Aurangabad to Rajahmundry Flights

  About Aurangabad

Aurangabad is a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra, especially because of the Ajanta and Ellora caves. The caves have been appointed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983. You would also want to check out the Aurangabad caves. They are not as popular as the Ajanta and Ellora caves, and they are totally worth visiting. The caves were carved out of soft rocks in the fifth-sixth century. The city was initially called Khadki which was later changed to Fatehnagar after Fateh Khan, who ruled the city then. The city got its name, Aurangabad, after Mughal Prince Aurangzeb was made the Viceroy for the second time. Interesting fact: Aurangabad was a part of Hyderabad until 1956. It was during this year that the city was officially declared as a part of Maharashtra.

Apart from the caves, the city is also popular for Bibi Ka Maqbara, which is also known as the second Taj Mahal of India. The mausoleum is a tomb that was made for Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's first wife Dilras Banu Begum who was called Rabia Daurani posthumously. The two of them had five kids together, and sadly, she passed away a month after delivering their fifth child, due to complications that came with the delivery. A grief-stricken Aurangzeb later decided to create a mausoleum as the final resting place of Rabia Daurani and called it Bibi Ka Maqbara which translates to Tomb of the Lady.

The city also boasts of several temples like the Bhadri Maruti Temple and Jyothirlinga Grishneshwar temple. The latter is believed to be one of the last Jyotirlinga temples in the world. Apart from these, there is also the Daulatabad Fort and a couple of gardens that were made during the Mughal era that you can visit. Aurangabad is one of the most notable tourist hubs in Maharashtra, and you will not regret it one bit. Not to mention, you can treat yourself to the best Maharashtrian food in the city. A delicious Maharashtrian Thali for lunch and some moong dal pakoda is just what you need to make your day.

Another interesting fact about Aurangabad is how the place was called the City of Gates since it boasted of 52 gates, out of which only four have survived now. Bhadkal Gate is one of the oldest, biggest gates that has survived and you'll come across it near the Naukhanda Palace of Nizams.

Best Time to Visit Aurangabad

The city experiences summer from March to May. The maximum temperature during summer is 31 degrees Celsius, and it's not too hot, but tourists avoid travelling to Aurangabad during this season. Monsoon hits the city from June to September. It doesn't rain too heavily, but it wouldn't hurt to carry an extra umbrella or raincoat. Winters are quite pleasant and start from October through February. Winter is also the best time to visit the city, and you'll have an enjoyable trip at all of the places you choose to visit during this time.

Places to Visit in Aurangabad

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are one of the most important places to visit in Aurangabad. The Ajanta caves depict the artistry of the Buddhist monks who used simple tools to paint and sculpt stories from the Jataka Tales. While you'll find a lot of stories carved on the caves at Ajanta, the Ellora caves throw light on three religions, namely Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The intricate work on the walls of the caves will surely leave you speechless. You will be mesmerised by the beauty of these caves.

Aurangabad has a lot of stories to tell from the past right from its inception. Visit the Naukhanda Palace of Nizams to find out more about the lifestyle of the royals who lived here. You can also visit the Bhadkal gate, one of the four gates (of 52 total) that have survived now. The Bibi Ka Maqbara, also popularly known as India's second Taj Mahal, is a popular tourist attraction of the city. It depicts Aurangzeb's love for his first wife and chief consort, Rabia Daurani. The tomb is her final resting place and was completed three years after her demise. You can also visit the Siddharth Garden Zoo. You will find wild animals like crocodiles, hyenas, snakes and much more. Take this opportunity and pack a picnic basket to make a fun memory of a picnic in the garden with your family.

Embrace your spiritual side at the Bhadra Maruti temple, which was made to worship Lord Hanuman and the Jyotirlinga Grishneshwar temple where you can offer prayers to Lord Shiva and other Gods and Goddesses. It is the last of the Jyotirlinga temples in the world. It's popular among pilgrims, too. Closer to the Ellora caves, you'll also find the Valley of the Sufi Saints which is the resting place of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and a lot of other Sufi saints. It's a holy shrine built in their honour. It's not very difficult to reach here. You'll easily find a bus, taxi or a rickshaw that will drop you to the Valley of the Sufi Saints.

Things to do in Aurangabad

You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Ajanta and Ellora caves from Aurangabad. You'll also find quite a lot of tour guides in the area who will tell you tales of every carving and every cave that you visit here. Just a fair warning, there might be a few caves with an overwhelming smell since these have bats living in them. It's also known to be one of the best places to take loads of pictures. You can either make use of your photography skills to get more likes and followers on Instagram or make memories with all the selfies you take with your family or friends. It would be best if you also tried the thali at Bhoj, one of the most popular restaurants in the city. You can also visit the Shrimant Chatrapathi Shivaji Museum. Be amazed to look at a 500-year-old war suit and 400-year-old Paithani sari and lots of other artefacts that are from the Mughal era and of the Marathas.

Make sure you do visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara. Though it's not as popular as the Taj Mahal, the designs and structure are quite similar to it. Aurangabad also has a lot of upcoming and new places for the youngsters to go chill or party. You'll find a lot of hip restaurants and party spots in the city, too. Though they are not widely popular yet. Aurangabad also has an amusement park that goes by the name H20 Water Park. Spend an entire day with your family or friends. This place is a delight to all the water babies who love floating on tubes or getting on those fun water slides.

Food and Restaurants in Aurangabad

You'll find everything that you feel like eating in Aurangabad. While there are places that serve traditional Mughlai and Maharashtrian food, there are also restaurants that specialise in continental, Chinese and other types of foods that you love. Bhoj Thali Restaurant is one of the most popular places in the city. You must eat here at least once before you leave the city. The Green Leaf restaurant is yet another place that has gained popularity over time. You must try the rabdi jalebis here.

Yalla Yalla is a new restaurant that has become a rage among the locals and tourists, too. It specialises in North Indian food and is like heaven for non-vegetarians. The achari chicken, prawn koliwadas and the mutton dum biryani are only some of the most popular dishes in this restaurant. Don't hesitate to try the street food in the city. Grab a plate of moong dal pakodas with a glass of chai to add to a perfect evening.

How to reach Aurangabad (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest airport is the Aurangabad airport, and the flight connectivity to and from Aurangabad to all the major cities is also impeccable. However, you will not find a direct international flight from here and will probably have to figure out which city you want a connecting flight from. It's easier to get cheap flight tickets to Aurangabad from the major cities of India like Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune and Nagpur.

By Rail

The Aurangabad railway station is well-connected with all of the major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Amritsar, Madurai, Bhopal, Chennai, Rajkot and so on. Trains run to and from Aurangabad’s domestic routes quite regularly, and it will not be difficult for you to get the train tickets. You won't even have to wait a lot to get your tickets to or from the city.

By Road

Government and private buses are running to and from the city. You'll also get AC buses that run from major cities that stop at either Central Bus station or the CIDCO bus station in Aurangabad. The two bus stops are 6 km apart, and you can pick whichever one is closest to and can further book your hotel room in Aurangabad.

  About Rajahmundry

Nestled on the banks of the Godavari River is the city of Rajahmundry, an ancient town in Andhra Pradesh. It is also called Rajamahendravaram and has a rich history, too. It was earlier ruled by the Dutch and then the British. This is also considered as the place where the language Telugu was born. The city has become a popular tourist spot in the state. The Pushkar Ghats that is located along the river Godavari is an important place and is also where the Pushkara festivals take place every 12 years in a grand manner. You must certainly add Rajahmundry to your vacation destination list, if you are planning one to Andhra Pradesh. Apart from dams and bridges, Rajahmundry is also popular for its hills, lush greenery and for being a textile hub.

Best Time to Visit Rajahmundry

Winter and monsoon are the ideal months to visit Rajahmundry. Since summer in the Southern states of India can get pretty intense and gruelling, it is advisable to not travel to the city during these months. November to March is when the city witnesses winter. The temperature drops down to 14 degree Celsius and you can indulge in a lot of activities in Rajahmundry during these months. The city does not experience very cold winters. You can book a hotel in Rajahmundry at affordable rates during this time since it is also peak season. You might even get decent flight deals to Rajahmundry.

April to June is summer in Rajahmundry and the temperature crosses 40 degree Celsius sometimes. The blistering heat will only make it difficult for you to plan any outdoor activities. May is one of the hottest months in the city and even heading to the hilly areas won't help deal with it. The evenings might get slightly better than the days but you won't feel like heading for any activities. Tourists also usually avoid travelling to Rajahmundry during the summer.

The city experiences monsoon from August to October and though it does not receive heavy rainfall, the light showers come as a relief from the scorching heat of the summer. The weather is quite pleasant during monsoon and since it is also off-season, you might get cheap flight tickets to Rajahmundry. If you book at the right time, you might even get good deals on hotel bookings for Rajahmundry.

Places to Visit in Rajahmundry

Annavaram is a popular tourist spot in Rajahmundry. It is situated on the banks of river Pampa and is popular for the Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple sees tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. Devotees perform a specific ritual of the Satyanarayana Vratam to please Lord Vishnu, mostly before wedding functions. Maredumilli is another wildlife project in the city that also houses tribal people. Their hospitality will certainly win you over. Rajahmundry is also a pilgrim spot that has a lot of temples like the Draksharama, Maredumilli, Annavaram, Dwaraka Tirumala and ISKCON temple. You can visit the temples to embrace your spirituality. Papi Hills or the Papikondalu mountain range that runs along the river Godavari is a tourist spot that you must not miss. The scenic view from the hilltop is breathtakingly beautiful.

Dowleswaram barrage, built across the Godavari river is another popular tourist attraction in the city. The view from this spot is simply stunning. On the eastern bank of river Godavari, you'll find the Draksharamam temple, one of the five powerful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is about 40 km away from Rajahmundry and was built in the 11th century. The Godavari bridge is the second largest road and rail bridge in the country. It is also a very popular tourist destination in the city. In the forests of the Papi Hills, you'll find a picturesque landscape called Pattiseema. The village is absolutely beautiful and the perfect place to seek solitude. You will find a lot of peace in this village. The Goutami Ghat near the ISKCON temple is another place you must spend some time in Rajahmundry. You can even book a hotel in Rajahmundry that is near the ghat. The Dwaraka Tirumala and ISKCON temples are some of the most visited temples in the city.

Things to do in Rajahmundry

Whether you want to soak in the best of nature or go on a historical tour or visit temples, Rajahmundry has everything in store for you. There are quite a few places along the banks of the Godavari river that are perfect for taking stunning pictures. Head to the Dowleswaram Barrage or the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage to catch the magnificent sunset. You will definitely love taking pictures at this spot. Try camping or stargazing at Papikondalu. You will also find a lot of other activities to take up here and the night stay will surely rejuvenate you giving you a lot of memories to take back home from the trip. Get a taste of wonderful tribal hospitality at the Maredumilli. The place promotes ecotourism and is popular for its greenery, pepper and coffee plantations here.

If you are planning to visit Maredumilli, do stop by at Bhupathipalem Reservoir. It is about an hour and a half away from Rajahmundry and is surrounded by forests. You can either go boating or take stunning pictures of the trees and scenery nearby. If you are travelling with a large group, make sure you also go to Water Village by River Bay. The amusement park has rain dance, slides, pools and a lot of activities that will make your day even better. In fact, you can also stay at the riverside cottages that they offer to a lot of tourists. The Godavari Arch Bridge is one of the major highlights in Rajahmundry. The sunset here looks absolutely spectacular. If you love looking at vintage coins, handicrafts, local art forms and so on, make sure that you visit the Rallabandi SubbaRao Archaeological Museum. It's like paradise for history and archaeology geeks. Attending the aarti at Pushkar ghat is a spiritual experience you cannot miss. Rajahmundry will definitely be a vacation to remember. Make sure you plan your travel at the right season and add some of the best places to itinerary for a unique experience. The wildlife and nature experiences will leave you awestruck and you will even return from the holiday with lots of memories.

Food and Restaurants in Rajahmundry

Rose Milk is one of the top-rated dessert places in Rajahmundry and you must definitely try it out. The outlet is pretty small but it has a lot of customers crowding in, waiting for their turn patiently to get their hands on the rose milk. You will find pretty great reviews of this place and it is also recommended by the locals. The service is also pretty good and you won't be disappointed with it. Citrus Restaurant is another place that will fit your bill if you are looking for a fine dining experience. The South Indian cuisine here is mouthwatering and the service is also pretty good. The restaurant also offers a wonderful ambience. Head over to Sitara Coffee House for a refreshing cup of caffeine. Aharam Restaurant is another restaurant that is inside the Anand Regency Hotel that is quite famous. It is a highly recommended place for tourists. Dolphinn's Restaurant and JK Restaurant are also recommended by locals if you want to enjoy a scrumptious meal. Do head to Anand Sweets later for desserts. This place is like paradise for everyone who has a sweet tooth.

How to Reach Rajahmundry (Transportation)

By Air

The Rajahmundry Airport is about 18 km away from the city centre and the flight connectivity from Rajahmundry is quite limited. The airport is connected to cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai. Connecting flights from Hyderabad and Bangalore are the most popular routes to Rajahmundry. Getting a taxi or a bus from outside the airport to reach the city centre is not very difficult. You will easily get a taxi from the airport to reach the city or wherever it is that you want to go. In fact, you can even take a taxi or a bus from Hyderabad airport to reach Rajahmundry. If you book your flight tickets to Rajahmundry well in advance, you might get cheap flight tickets to Rajahmundry.

By Rail

All trains between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam stop at Rajahmundry and since it lies on the Howrah-Chennai main coastal rail, a lot of trains stop here. You will get taxis quite easily from the railway station and in fact, travelling by train is also one of the most economical options to reach Rajahmundry. You will also enjoy the view outside during your train journey.

By Road

Rajahmundry is well-connected to the nearby cities by bus and other private transport. A lot of buses leave from and reach the city regularly. While it is a cheaper option to travel, it might not prove to be the most comfortable option. You can also take a private taxi or drive to Rajahmundry from the nearby cities.