Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar)     Aurangabad city was founded in 1610,on the site of a village , Khirki by Malik Ambar - the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II.

      When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son turned successor in 1626 , he gave the city the name 'Fatehpur'.Later in 1653, when Prince Aurangazeb became viceroy of the Deccan, he made the city his capital and called it Aurangabad.

     Aurangabad has always been a prominent region on the Deccan Plateau.Having been inhabited since the stone Age ,it has a long artistic and cultural history - to which several dynasties have made major contributions over the years.

GENERAL INFO :
    The railway station, tourist office are clustered in the south of the town. The bus stand is 1.5 km to the north.

    North-East of here is the crowed old town with its narrow streets and distinct Muslim quarter. Tourist facilities cling to Station Road most of which runs north from the Railway station.

    A splinter road claiming the same name, however runs northwest past several hotels and restaurants to Kranti Chawk, Jalna Road runs east to airline offices and the airport, while Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg cuts back to station Road. W. north of this intersection, Station road becomes Dr. Ambedkar Marg. Just before passing the Bus stand.

    The turn off for Pavanchakki on the left and the GPO on the right. Its terminus on the north end of town near the Bibi-ka-Maqbara and the Aurangabad Caves.

POPULATION: 682, 000 

CLIMATE  :
   Aurangabad has moderate type of climate and the temperature difference between summers and winters is not large. The summers are hot and winters are warm.

   One can visit this Mughal capital any time of the year but it is better to come here between October and march.

CLOTHS : Normal Clothing .

Paithan :
      56ms.,south of Aurangabad. Paithan is particullarly well-known for its Paithani silk sarees.

Himroo :
        The district is famous for Mashru and Homroo fabrics made of silk; having lustre of satin.

Bidri :
        Another one of Aurangabads ancient professions.

       Bidri-Ware is made with a combination of zinc and copper. It usually has intricate workmanship of pure silverk,either embossed ,overlaid or inlaid  on the surfaces.

      During any festive season, the whole city of Aurangabad brightens up and there is lot of excitement in the air.

      If you drop in during any of the festival time, watching or taking part in the festivities can be an interesting experience.

      Apart from major Indian festivals like the Holi and Diwali which are celebrated with traditional fervour and joy, there are a few festivals which are very special to Aurangabad and are celebrated with atmost gaiety.

ELLORA FESTIVAL :
Every year in the third week of March , Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) organises the Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music at the Caves.