An enchanting marble dome rising above a serene Mughal garden, Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, reflects the elegance and grandeur similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra. For its resemblance to the monument, Bibi Ka Maqbara is popularly known as the “ Taj Mahal of Deccan”. However, the atmosphere at the place is more intimate, less crowded and deeply rooted in the Mughal history of Aurangabad.
As you enter the complex, you will witness a sense of calmn due to the breathtaking water channels running through the Charbagh-style garden, a Deccan-adaptive version of North-Indian Mughal architecture.
Here we will explore the monument, its historic significance, timings, entry fee, how to reach, best time to visit and places to explore near Bibi Ka Maqbara. So, let’s start our journey exploring this spellbinding monument.
Historic Significance of Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the most popular places to visit in Aurangabad. It is a 17th-century Mughal mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor in honour of his beloved wife, Rabia-ul-Daurani. The architecture of the monument draws inspiration from the world-famous Taj Mahal. Ata-Ullah, an architect from the Safavid Empire, crafted the monument.
According to a legend, Aurangzeb was deeply devastated by his wife’s demise and commissioned the construction of this grand mausoleum to immortalise her memory. But his frugality and distaste for extravagance led him to instruct the architects and builders to create a monument that was more modest than the Taj Mahal, representing an expression of grief and loss.
It is also believed that the monument was constructed during the time of financial hardship of the Mughal Empire. However, despite its smaller size, the Bibi Ka Maqbara has a unique charm and mesmerising beauty that captivates the visitors.
Timings, Entry Fees and Location
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
- Location: Aurangabad Caves Rd, Vidyut Colony, Begumpura, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra 431001.
Best Time to Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara
The best time to visit Bibi Ka Maqbara is during the winter months (October – February), as the weather is pleasant for garden strolling and picnics while admiring the beauty of the monument, which changes with the sun’s position. The winter evenings feel crisp and photogenic, adding a calming charm to the atmosphere.
If you are visiting the monument during the Summer months (March-June), it is best to visit Bibi Ka Maqbara early in the morning.
Rain showers during the monsoon months (July-September) add a lush green touch to the beautiful gardens surrounding the monument. But the stone path can become a bit slippery; therefore, you need to walk carefully.
How to Reach Bibi Ka Maqbara
Located just 3 km away from the city centre, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a famous tourist attraction in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. You can easily reach the site by air, rail and road.
By Air
Aurangabad Airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, at 10 km, is the nearest domestic airport to Bibi Ka Maqbara. For international travellers, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, is the nearest airport. If you are travelling to Mumbai, you can also explore places to visit in Mumbai while staying at affordable hotels in Mumbai.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Bibi Ka Maqbara is in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which is just 5 kms away from Bibi Ka Maqbara. From the station, you can take a taxi to reach the location. Moreover, numerous hotels in Aurangabad offer private cab services to and from transit points and tourist attractions.
By Road
Bibi Ka Makbara is 4 kms from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Bus Stand and there are various state and private which will take you to Bibi Ka Makbara. You can also take private cabs to explore the monument and other tourist attractions of the city.
Things to Do At Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a testament to the craftsmanship of the artisans from the Mughal era. The monuments stand tall amidst a Charbagh-style garden with symmetrical layouts, offering a perfect landscape for beautiful pictures. There are numerous things that you can do at the site, including:
- Take a Guided Tour: If you are a history enthusiast and want to explore the rich history of Bibi Ka Maqbara, then you can take a guided tour to get in-depth knowledge and insights about the monument and related Mughal history.
- Capture the Stunning Beauty of the Monument: The stunning monument with its beautiful gardens is an ideal place for portraits and landscape shots. The best time to get perfect pictures is during sunrise and sunset when the changing hues in the sky add dramatic effects to the monument.
- Enjoy Picnics with Your Loved Ones: The beautiful gardens surrounding Bibi Ka Maqbara are perfect for enjoying a relaxing time away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Explore the Local Markets: While visiting the monument, you can also explore the nearby Paithan Gate Market. Here in the market, you can discover a wide range of local handicrafts, traditional clothing, jewellery and artworks. The market is also famous for Himroo shawls and Mashru fabric.
- Try Local Cuisine: The city of Aurangabad is known for its rich and flavourful cuisines that you cannot skip. Biryani, Kebabs and paan are some of the famous meals in the locality.
Places to Visit Near Bibi Ka Maqbara
Salim Ali Lake
Also known as Salim Ali Sarovar, it is a famous tourist attraction in the city of Aurangabad. Located near Delhi Gate, one of the many Gates in Aurangabad, Salim Ali Lake is named after the legendary Indian Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.
The lake is the best place to visit near Bibi Ka Maqbara for bird watchers and photographers, as you can spot various indigenous and migratory birds in their natural habitat.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Location: Salim Ali Lake, Chatrapathi Nagar, N 12, Cidco, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra 431001.
Daulatabad Fort
One of the most famous forts in Maharashtra, Daulatabad Fort, is located in the Daulatabad village near Aurangabad. The fort holds a great historic significance for serving as the capital of various dynasties, including Yadavas, Delhi Sultanate and Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
The monument is known for its stunning architecture and houses several historic structures like Chand Minar, Saraswati Bawdi and Chini Mahal and Rang Mahal.
- Timings: 6:00 AM- 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
- Location: Daulatabad, Maharashtra 431002.
The gates of Aurangabad
There were 54 suburbs that were walled in the city when Aurangzeb made Aurangabad his capital. There are a total of 52 gates and each has its own significance and history. Out of them, only four main and nine subordinate gates have survived. The most famous, oldest and biggest of them are the Bhadkal Gate near the Naukhanda Palace of Nizams.
Additionally, due to these cities’ gates, the city became famous as the “City of Gates”. So make sure to at least visit some of them on your trip to the city.
Thus, Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the best places to visit in Aurangabad with your friends and family. The stunning architecture and serene views make it one of the famous historic monuments of India. There are endless things to do at the site for a memorable travelling experience.
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