Imagine walking through a massive stone gateway, knowing that centuries ago, emperors, Sufi saints, and wealthy silk traders passed through this exact spot. Imagine standing in front of a monument carved entirely out of a single mountain peak, or watching the sunset reflect off a white marble dome that looks strikingly like the Taj Mahal.
Welcome to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad). Nestled right in Maharashtra, this district is far more than a pin on a map: it is a living, breathing storybook. If you are looking for a travel destination that fills your camera roll, satisfies your inner history nerd, and introduces you to some of the most jaw-dropping architecture on the planet, you have just found it.
Things to Do in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip.
Why should Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar be at the top of your travel bucket list? Simple: it is Maharashtra’s tourism capital for a reason. This is a place where different worlds collide, a land of massive hill forts, prehistoric rock-cut caves, holy temples, and ancient textile arts. You can spend your morning exploring a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monastery carved into a cliffside, your afternoon exploring a medieval fortress, and your evening shopping for hand-woven silk (Paithani) sarees that use real silver threads. It offers a sensory, historical, and cultural overload in the best possible way.
A Quick Step Back in Time
The history of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar reads like an epic movie script. Long ago, the region was a bustling hub under ancient dynasties like the Satavahanas and the Yadavas, who built the unbelievable fort at Daulatabad. Later, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb made it his capital and renamed it Aurangabad. Today, the district honours the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha ruler, carrying the name Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Because of its layered past, the district is surrounded by 52 historic stone gates, earning it the nickname “The City of Gates.”
Places to Visit in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
There is a lot to see, but here are the absolute must-visit spots in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
1. The Ellora Caves & The Mighty Kailash Temple
Located just about 30 kilometers from the main city, Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning caves representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths side-by-side. The crown jewel here is Cave 16: The Kailash Temple.
Ancient artisans carved it top-down out of a single, solid basalt mountain cliff. They removed over 200,000 tons of rock using nothing but chisels and hammers. It is an architectural marvel that leaves even modern engineers completely speechless.
2. The Majestic Ajanta Caves
If Ellora is a masterclass in stone carving, Ajanta is a masterclass in ancient art. Tucked into a horseshoe-shaped river gorge about 100 kilometers from the city, these 30 Buddhist caves date back as far as the 2nd century BCE. Inside, you will find beautifully preserved frescoes and wall paintings that detail ancient lifestyle, fashion, and spiritual stories using natural colours that are still vibrant.
3. Bibi Ka Maqbara (The Taj of the Deccan)
Ever wanted to see the Taj Mahal without the massive Agra crowds? Built by Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, Dilras Banu Begum, this beautiful monument features striking white marble domes and sprawling Mughal gardens.
4. Deogiri-Daulatabad Fort
This one is for adventure seekers. Perched high on a conical hill, this medieval fortress was considered completely undefeatable. It features a maze of dark transit passages, called the Andhari, designed to confuse enemy soldiers in pitch blackness. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Deccan plateau.
5. The Ellora Caves Waterfall
If you are lucky enough to visit during heavy rains, you can witness water cascading directly over the basalt cliffs right next to the rock-cut caves. Watching roaring water plunge into the ravine while standing amidst thousands of years of human history is an experience that will give you absolute goosebumps.
6. Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary
For those who want to trade ancient stone for deep wilderness, head over to the Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Protected as a pristine eco-tourism zone by the Maharashtra Forest Department, this sanctuary sits snugly in the Satmala hill ranges of the Western Ghats.
It is a stunning paradise of dry deciduous forests that completely transforms into a lush, emerald paradise during the monsoon season.
Why Is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Every Traveler’s Dream Destination?
The best part about Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is that it doesn’t cater to just one type of traveller.
The History Buff and Art Lover
Between the ancient murals of Ajanta, the monolithic architecture of Ellora, and the ruins of Daulatabad, you will feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
Families
Kids love the open spaces, the fortress mazes, and the fascinating stories behind the monuments. Plus, the nearby Siddharth Garden and Zoo is a great spot for a relaxed afternoon.
Couples and Photographers
The symmetry of Bibi Ka Maqbara at sunrise and the dramatic cliffs of the cave complexes offer some of the most romantic and photogenic backdrops in India.
The Shopper and Foodie
If you love crafts, you can watch artisans weave authentic Paithani sarees or create Himroo shawls. And when you get hungry, you absolutely must try Naan Qalia, a local spiced meat and flatbread dish that has been cooked here since medieval army campaigns.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season: October to March
The weather is pleasantly cool, making it perfect for walking around open-air heritage sites.
Monsoon Magic: June to September
If you love lush green landscapes and roaring waterfalls, visit during the monsoons. The hills surrounding the Ajanta and Ellora caves turn vibrant green, though you’ll need an umbrella for exploring.
How to Reach?
By Air
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (IXU) connects directly to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
By Train
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station is well connected to major Indian cities via direct express trains.
By Road
Excellent highway connectivity. You can easily take a state transport bus or drive down from Mumbai or Pune.
Ready to Walk Through the City of Gates?
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is one of those rare destinations where history doesn’t feel like a dusty old book. It feels alive, dramatic, and completely awe-inspiring.