The city of Aurangabad was founded by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city 'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. A region that has been inhabited since the Stone Ages, Aurangabad has seen several dynasties come and go, absorbing the culture of each into itself. 

Maurya rule heralded the advent of Buddhism in the state of Maharashtra. The earliest caves at Ajanta and Pithalkora were excavated in the 2nd century BC, during the Satvahana era. Paithan, then known as Pratishthana, was an important trade centre at the time. Buddhism flowered during the Chalukya period, which consequently saw the mushrooming of many viharas (monasteries), and chaityas (chapels), that were later excavated at Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora. Later, the Rashtrakutas built many temples, significantly, the Kailasa temple at Ellora, an unparalleled piece of ancient Indian architecture.

Aurangabad Caves: Just outside the city, lie the Aurangabad caves, excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD. Tantric influences can be discerned in their architecture and iconography.There are twelve caves in all, a major chunk of which are viharas, of which Caves 3 and 7, are the most fascinating. Cave 3 stands supported by 12 finely carved columns, and sports sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales. Cave 7 houses an imposing sculpture of a Boddhisattva, praying for deliverance. 

Bibi - Ka - Maqbara: The Bibi - Ka - Maqbara was built in 1679, by Aurangzeb's son, as a tribute to his mother Begum Rabia Durani. A replica of the Taj Mahal, this monument is the only specimen of Mughal architecture of its kind, in the Deccan plateau. 

Pan Chakki: Dating back to the 17th century, this ingenious watermill, that takes its name from the mill, which used to grind grain for the pilgrims, was designed to generate energy via water, brought down from a spring on a mountain, located nearby. The energy generated was, further, used to turn the large grinding stones of the flour mill. It was built by Malik Ambar himself, in 1695. In 1624, a Sufi saint who was much revered by Aurangzeb was buried here, the gardens and fish tanks serve as his memorial. 

Daulatabad: Just 13 kms from Aurangabad , standing on a pyramid - shaped hill, is this impressive fortress, once known as 'Devgiri'. Built in the 12th century by Bhillama, the king of the Yadav dynasty, it was named Daulatabad, the city of fortune, by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. The Sultan was so taken with this fortress, that he decided to shift his capital here. A 5 km massive wall, artificial scarping, spiked gates, dungeons and a variety of complicated defence systems rendered Daulatabad impregnable. The 30 metre high Chand Minar, built by the Bahmani rulers is another famous landmark of the area. 

Khuldabad: Khuldabad, or heavenly abode, is a just a few kms away from Daulatabad, a walled city that is the Karbala town or holy shrine of the Deccan Muslims. It houses the tomb of Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal emperor. Before his demise, the emperor himself had the crenellated wall built around the town, which was at that time, an important centre. 

Ghrishneshwar Temple: Half a kilometre from Ellora (30 kms) lies this beautiful temple, one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of India, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. The Ghrishneshwar temple, built by Rani Ahillyabai Holkar, a Maratha princess, is the most superb example of medieval temple architecture. 

Pithalkora: Nestling within the Satmala range of the Sahyadris, 78 kms from Aurangabad is a group of 13 cave sanctuaries, both chaityas and viharas, that date back to the 2nd century BC. The intricate work on the sculptured facades in these caves, is definitely worth a visit. 

Paithan: Situated 56 kms south of Aurangabad, is the ancient capital city of the Satvahanas, Paithan, which is renowned for its Paithani silk saris with exquisite zari borders. Today, it is also an important excavation site. Centuries ago, the famous Marathi poet - saint, Eknath lived here. The Jayakwadi dam here, is a haven for avid nature - lovers, especially those interested in avianfauna. A variety of resident and migratory birds can be sighted here. The best season for bird - watching is between October and March. 

Another attraction of this area is the huge Gyaneshwar Udyan, Maharashtra's largest garden, built on the lines of the famous Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore, Pinjore in Haryana and the Shalimar in Kashmir. 

Bani Begum Gardens: About 24 kms from Aurangabad are the elegant Bani Begum Gardens, at the centre of which is the tomb of Bani Begum, the consort of one of Aurangzeb's sons. These gardens built in various styles, equipped with massive domes, fountains and fluted pillars, are a fine specimen of the architecture of the time. 

By air: The Aurangabad airport is 10 kms from the city, and links the city directly to Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Mumbai. 

By rail: By rail Aurangabad is directly linked to Pune and Mumbai. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railway line, is only 59 kms from Ajanta (30 kms). 

By road: State Transport buses run from Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik and Dhule to Aurangabad, and from Aurangabad to Jalgaon. Maharashtra Tourist Development Corporation (M T D C) operates a bus service, and conducts luxury - coach - tours from Mumbai to Aurangabad.