Two UNESCO Treasures
Ajanta's serene Buddhist murals (2nd c. BCE) and Ellora's monumental Kailasa Temple — the largest single rock-cut sculpture on the planet — sit just hours apart.
About the destination
Two names, one timeless city
In 2023, the historic city of Aurangabad was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in honour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj — the Maratha king who symbolises the region's later history of resistance and reclamation. The airport (IXU) and the railway station have since been updated.
Many travellers and locals still recognise the city by its older name, so you'll often see "Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)" used together — including throughout this guide. Whichever name you use, the welcome and the wonders are unchanged.
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