The best time to visit Aurangabad is during the winter months, when the climate is cool and pleasant for exploring the great outdoors. Most renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad has many other fascinating sites you can visit. This historic city is also known as the “City of Gates”, because of the 52 gates that surround it. Read on to find out the best time to visit Aurangabad.
Winter in Aurangabad (October to February)
October to February is the winter season and the ideal time for tourism in Aurangabad. The temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius and it is quite cold. Because of the pleasant climate, a large number of tourists visit the city to explore the caves and other famous tourist attractions.
December to February is especially the peak tourist season. It is a good time to explore the outdoors. Visit the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Caves, and Daulatabad Fort, go trekking, or visit the Jayakwadi Dam for some birdwatching. Check out the things you can do in Aurangabad here.
Make sure to carry some light woollens with you, since the nights can get cold. Also carry sunscreen, cap, and sunglasses for the day. Dress decently while visiting the sacred places. Have a water bottle with you at all times and stay hydrated.
Summer in Aurangabad (March to June)
Summers in Aurangabad last from March to June, and can be intense. The temperatures can rise up to 43 degrees Celsius, and the climate is very hot and dry. There are frequent droughts and water shortages in this region of Maharashtra. We would recommend not traveling to Aurangabad during this time, since people not used to such extreme heat can experience heat strokes.
If you do decide to visit, though, try to visit places like Daulatabad Fort or the caves early in the morning to escape the heat. The plus side is that there will be very few tourists during this season, and you could get good deals on accommodations. On the other hand, take care not to stay outdoors in the sweltering heat. Carry sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Read more: The Most Amazing Temples in India
Monsoon in Aurangabad (July to September)
Aurangabad does not see intense rains during the monsoon season because of its geographical location. The temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, but it is not the best time to visit Aurangabad, since the climate is extremely humid.
However, the city has some of the most picturesque views during the monsoons. The landscape turns green and looks simply mesmerizing. If you do not mind the rains and humidity, monsoon is a great time to visit Aurangabad. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves will take you back in time, majestic against the grey skies with small streams flowing around.
Carry an umbrella or raincoat with you, since the rains can be unpredictable.
See also: Things to do in Maharashtra
Festivals and events in Aurangabad
Ellora and Ajanta International Festival
One of the most popular festivals of Aurangabad, the Ellora and Ajanta International Festival is a three-day cultural event. Known for art, music, and dance performances by national and international artists, the festival takes place at Soneri Mahal against the backdrop of the majestic Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The event takes place on different dates every year, so be sure to check it out before booking your tickets.
Paithan Festival
Paithan Festival, or Nath Shashti, is a religious fair that takes place in March or April according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is a tribute to the Maharashtrian Saint Eknath Maharaj. Held over ten days, the festival sees many religious celebrations and thousands of devotees gather in the city to celebrate this religious festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival dedicated to the Hindu Elephant God, Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated with great pomp all over Maharashtra in late August or early September. In Aurangabad too, you will find Ganesh pandals all over the city, with devotees praying and singing hymns during the mornings and evenings. On the tenth day, the Ganesh idols are immersed in the water with prayers and celebrations. This is an experience you must have if you are in the city during the festival.
Dussehra
The festival of Dussehra is celebrated all over India in different ways. In Aurangabad, the celebrations take place over ten days. On the last day, there is a fair where people meet each other and exchange leaves of the Apta tree, believed to be auspicious. Large statues of demon king Ravana are burned, while Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on this day.
How to reach Aurangabad
By air
Aurangabad airport, or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport connects many major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Nagpur, and Indore.
By train
Aurangabad Station is very well-connected via Indian Railways. Trains travel to and from Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad to Aurangabad. There are a few trains that also pass through Nanded, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Gwalior, and more cities.
By road
Aurangabad is located on the National Highway 211. Since Ajanta and Ellora Caves are UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city is well-connected by road to many other cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, and Jalna.
So, when will you be visiting Aurangabad? Let us know! At India Someday, we plan personalized trips to India for you based on your likes and preferences. Contact us and we will plan the perfect trip to India for you!
