes, cisterns, and large fountains.
- Places Nearby Bani Begum Garden To Visit: Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, and Paithan Dam
- Best Time To Visit Bani Begum Garden: October – March
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort, which is also called Deogiri or Devagiri Fort, is one of the best picnic spots near Aurangabad. This historical Fort was built in the 12th Century during the reign of the Yadava Dynasty. You might not be aware but Daulatabad also means “City of Fortune.
This Fort’s architectural design is so marvelous, making it one of the most formidable forts built during the medieval period in India. The contrast of the green scapes surrounding this fort makes this place intensely beautiful and worth a visit. It is also hailed as cleverly built atop a conical hill so that the surrounding enemies can’t get to it.
- How To Reach Daulatabad Fort ?: You can take a flight from your city to Aurangabad Airport which is 22 km away. Aurangabad Central Bus Station is the closest bus stand which is 15 km away. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station which is also 15 km away.
- What Is Daulatabad Fort Famous For?: Daulatabad Fort is not only stunning against the backdrop of green but it is also hailed as one of the most formidable forts built during the 12th Century, owing to its location atop a conical hill, making it hard for enemies to get to it.
- Places Nearby Daulatabad Fort To Visit: Maismal, Bani Begum Garden
- Best Time To Visit Daulatabad Fort: October – February
Bhadra Maruti Temple
Bhadra Maruti Temple is located just 28 km from Aurangabad. For Hindu people, the statue of Hanuman lying in a sleeping position covered by sindoor is auspicious. Legend has it that, the reigning king Bhadrasen, asked him to stay forever in that place.
Hanuman is said to have lay down in the bhav samadhi pose upon hearing the sweet songs that the king sang in honor of Rama. This temple is visited by hundreds of devotees, from across the country, especially during Shravan months according to Marathi Calendar.
- How To Reach Bhadra Maruti Temple?: 26 km from Aurangabad Railway Station, Aurangabad Airport is 32.3 km away, and the closest bus stand is Bhadra Maruti Bus Stand.
- What Is Bhadra Maruti Temple Famous For?: The sleeping statue of Hanuman lying in Bhav Samadhi posture after hearing King Bhadrasen sing sweet songs in honor of Ram according to the Legend. Thousands of devotees flock to this temple which is a tourist center in its own right.
- Places Nearby Bhadra Maruti Temple To Visit: Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort
- Best Time To Visit Bhadra Maruti Temple: March- April
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves are located just 30 km away from Aurangabad and are one of the best picnic spots near Aurangabad. Also called the Elura Caves this renowned World heritage site is notably one of the best picnic spots near Aurangabad. These caves contain historic sculptures that are a treat for anyone who would like to learn about Indian history and culture.
The Ellora Caves were declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1983. They were built during the year 757-783 A.D. and are located near Ellora Village. Ellora Caves are historical rock-cut caves found in the Sahyadri Hills.
- How To Reach Ellora Caves?: You can take a flight from your city to Aurangabad Airport. Aurangabad Central Bus Station is the closest bus stand. The nearest railway station is also in Aurangabad.
- What Is Ellora Famous For?: Ellora or Elura Caves are famous for their beautiful rock-cut sculpture that date back to 757-783 A.D. This place was also named a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1983.
- Places Nearby Ellora To Visit: Daulatabad Fort and Lonar Crater Lake
- Best Time To Visit Ellora: June – March
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is around 2 km from the Ellora Caves. This temple is about 35 km away from Aurangabad which was built during the 12th Century. This temple has religious significance for Hindus as being the 12th and last Jyotirlinga which can be found in Verul.
This temple is seemingly dedicated to Grishneshwar, which is a manifestation of Shiva. Every year the temple celebrates Mahashivratri which is a festival of the Hindu god Shiva.
- How To Reach Grishneswar Jyotirlinga Temple ?: You can take a flight from your city to Aurangabad Airport which is 41 km away. Aurangabad Central Bus Station is the closest bus stand which is 34 km away. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station which is also 34 km away.
- What Is Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Famous For?: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is the 12th Jyotirlinga of Shiva and it is also known for conducting Mahashivratri festival every year, which lots of Hindu pilgrims visit from around the country.
- Places Nearby Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple To Visit: Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort
- Best Time To Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: August – September
Places To Visit Near Aurangabad Within 100 km
Paithan Dam
Next on the list of best picnic spots near Aurangabad, we have the Paithan Dam. Only 63 km away from Aurangabad, is Paithan Dam, which is also referred to as Jayakwadi Dam or Nathsagar Dam.
This earthen dam is located on the Godavari River, near the village of Paithan. Apart from that, the Dam is famous for housing several species of pintails, flamingos, teals, and other migratory birds, especially during the months of October and November making it a great retreat for bird lovers.
You can also enjoy yourself on the Nathsagar River bank, which has a garden called Dnyaneshwar Udyan. This garden is one of the largest in the state and has beautiful lawns, flowerbeds, and musical fountains. It is an attraction for tourists and is equipped with a boating facility, a play area for children, and a swimming pool.
- How To Reach Paithan Dam?: While Aurangabad Airport is just 58.5 km away, Aurangabad Railway Station is 49 km away and the nearest bus stand which is Paithan Bus Stand is just 2.5 km away.
- What Is Paithan Dam Famous For?: Paithan Dam is a treat for bird watchers as several species of migratory birds such as pintails, flamingos, and teals visit the area. Also, it has the beautiful Dnyaneshwar Udyan garden on the banks of the Nath Sagar which is a popular tourist attraction
- Places Nearby Paithan Dam To Visit: Daulatabad Fort, and Ellora Caves.
- Best Time To Visit Paithan Dam: October and March.
Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary
The Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary is located 69 km away from Aurangabad. This wildlife sanctuary gets its name from the nearby Gautala Village.
This Wildlife Sanctuary offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily routine life. It is a beautiful location having beautiful flora and an abundance of Fauna such as Nilgai, Leopard, Sloth bears, Jungle cats, Wild boar, Chinkara, Barking deer, Wanderoo, Fox, Langoor, Monkey, Jackal, Grey Langur, Wolf, Dhole, etc.
- How To Reach Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary?: The distance between Aurangabad airport and Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is 75 km, Pachora and Chalisgaon stations are the closest railheads located 27 and 26 km away from the sanctuary respectively.
- What Is Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary Famous For?: Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for housing a number of animal species such as Nilgai, Leopard, Sloth bears, Jungle cats, Wild boar, Chinkara, Barking deer, Wanderoo, Fox, Langoor, Monkey, Jackal, Grey Langur, Wolf, Dhole, etc. Apart from this, it is known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings.
- Places Nearby Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary To Visit: Lonar Crater Lake, Daulatabad Fort
- Best Time To Visit Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary: January and March
Pithalkhora Caves
Only about 80 km from Aurangabad are the Pithalkhora Caves, near Ambala Village. These Buddhist Caves are said to be older than the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
They consist of 14 basalt rock-cut caves on Chandora Hill in the Satmala Ranges of the Western Ghats. While four of the fourteen caves are considered Chaityas or prayer halls, the rest are viharas or residential areas.
All the caves belong to the Hinayana Period, but the paintings on the inner walls of the caves come from the Mahayana Kingdom. There are several statues of Buddha in both a standing and a seated pose.
These beautiful 2nd Century Caves, with their Buddhist sculptures, statues and paintings are a must-visit and are a great suggestion for a 1 day picnic spot near Aurangabad.
- How To Reach Pithalkhora Caves?: The distance from Aurangabad Railway Station to the Caves is around 77 km.
- What Are Pithalkhora Caves Famous For?: Pithalkhora Caves are known for being older than the Ajanta Ellora Caves, and have a variety of Buddhist sculptures, statues, and paintings that date back to the 2nd Century B.C.
- Places Nearby Pithalkhora Caves To Visit: Ajanta Caves. Ellora Caves, Bani Begum Bagh
- Best Time To Visit Pithalkhora Caves: October – February
Places To Visit Near Aurangabad Within 200 km
Ajanta Caves
Just 102 km away from Aurangabad are the Ajanta Caves. The Ajanta Caves consist of 30 caves that were built in the 2nd century during the period of the Vakataka Kings. These rock-cut architectural cave monasteries and temples represent Indian culture during these times and give one an idea of Indian heritage.
While the caves were built as a testimony to the achievements of Buddha, they were originally discovered by a man named Captain John Smith.
The Caves, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, contain paintings that are a beautiful depiction of Buddhism and a fine example of Indian Art.
Many tourists like to see the Ajanta caves in all their glory and you should too! This is yet another good suggestion for a good 1 day picnic spot near Aurangabad.
- How To Reach Ajanta Caves?: Aurangabad Airport is 15 km from the Ajanta Caves, the Aurangabad Railway Station is 106 km away from Ajanta Caves and Aurangabad Bus Stand is 4 km away from the Ajanta Caves.
- What Is Ajanta Caves Famous For?: The Ajanta Caves are well known for their rock-cut architectural style and the beautiful paintings on their walls. Apart from that the Ajanta Caves are known for being a UNESCO heritage site.
- Places Nearby Ajanta Caves To Visit: Grishneshwar Temple, Daulatabad Fort
- Best Time To Visit Ajanta Caves: June – March
Lonar Crater Lake
The Lonar Crater Lake, the world’s third-largest crater is also referred to as Lonar Lake or Lonar Crater. Located in Buldhana, it is only 139 km away from Aurangabad.
The Perfect 1 day picnic spot near Aurangabad, many tourists miss out on this otherwise beautiful location. As a result of a meteor attack, a pink lake has been formed there, and its waters are alkaline.
The area around is declared a wildlife sanctuary, and it houses many species of flora and fauna which are endemic to the region.
- How To Reach Lonar Crater Lake?: Jalna is the nearest railway station which is 66 km away, and Aurangabad is the nearest airport which is 157 km away. the nearest bus stand is Lonar Bus Stand
- What Is Lonar Crater Lake Famous For?: The Lonar Crater lake is famous for being the world’s third-largest crater, which is the result of a meteor attack that happened 55,000 years ago. It is also known for being a beautiful sight with its pink waters and surrounding wildlife sanctuary.
- Places Nearby Lonar Crater Lake To Visit: Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort
- Best Time To Visit Lonar Crater Lake: November – January
We hope you enjoyed reading this article about the Best Picnic Spots Near Aurangabad and found it informative! If you have any of your own ideas to contribute about similar places you might have visited, feel free to let us know about them in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and well-wishers!
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Aurangabad was previously called Fatehnagar, until the prince of the Mughal Empire Aurangazeb, made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. This happened when the Mughal Prince was made the Viceroy of the Deccan for the second time.
Aurangabad is famous because of its nearness to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which have been made a UNESCO heritage site.
The best time to visit Aurangabad is between October to March
People in Aurangabad mostly speak Marathi, Hindi, English, and Urdu.
Beed Bypass Road, Cidco, Satara Parisar, Garkheda, and Chikalthana are the most popular areas in Aurangabad.
Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays. The caves can be visited during the rest of the week. The best time to visit Ellora Caves is from November to March.
Following are some good picnic spots near Aurangabad:
1. Bani Begum Garden
2. Daulatabad Fort
3. Bhadra Maruti Temple
4. Ellora Caves
5. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple