Bibi-qa-Maqbara in Aurangabad

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Bibi-qa-Maqbara

Top choice in Aurangabad


Built by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Khan in 1679 as a mausoleum for his mother Rabia-ud-Daurani, Bibi-qa-Maqbara is widely known as the poor man’s Taj. With its four minarets flanking a central onion-domed mausoleum, the white structure certainly does bear a striking resemblance to Agra’s Taj Mahal.

It is much less grand, however, and apart from having a few marble adornments, namely the plinth and dome, much of the structure is finished in lime mortar.

Apparently the prince conceived the entire mausoleum in white marble, but was thwarted by his frugal father who opposed his extravagant idea of draining state coffers for the purpose. Despite the use of cheaper material and the obvious weathering, it’s a sight far more impressive than the average gravestone.

The Bibi’s formal gardens are a delight to explore, with the Deccan hills providing a scenic backdrop. It's located 3km north of the Central Bus Stand – a ₹50 or so Ola rickshaw ride.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Aurangabad attractions

1. Panchakki

0.86 MILES

The garden complex of Panchakki, literally meaning ‘water wheel’, takes its name from the ancient hydromill which, in its day, was considered a marvel of…

2. Shrimat Chatrapati Shivaji Museum

1.12 MILES

This simple museum is dedicated to the life of the Maratha hero Shivaji. Its collection includes a 500-year-old chain-mail suit and a copy of the Quran,…

3. Aurangabad Caves

1.23 MILES

Architecturally speaking, the Aurangabad Caves aren’t a patch on Ellora or Ajanta, but they do shed light on early Buddhist architecture and make for a…

4. Daulatabad Fort

7.55 MILES

No trip to Aurangabad is complete without a pit stop at the ruined but truly magnificent hilltop fortress of Daulatabad, about 15km away from town en…

5. Alamgir Dargah

11.16 MILES

Emperor Aurangzeb, the last of the Mughal greats, is entombed in the courtyard of this simple (and somewhat unwelcoming) shrine. Despite matching the…

6. Cave 2

12.26 MILES

Cave 2 is notable for its ornate pillars and the imposing seated Buddha, which faces the setting sun.

7. Cave 1

12.26 MILES

Cave 1, the simplest vihara, may have been a granary.

8. Cave 5

12.26 MILES

Cave 5 is the largest vihara in this group, at 18m wide and 36m long; the rows of stone benches hint that it may once have been an assembly hall.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "india/maharashtra/aurangabad/attractions/bibi-qa-maqbara/a/poi-sig/1149207/356388",
      "destination": "Aurangabad",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "India",
      "city": "Aurangabad",
      "position": "superzone"
    }