Bibi Ka Maqbara, located approximately 3 kilometres outside the city, is the final resting place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is a replica of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and because of its identical design, it is also known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. Book a Savaari in Aurangabad to soak in the monument’s beauty first-hand.
- Comprehensive guide to cover Bibi ka Maqbara
- How to Plan a Trip to Bibi ka Maqbara
- About Bibi ka Maqbara
- Hotels and Resorts near Bibi ka Maqbara
Comprehensive guide to cover Bibi ka Maqbara
Bibi ka Maqbara is unquestionably one of the finest constructions and a top sightseeing attraction in Aurangabad. And popularly known as the Taj of Deccan or Dakkhani Taj, this monument remains modelled on the iconic Taj Mahal. Moreover, while the gardens and fountains of the mausoleum might not be in excellent condition, it does not lower the magnificence and allure of the monument. Here are some exciting things you can do in the monument.
Things to do in and around Bibi ka Maqbara
- Witness the magnificent interiors at the Main Mausoleum.
Bibi ka Maqbara has various decorative elements from the doorway to the interiors, such as stucco plaster with relief decoration, stucco painting, Latticework and glazed tiles. The hall roof has beautiful portraits of geometric patterns intertwined with complex threads into an intricate design that makes it a sight to behold. In addition, the Latticework features elaborate leaf, floral, or geometric engraved designs prominently visible as you walk toward the tomb.
- Seek spirituality at Grishneshwar Temple.
This ancient Hindu pilgrimage site, snuggled in a panoramic village, is one of the most prominent sightseeing attractions near the mausoleum. Constructed in a prehistoric architectural pattern with red bricks and engravings of numerous Hindu Gods and Goddesses on the walls, it is one of the sacred sites and the 12th Jyotirlinga. Furthermore, the divine aura and the magnificent temple architecture will fill your heart with immense peace and spirituality.
- Glimpse of glorious history at Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum.
The magnificent Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum, devoted to the contributions and life of the renowned Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji, is one of the best attractions around the mausoleum. The museum comprises six exhibition galleries with various historically influential articles on display.
So when you visit the monument, don’t forget to tour this place and browse through ancient rifles, old military weaponry, sword shields, and artefacts used to conquer the Mughals in the past.
Things to do in Bibi ka Maqbara with friends
- Take a stroll in the lush gardens: Gardens were an essential element of the Mughal Architecture based on a Charbagh design. It is no different for Bibi Ka Maqbara, and this monument has a Charbagh-styled garden with all four towers on each side. Moreover, there is a scenic water reservoir with 61 fountains where you can click fun pictures with your friends for your Instagram feed.
- Witness the giant entrance gate: The entrance gate lies at the southern end of the mausoleum, and its exterior is covered with lush wood and brass plates, making it one of the best places to visit in Bibi ka Maqbara.
Things to do in Bibi ka Maqbara with family
- See the famous Mausoleum: The mausoleum is made up of marble until the descending part is called the dado level. The rest of the wall is constructed of basalt, and the mausoleum’s dome is constructed with marble.
- Spend some time glimpsing the famous grave: Dilras Banu Begum’s grave, located in the base level chamber, is the primary attraction here, and you need to take the staircase to move to the grave.
Opening time
The famous mausoleum remains open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except for public holidays. And the ticket price is INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 300 for foreign nationals.
How to Plan a Trip to Bibi ka Maqbara
Best time to visit
While Bibi ka Maqbara accommodates sightseers throughout the year, Aurangabad enjoys pleasant winter weather. Therefore, the best time to visit the mausoleum is between October and March, which will unquestionably enhance your travelling experience. However, if you plan to visit this monument during the summer, do not forget to carry light clothes and keep yourself hydrated. Also, carrying your sunglasses, hat and sunscreen is advisable before heading for your sightseeing destination.
How to reach
Bibi ka Maqbara is just 5 km from the main Aurangabad city and remains well-connected to different cities by rail, road and air. And upon reaching Aurangabad, you can book a local bus or hire a cab in Aurangabad to reach Bibi ka Maqbara. Here are some main ways to reach Aurangabad.
- By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station remains well-linked to all the prominent cities across India.
- By Air: The closest airport to Aurangabad is Chikkalthana Airport which is almost 10 km from the main city. The airport accommodates frequent flights from Udaipur, Mumbai, Jaipur and Delhi. Usually, sightseers like to take a flight to Aurangabad and hire an Aurangabad airport taxi to reach Bibi Ka Maqbara.
- By Road: Aurangabad bus terminal is on Jalgaon road, and you can catch a bus to prominent cities of Maharashtra such as Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, etc.
- Local Transport: You can easily roam around in this city through private cabs and local buses that run through the city for a fixed time.
About Bibi ka Maqbara
With a striking resemblance to the famous Taj Mahal, Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad is a spectacular mausoleum of Rabia- Ul – Daurani alias Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Furthermore, constructed in the 17th century, the mausoleum is unquestionably a place of historical, cultural, and tourist significance. Nestled in the lap of scenic Sihaychal Ranges, the mausoleum is the perfect embodiment of love covered in shades of white. If you plan to visit Aurangabad, don’t forget to know the details and the list of places to visit in the city.
Keep scrolling below to read the complete travel guide Bibi ka Maqbara and other relevant information.
Location & History
The famous Bibi ka Maqbara was built by Azam Shah, the son of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, in Begumpura, Aurangabad, to honour his mother, Dilras Begum, named Rabia Durani, after her death. Furthermore, when speaking of the history of this monument, it was in the late 16th century when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb married Dilras Banu Begum, a Persian queen hailing from the Safavid Dynasty.
Additionally, Dilras Banu Begum was not only the first wife of the ruler but also his principal advisor and cherished partner. The couple had five children during the two decades of their married life. And after giving birth to her fifth child, Dilras Banu Begum suffered from severe infections and died in 1657.
Extremely anguished by her death, Aurangzeb commissioned a traditional Mughal tomb in 1660 to be her final resting spot, named Bibi Ka Maqbara, where Dilras Banu Begum got the posthumous title of Rabia-ud-Daurani. Book a taxi in Aurangabad to reach Bibi ka Maqbara to comfortably get there and soak in the history.
Architecture
The faultlessly constructed mausoleum surrounds an area of approximately 15000 square feet and lies amidst a quadrilateral Char Bagh park, encompassed by a massive chamber. Pillared gazebos, fortresses, and arched cavities with columns topped with small minarets are some elements that describe the compartment walls. A track with numerous fountains on either part leads up to the primary structure from the entrance.
Also, it might not be wrong to say that while the tomb of Bibi ka Maqbara was more glorious than the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum lost its charm slightly due to rigid compliance with the fixed budget allocated for the construction. And during ancient times, the magnificent River Kham could be seen streaming behind the tomb. The mausoleum has a Charbagh-styled park that rests right in the middle of the establishment in the four directions.
To the north side of the Bibi ka Maqbara is a 12-door Baradari, to the west is a mosque, the south is where the main door is, and the east part holds Aina khana or the mirror room. A perfect embodiment of the stunning Mughal architecture, the mausoleum is on an elevated square platform that remains 19 feet high. Likewise, four minarets, each with an altitude of 72 feet and highlighting 144 stairs that guide to the top, remain at the platform’s four corners.
Interesting Facts
- Bibi Ka Maqbara is among the most extensive monuments in India, constructed by Aurangzeb, who was not fond of building monuments. As a result, there are only a few monuments to his glory, including this famous mausoleum.
- The mosque lying west of the mausoleum was not a part of the original construction, and the Nizam of Hyderabad later got it constructed.
- The marble used in building the mausoleum was extracted from the mines near Jaipur.
- It is thought that Aurangzeb wanted this monument to be as lavish as his mother’s tomb, the Taj Mahal. However, he was compelled to reduce its architectural grandeur and proportions due to financial restrictions.
- A small archaeological museum remains behind the monument, celebrating its architecture and history.
Hotels and Resorts nearby
| Hotel Name | Address |
| The Ambassador Ajanta | R – 4, Opp High Court, CIDCO Jalna Road, Aurangabad| Phone: 0240 660 7236 |
| Hotel Ashoka Executive | Nagar Manmad Road, Opposite 500 Rooms, near Axis Bank Branch| Phone: 097671 05555 |
| Welcomhotel Rama International | R-3, Chikalthana, Jalna Road, Opposite to High Court, Aurangabad | Phone: 0240 663 4141 |
| Vivanta Aurangabad | 8-N-12, Cidco Rauza Bagh, Dr Rafiq Zakari Marg, Aurangabad | Phone: 0240 261 3737 |
Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by V Subhadra
