Should Foreigners Visit Aurangabad? Our Honest Review (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar)

Should foreigners visit Aurangabad instead of Agra & the Taj Mahal? Once you see this video, the answer will be very clear. Before your trip, please note that Aurangabad has been renamed to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (छत्रपती संभाजीनगर). We visited before the name change.

Aurangabad, located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Here are some popular things to do in Aurangabad:

Visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves: These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are the most famous attractions in Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves are ancient Buddhist cave temples featuring exquisite rock-cut sculptures and paintings. The Ellora Caves showcase a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples.

Explore Bibi Ka Maqbara: Often referred to as the "Mini Taj," Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum built by Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife. It resembles the Taj Mahal and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate designs.

Discover Daulatabad Fort: This formidable hilltop fortress dates back to the 12th century and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Aurangabad. Explore its well-preserved structures, including the fortifications, moats, and various gates.

Visit Panchakki: Panchakki is a water mill complex with a mesmerizing garden. It was built in the 17th century and served as an engineering marvel to harness water power for grinding grains and operating other machinery.

Explore Aurangabad Caves: Located on a hillside, the Aurangabad Caves comprise 12 Buddhist caves dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Marvel at the intricate carvings and sculptures within these ancient rock-cut caves.

Enjoy a stroll in Siddharth Garden and Zoo: This picturesque garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It offers lush greenery, a variety of plants, a small zoo, and a children's play area.
Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds significant religious importance. The temple's architecture and spiritual atmosphere make it worth a visit.

Explore the museums: Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum) and the Sunehri Mahal Museum to delve into the region's history, art, and artefacts.

Try local cuisine: Aurangabad is famous for its delectable cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to savour local specialities like Naan Qalia, Dum Biryani, and the region's unique Himroo silk textiles.

These are just a few highlights of what Aurangabad has to offer. Exploring the city's streets, interacting with locals, and immersing yourself in its vibrant culture will enhance your experience.

00:00 Better than Agra & the Taj Mahal?
00:57 This looks like the Taj Mahal! (Bibi Ka Maqbara)
04:23 Mesmerising hill fort (Daulatabad Fort)
12:23 Trying Mughal Army food (Naan Khaliya)
14:14 This should be a wonder of the world! (Ellora Caves)
18:42 Should you visit Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (prev. Auranagbad)?

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[KarlRock]

Do not miss 14:14 it should be a wonder of the world!
New Name Update: Aurangabad has been renamed to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. We visited *before* the renaming.

[naveex]

Kailasa Temple at Ellora Caves in Maharashtra India is considered greatest architecture in history of mankind, because the way it was built seems unbelievable for even today’s time. The temple was built at least 1300 years ago. No stone or nothing was added they carved a mammoth Granite rock/mountain with intricate details. The Kailasa Temple is notable for its vertical excavation-carvers started at the top of the original rock and excavated downward. At least tonnes of stones have been removed in the process. About 7000 workers and their future generations worked for 135 years. One small mistake and you have to rebuild the whole temple because it's carved into the rock without adding anything, that too up to down.

[jeevesss]

Karl... sincerely... you are the only person who has every made me feel homesick for places I've never been to...

[Cryotek]

The fact that the Kailasha temple was built in less than 20 years outside in only by carving is mind boggling. This is close to impossible even with modern machinery. Also, there are a lot of tunnels underneath the structure that have been blocked off adding to the mystery. Plus there was no evidence of the broken rocks being transported anywhere nearby. Thanks for visiting this Karl.

[bourgeois]

This guy is doing such a great work for Maharashtra tourism. I wish the tourism department will recognise him in some way.

[SNgbd]

I really didn’t know that we have so many wonders of the world. Today morning I was watching Egypt museum video and really appreciate their government for take good care of old historical architecture and sculptures intact. I was really shocked to see so many wonderful places in this video by Karl Rock. Please wake up Indians. Promote your tourism and culture and protect our old civilization and history.

[rosanilebron]

I went to Aurangabad in 2019 as an extension of a trip with my friends. For many years I wanted to see Ajanta and Ellora. And it was AMAZING!!! These places can't be visited in a rush. We spent many hours in Ajanta Caves, absorbing every detail. The way they were built was an extraordinary work. All the frescos paintings (what is left) are stunning and the sculptures as well. Loved the Maha Nirvana Buddha.
But...Ellora is mind blowing! When I was there I felt something indescribable. Honestly, I was in awe. The Kailasa Temple is stunning. The huge Shiv Lingam is very powerful. And the Jain caves are a whole other world. They are very mystical, enigmatic. Ellora has so many beautiful carvings and sculptures. One that is outstanding is the one of Ravan in Mount Kailash. Also, there are many carvings telling stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharat.
Visit Aurangabad with plenty time to watch every detail. Avoid visiting during the months of April and May, because it is extremely hot. We were there in the beginning of April and it was like a desert: Way too hot and dry. Also, we had the chance to visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlingam. That temple is beautiful, peaceful and very well preserved and taken care of. People were very nice with us at the temple. Aurangabad is 10/10.

[heavenrainheaven]

Hey Karl, finally you visited my hometown in India. Spent 24 yrs of my life there before moving to NZ Auckland. It was pleasure to watch yours and Manisha’s visit there. You should also go to Ajanta Caves. Don’t miss those! Have fun guys.

[nd]

Your wife Manu is Real beauty with brains… she knows so much and is quiet knowledgeable for her age… I love how you two have found a common liking for something. God bless you both… keep doing the amazing work and exploring India to make us all aware of our heritage. Kudos. ❤❤

[Beerweasel]

That temple carved from solid rock is mind blowing. Thank you Karl and Manisha.

[warriorr]

18:38 Imagine standing on top the hill. You have to dig it in such a way that you end up with a temple like this. Absolutely mind blowing

[warriorr]

The most stunning thing about Devgiri fort were its defences
9:27 The original bridge was wide enough to only allow 2 people to pass at a time. And the water level of moat could be controlled using dams- to flood the bridge.

10:46 : The dark labyrinthine alleyways like these were used to confuse and psychologically rattle the enemy. Defending soldiers would hide in the recesses in the walls above and pour boiling hot oil on the invaders below. Labyrinthine pathway would lead to groups of invading soldiers running into each other in the dark, mistaking the other as the enemy and killing their own men. Some dark staircases would abruptly halt leading the invaders to slip into holes which would open outside -150ft fall into crocodile infested moat below. Also These pathways could be filled with smoke when necessary, suffocating invading soldiers.

[yusufalfyfer]

Awesome history in India please find even more beautiful places love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 brother

[capricorndragon]

Amazing and beautiful. I could spend hours looking at all those carvings, possibly days. Ancient engineers and craftspeople of India have blown my mind.

[elaineg]

Namaste! Thank you for this! A wonderful video for a Sunday morning! Now..going to go through my late Son’s photos. I’m pretty sure he went to the little Taj about 10-12yrs ago when they were in Maharashtra. If I remember correctly, it was one of the places he was very sad that it wasn’t being upkept-the gardens were overgrown back then.
WOW! The Temple and caves!! A good friend recently visited some ancient temples/caves in Khujaraho…reminds us why India is the Jewel of Asia!
I just wish I could return…have to experience these places virtually through your and my friend’s videos..Dhanyavad!

[rajat]

i live in Aurangabad and i seem to have forgotten about the sheer magnificence of these monuments
your video just reminded me how great these monuments are
i'll make sure to visit these places very soon

[sarmera]

All statue faces are broken in Mughal / Muslim ruler Periods. This is huge loss of humanity. Muslim ruler Done This Job All Over India.

[agadre]

We visited Daulatabad (Deogiri) many years ago. We had an excellent guide, who told us the history, incidents, and the different defense features of the fort. A pity you went without an official guide.

[prabhavenkatesh]

The Kailashnath temple in Ellora cave complex is the most stunning structure I have seen in my life Tajmahal is very nice but Kailash temple is just incredible. The other place that really was mind blowing is Rani Ki Vav In Patan, Gujrat. I consider myself blessed to have seen these two places built by our ancients.

[ramimani]

Karl, I am rewatching this video again, and it's bringing back all the amazing memories that are carved in my mind and heart as one of the top places I visited in incredible India.

Please accept this small token of appreciation from the heart.