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Study Tour to Aurangabad from 21st to 23rd May 2025

Mr. Amarjeet Singh (Manager - Inbound Sales)

Dear All,

Like every year this year also the Management planned the Familiarization Trips to various destinations to get the maximum knowledge on sectors which have not been inspected in the past or there are no latest updates in terms of Destination, Hotels, Sightseeing and activities available since very long. Looking at the process I was given the task / opportunity to Explore Aurangabad from 21-23 May 2025 and update the sales and operations team so while working on the itinerary or the destination they have enough knowledge and updates.

Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar)

The historic city of Aurangabad (now officially named as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) and also called a "CITY OF GATES" (around 56 Gates) is one of the top tourist destinations and known as the tourism capital of Maharashtra. The city is home of the UNESCO world heritage sites, Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The other important historical monuments are Bibi Ka Maqbara (Baby Taj) and the Daulatabad Fort.

The best time to visit the heritage city of Aurangabad is the winter season. It is ideal to explore its different ancient sites during the months of November to February, when the temperature varies between 10°C to 25°C. Summer and Monsoon seasons are very hot and humid and not a good time to explore the caves.

Ajanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most prominent site to visit when in Aurangabad. Located around 110 kms from the Aurangabad city, primarily Buddhist monasteries, dedicated to both Hinayana and Mahayana sect, Ajanta caves comprise 30 caves which have been carved out of rock. Dating back to the 2nd century, these caves not only offer rich religious significance but also a glimpse of the ancient architectural mastery.

  • The highway is under construction and the road condition is really bad for approx 08-10 Kms and it takes around 2.5 – 3 hrs one way depending on the traffic & Jam.
  • Suggest to leave latest by 6 am from the city as the opening hours are from 0900 hrs and closing time is 1800 hrs.
  • The Private vehicles are allowed only till the parking area and from there onward one has to take State Tourism buses till the Cave Entrance.

Ellora Caves

Located around 30 kms from the Aurangabad city, is another architectural wonder. Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, these caves were built during the reigns of Rashtrakuta, present a glimpse into the richness of Indian culture and workmanship in ancient times. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 "caves", actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills, being Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries, were built between the 5th and 10th centuries. They are renowned for their intricate sculptures, reliefs, and architectural marvels, particularly the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), considered the largest single monolithic excavation in the world.

  • Golf Carts are available on payment basis as one has to cover quite a distance from one end to the other end to see the caves and some are at a distance of 1 km from one to another. If one is okay to walk then this cost can be saved but for elderly clients it is my recommendation to charge the same.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Built by emperor Aurangzeb in 1661, in the memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a symbol of undying love. The architecture of this mausoleum is quite similar to Taj Mahal of Agra, both displaying fine craftsmanship and intricate design. Located in Begumpura (Old part of the city), it is open from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Daulatabad Fort

Located about 11 km from the city, Daulatabad Fort, also known as Deogiri Fort, impresses visitors with its imposing architecture. Standing at a height of 200 metres above sea level, this fort is known for its exceptionally strong defence. First built by Yadava monarch, Bhillama V, in 1187, this fort has been used by rulers of various reigns over the centuries. While exploring this fort, make sure to spend time at the Chini Mahal, Chand Minar, and Baradari.

  • This can be visited on the way to Or while returning from Ellora Cave.
  • One has to be physically capable and should be mentally prepared for an easy climb to reach upto the fort as it is located on a Rock and have to walk up to the fort.
  • I missed the visit to this Monument due to time shortage.

Grishneshwar Temple

Located in Ellora, Grishneshwar Temple is regarded as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. This ancient temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this jyotirlinga is built in the South Indian architectural style with five tiered Shikara and carved pillars. The red stone walls of the temple are carved with legends of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s incarnations. At this temple, devotees are allowed to touch the Shiva Linga with bare hands.

  • I missed the visit to this temple due to time shortage.

Accessibility from Delhi to Aurangabad

  • Delhi to Aurangabad, one in the morning @ 0500 / 0710hrs (Air India) and 01 in the evening @ 1635 / 1825 hrs (Indigo Air)
  • Aurangabad to Delhi, one in the morning @ 0740 / 0935 hrs (Air India) and 01 in the evening @ 1855 / 2055 hrs (Indigo Air)

21 May 2025

Morning flight with Air India (AI 433: 0500/0700 hrs) was booked so I started at 0230 hrs from Home to catch the flight. The flight was on time, but reached 15 minutes before at Aurangabad. Driver was waiting with a PlaCard of my name. It was raining, and the driver told me that there was heavy rain a day prior and due to the same it was a little humid but cooler than Delhi. Airport is around 4 kms / 10-15 Minutes from the city centre. Luckily I got the room upon arrival at Ambassador Hotel, whereas I was told that the hotel was almost full for some event/wedding. Had some rest as the Hotel visit was scheduled from 1100 hrs.

After breakfast around 1000 hrs, I got ready on time for the Hotel inspection. Most of the Hotels are on the main route from Airport to City.

1. Lemon Tree Hotel

The Director of Sales – Mr. Sohail Khan, was there for a show around of the property and later had decent conversation with GM – Mr. Sake More, who recently transferred from Delhi.

  • The Official category of the Hotel is 3*, located around 04 Kms from Airport / 15 Minutes and approx 3 Kms from the Old City. A decent hotel with all modern facilities and rooms are nicely decor and very neat and clean. Bath Tubs are available in 2nd higher category and in the base category it is shower cubicles.
  • There is a small Reception counter, along with a Gallery / Lobby having seating facilities. Hotel shaped in a semi circle, hence all rooms have a view to the Pool and Garden.
  • All Ground Floor Rooms have direct access to the Garden and Pool, whereas rooms on 1st floor have a small Balcony with a view of the pool.
  • No Twin Rooms available in the Base category and only mattress are provided for Triple Occupancy, however rollaway beds can be provided on request only, due to limited availability
  • Total Rooms : 102 (28 Twin Bedded - Superior / Executive Balcony / Suite)
  • Room Amenities : Fitted with all modern Amenities in the room / bathroom, Tea/Coffee maker, Safety locker, Hair Dryer, a mini bar is also kept and can be filled on request.
  • Hotel Amenities: 01 Multi Cuisine Restaurant (Citrus Cafe), 01 Bar (Sloung), Outdoor Swimming pool. Poolside dining options, Spa, Gym and fitness centre. Banquet Halls for Meetings and Weddings and a small board Room.

2. The Fern Residency

Construction was going on of a new wing in the same premises so the main entrance was closed and they made the provision by opening a (Temporary Entrance). Mr. Gopal Gawande – Senior Sale Manager was there for a show around the property.

  • The Official category of the Hotel is 3*, located around 03 Kms from Airport / 10 Minutes and approx 5 Kms from the Old City. A Cozy Lobby with Wooden Table seating in the middle and leather Sofas. More like a Corporate / Business Hotel feeling as soon as you enter. Hotel is equipped with all modern facilities. Room sizes are OK, small bathrooms with all amenities. There was a smell in the corridor which was due to some kind of moisture / Smoking.
  • Bath Tubs are only in Suites.
  • No enough Parking area so vehicles have to Park near the porch or outside Hotel.
  • A small Indoor Swimming pool but it was very humid there because of many people and being indoor. I think they need to do something to avoid suffocation.
  • Total Rooms : 120 (33 Twin Bed) - Winter Green (65)/ Fern Club (45) / Suite(10)
  • Room Amenities : Fitted with modern Amenities in the room / bathroom, Tea/Coffee maker, Safety locker, Hair Dryer, and a mini bar
  • Hotel Amenities: 01 Multi Cuisine Restaurant, 01 Bar, Small Indoor Swimming pool, Spa, Gym/fitness centre. 03 Banquet Halls for Meetings and Weddings

3. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Rama International

Sale Manager – Mr. Sanjay Dabhade was there for a show around of the property along with his colleague Mr. Sanjay.

  • Located around 04 Kms from Airport / 10-15 Minutes and approx 5 Kms from the Old City. A Nice spacious Lobby with some good paintings and sculpture, a piano also kept near to the stairs, and big reception counter giving a warm welcome feeling.
  • Hotel is coming up with 90 more rooms by adding a different wing near the main Swimming Pool, due to this the main Pool was closed, but an alternate small pool was operational near the Heath Center.
  • A Spread out property Gardens and nice Ramp from entrance gate to the main porch surrounded by the lush green garden & Trees.
  • Room and Bathroom size are good and nicely decorated with Painting and wooden work in a few rooms. Bath Tubs available in upper category rooms.
  • Hotel with the Largest inventory in the Town, hence a lot of Corporate and MICE movement and late night parties.
  • Total Rooms : 136 (60% are Twin) - Standard / Executive Club / Executive Exclusive / Deluxe Suites
  • Room Amenities : Fitted with Amenities of ITC Standard in the room / bathroom, Tea/Coffee maker, Safety locker, Hair Dryer, and a mini bar
  • Hotel Amenities: 01 Multi Cuisine Restaurant, 01 Open Air Dining Area, 01 Bar, Swimming pool, Spa, Heath/ Fitness centre having Gym and Spa facilities. 01 Banquet Halls for Meetings and Weddings, A Lounge and a Board Room.

Later in the afternoon I proceed to visit the Ellora Cave. I returned to Hotel late in the evening, had Dinner and stayed overnight at Hotel.

22 May 2025

After an early breakfast, I started from the Hotel around 0800 hrs for an excursion to the Ajanta Caves.

There is only 01 suitable restaurant (Ajanta Greens) near Ajanta caves as option of Lunch / meal for our Groups / FIT’s serving Indian Cuisine, having a seating facility abound 100 pax at a time.

  • According to my driver and hotel owner of Ajanta Greens (Mr. Ganesh Mandaware) almost all the drivers and Guides visit with their guests at this place for meals/ snacks and drinks.
  • Ajanta Greens is also having 09 rooms in the Hotel. Room sizes are good with basic amenities in the room if someone wants to spend a night near the monument.
  • As per the owner they are coming up with more rooms and Cottages along with Swimming pool as they have huge land around and are waiting for the government approval.

After the visits, I drove back to Aurangabad and visited the remaining hotels as per my Agenda.

4. Taj – Gateway Hotel Aurangabad

Reservation Associate – Mr. Om Tayde was there for a show around of the property and later met with Director of Sales - Mr. Gautam Pandya.

  • Mughal-style hotel with central dome, a spread out land of 5 acres.
  • Located in the Old Town, around 10 Kms from Airport / 25-30 Minutes, and at a short distance to Bibi ka Maqbara.
  • Upgraded from Vivanta to Gateway recently, and Renovation at large scale was going on in the Hotel. Lobby and 19 Deluxe Rooms already renovated, and as per management rest will be finished within the next 02 months. All base category (superior) rooms were under renovation, hence unable to be inspected.
  • Tastefully decorated Spacious Lobby with a Boutique touch giving a very refreshing feeling. A small Pastry counter offers free services for in-house guests.
  • A short Ramp from the entrance gate to the main porch.
  • Newly renovated deluxe rooms are very good and nicely decorated, even the old rooms were decent. Size of the bathrooms are not so big, but fitted with all modern facilities and high-end toiletries.
  • Rooms are with a small balcony facing Garden and Pool, where few of Room are with bigger balcony.
  • The Garden Café is a nice option for outdoor dining in the evening especially during the winter months with a live kitchen and grill.
  • A big outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush Green Garden.
  • Tea House, a specialty Chinese Restaurant is also very good, and I was told that this will also be renovated in the last leg.
  • Total Rooms : 63 (19 Twin) - Superior (9), Deluxe (30), Premium (20) and Suites (4).
  • Room Amenities : Fitted with high-end Amenities of Taj Standard in the room / bathroom, Tea/Coffee maker, Safety locker, Hair Dryer, and a mini bar.
  • Hotel Amenities: 01 Multi Cuisine Restaurant, 01 Specialty Restaurant, Garden Café – An open air Dining, 01 Bar, Swimming pool, Spa, Health/ Fitness centre having Gym and Spa facilities. A Recreation/ activity area (Carrom board & Darts), and 01 Banquet Halls for Meetings /Weddings.

5. Amarpreet Hotel (AM Collection)

Front Office Manager : Mr. Sachin Khajekar – Senior Sale Manager was there for a show around of the property and the Owner of the Hotel Mr. Harpreet Singh also called.

  • Hotel is categorised as a 3*, located around 03 Kms from Airport / 10 Minutes and approx 5 Kms from the Old City. The Lobby size is OK with Sofa’s are placed for seating and also there were nice paintings of Ajanta and Ellora placed in the small lobby. Hotel is equipped with all modern facilities. Room sizes are OK, small bathrooms with all amenities. The Hotel has 02 blocks and Rooms at the Renovated block are good.
  • There is a Garden in the back side with an open dining area as well as for small parties and get-togethers.
  • Swimming Pool was under maintenance and the pool was of good size.
  • Enough space for parking around the Entrance.
  • Total Rooms : 76 (Twin Bed also available) - Winter Green (65)/ Fern Club (45) / Suite(10).
  • Room Amenities : Fitted with modern Amenities in the room / bathroom, Tea/Coffee maker, Safety locker, Hair Dryer, and a mini bar.
  • Hotel Amenities: 01 Multi Cuisine Restaurant, 01 Bar, Swimming pool, Gym/fitness centre. 02 Banquet Halls for Meetings and Weddings.

6. Ambassador Ajanta

The Front office Manage – Ms. Deepa Bohra, was there for a show around of the property and later the Unit Manager – Mr. Ashish Sharma also came to meet.

  • This Hotel is more than 50 Years old, and they are planning to apply for the Heritage category. Hotel is located around 04 Kms from Airport / 15 Minutes and approx 3 Kms from the Old City. A spread out property with 02 Big Garden and Trees and Walking trek around the Garden. A big swimming pool with a depth of 9 feet and Fitness center and recreation area next to the pool. The Hotel is fitted with all modern facilities and clean rooms with acceptable décor. Bath Tubs are available in some Executive Category rooms and suites.
  • A Standard size of Lobby having enough seating facilities and a travel counter next to the Lift. 02 Big El.
  • A big Multi cuisine Restaurant serving delicious food.
  • Being one of the oldest hotels, very famous among locals for Weddings and also the preferred hotel of a few big corporate companies for their meetings and events.
  • Total Rooms : 112 (35 Twin) - Deluxe / Executive/ Suite.
  • Room Amenities : Fitted with modern Amenities in the room / bathroom, Tea/Coffee maker, Safety locker, Hair Dryer, a mini bar is also kept and can be filled on request.
  • Hotel Amenities: 01 Multi Cuisine Restaurant and a small Private Dining hall, 01 Bar, Outdoor Swimming pool, fitness centre & Recreation room. Banquet Halls for Meetings /Weddings and a board room.

7. Hyatt Place

Direct of Sales – Mr. Ganpati Patil was there for a show around of the property.

  • Newly built Hotel (just a year ago) and located opposite to the Aurangabad Airport. Just 5 Kms from the New City, and 10 Kms from the Old City.
  • Very nice and big lobby with a boutique touch having carved Sculpture on the back of the wall with a small seating area. A high-end Pastry / coffee counter is also placed in the lobby next to the reception area.
  • Spread out Hotel with a big garden on the back side of the hotel mainly used for open weddings and parties having a separate entry. The Garden can also be used for Group Yoga session if required in the morning.
  • Room sizes are good with nice handmade pictures / crafts on the wall. Size of bathrooms OK and fitted with all high-end toiletries.
  • Umbrella and Yoga mat are kept in the almirah along with other things like shoe shine etc.
  • A nice outdoor swimming pool facing the Garden.
  • A very nice multi Cuisine restaurant next to the Lobby with a live kitchen and a big Pizza oven.
  • Total Rooms : 150 (Twin Room available in Base & Premium category), Guest Room, Pool View Room, Premium Room and Suites.
  • Room Amenities : Fitted with high-end Amenities in the room / bathroom, Tea/Coffee maker, Safety locker, Hair Dryer, and a mini bar, Umbrella and Yoga Mat.
  • Hotel Amenities: 01 Multi Cuisine Restaurant, 01 small Private Dining Area. Open Dining area for small group next to Lobby, 01 Bar, Swimming pool, Fitness centre, Gym and Spa facilities. A large banquet Hall/Ball Room for Meetings /Weddings.

Observation:

Deluxe Category:

  • 1st choice: Hyatt Place (5 Star)
  • 2nd choice: Taj Gateway (5 Star)

Superior Category:

  • 1st choice: ITC Rama International (4 Star)
  • 2nd choice: Lemon Tree Hotel (3 Star)
  • 3rd choice: Ambassador Ajanta (4 Star)

Standard Category:

  • 1st choice: Amarpreet Hotel – AM Collection (3 Star)
  • 2nd choice: The Ferns Residency - This hotel can only be used as a last option

Aurangabad Transport Syndicate

Met with Mr. Sadiq Syed (ATS) and he accompanied me during my visit to Taj Gateway and Amarpreet Hotel. They have the largest fleet in the town and have Sedan Car, Crysta, Tempo Traveller Mini and Large Coach. They have the office in Rama International as well and also have their Travel Counter and Car Parking for small cars here. Big vehicles i.e. coaches, Tempo, Mini are parked near to their house as they have parking there as well. All the vehicles are in good condition and must say the best in Aurangabad and all drivers are well experienced. They are planning to buy new coaches and Cars soon as they are already supplying the vehicles to their corporate clients and this business is likely to increase in the near future looking at the present trends.

"Overall, it was a good experience and a knowledgeable trip."