Bibi Ka Maqbara
Begumpura, Aurangabad, India, 431004
If you opted for South India over North but regret missing Agra’s Taj Mahal, you’re in luck—The Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad is nicknamed the “Taj of the Deccan.” But it isn’t just a replica. Surrounded by pretty formal gardens, the Bibi Ka Maqbara is almost as old as the Taj and an attraction in its own right.
The basics
The Maharashtrian city of Aurangabad is a jumping-off point for the UNESCO-listed caves at Ajanta and Ellora, but there’s another must-visit sight in town. The Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Rabia-ul-Daurani, wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, but is believed to have been built by her son. It’s a remarkable symbol of filial rather than romantic love, in contrast to its more famous inspirational counterpart in Agra.
Many tours of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara. 2-day tours allow more time to explore these impressive sites, while single-day tours are ideal if you’re in a hurry.
Things to know before you go
There’s an entry fee to the Bibi Ka Maqbara; Indian/SAARC visitors pay significantly less than international tourists. Under-15s enter for free.
Bring a hat and water; most of the complex is outdoors, and Aurangabad’s climate is hot.
Allow about one hour to explore the large site at a leisurely pace.
How to get there
The Bibi Ka Maqbara is in the north of Aurangabad city, which is 205 miles (330 kilometers) northeast of Mumbai and connected by road, rail, and air. Many travelers visit on a guided tour with transport included, but if you’re traveling independently, you can get there by taxi or tuk-tuk from other parts of Aurangabad.
When to get there
The Bibi Ka Maqbara is open from sunrise to sunset. Most of the complex is outdoors, so avoid visiting in the heat of the day for the most comfortable experience. The climate in Aurangabad is generally hot year-round, but early mornings tend to be much cooler between November and February.
Other Taj Mahal lookalikes
Visitors to Delhi will also get to see a couple of impressive monuments that bear more than a passing resemblance to the Taj Mahal and Bibi Ka Maqbara. The 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb was the first garden tomb in India and was an architectural precursor to the Taj, completed in 1648. On the other hand, Safdarjung’s Tomb came after the Taj and is considered the last tomb of its kind, design-wise.
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