Bibi ka Maqbara Tours

Bibi ka Maqbara Tours

Discover the 'Taj of the Deccan'. Secure your entry tickets and book guided tours to explore this stunning 17th-century Mughal marvel in Aurangabad.

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1-3 hours, varies by tour
1 Languages
Private & small groups available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

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Experience

The Enduring Legacy of the 'Taj of the Deccan'

Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his first wife, Bibi ka Maqbara is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece often called the 'Taj of the Deccan' for its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. While it may not share the same opulent materials as its Agra counterpart, its charm lies in the intricate marble carvings, towering minarets, and serene Persian-style gardens. A visit here is a journey back to the twilight of the Mughal Empire, offering a poignant story of love, memory, and artistry. Booking a guided tour elevates this experience, allowing you to uncover the subtle details and historical narratives embedded in its walls, which might otherwise go unnoticed.

Why Book Your Bibi ka Maqbara Experience With Us?

Curated Selection of Tours

We've handpicked the best Bibi ka Maqbara tours, from quick entry tickets to comprehensive city-wide excursions, ensuring quality and value.

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Through our partnerships with platforms like GetYourGuide, we offer access to the best available rates. If you find a lower price, we'll match it.

Verified Traveler Reviews

Read honest feedback from thousands of travelers who have booked through our partner platforms. Make an informed choice based on real experiences.

Secure & Easy Booking

Our booking process is simple, secure, and powered by trusted global platforms, protecting your data and your payment.

Flexible Scheduling

Choose from a variety of tour times and options. Many tours offer flexible cancellation, giving you peace of mind.

Instant Confirmation

Receive your e-tickets instantly upon booking. Simply show your mobile voucher at the entrance for hassle-free entry.

Feast your eyes on 2 of India's oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Find out the history of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves with your guide
Marvel at the world-famous Buddhist paintings in the Ajanta Caves
Admire Bibi Ka Maqbara, which resembles India's most famous landmark
Enjoy a private tour with convenient pickup and drop-off in Aurangabad

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Visitor Etiquette
Maintain silence and decorum inside the mausoleum
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
Do not touch the delicate marble screens or carvings
Food and drink are not allowed inside the main structure
Site Logistics
Open daily from sunrise to sunset (typically 6 AM to 10 PM)
Expect security checks at the entrance
Photography is generally allowed, but check for restrictions on flash and tripods
The site involves considerable walking through gardens and grounds
What to Expect
It is less crowded than the Taj Mahal, offering a more serene experience
The mausoleum is made of marble up to the dado level, with plaster above
Look for the intricate stucco work and jaali (latticework) screens.

Not Allowed

Pets
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • • Book combo tours that include Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, and Ellora Caves for the best value
  • • Check for tours that offer 'skip-the-line' access to save time, especially during peak season
  • • Read recent reviews to choose a guide or tour company that matches your interests
  • • Book at least 24 hours in advance to ensure your preferred time slot is available
  • • Use a credit card for booking to get added travel protection and security.

What to Bring

  • • Comfortable walking shoes
  • • Sunscreen and a hat
  • • Sunglasses
  • • Camera
  • • Reusable water bottle
  • • Government-issued ID

Best Seasons to Visit

The best time to visit Aurangabad is during the cooler, dry winter months from October to March. The weather is pleasant for sightseeing. The monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery but also rain. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot.

What to Wear

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal|Modest attire is required; both men and women should ensure shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect|A light scarf or shawl is a versatile item for extra sun protection or covering.

Planning

Historical Context

Built between 1660 and 1661 by Prince Azam Shah, Aurangzeb's son, Bibi ka Maqbara was constructed as a memorial to his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. It was designed by Ata-ullah, the son of the principal architect of the Taj Mahal. The monument's construction reflects the decline of Mughal fortunes, using less expensive materials compared to its famous inspiration, yet it remains a masterpiece of late Mughal architecture.

Photography Tips

  • • The best reflection shots are from the edge of the central water channel
  • • Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the monument and gardens
  • • Late afternoon golden hour provides warm, soft light that illuminates the marble beautifully
  • • Focus on the intricate details of the jaali (latticework screens) and carvings for compelling abstract shots
  • • Frame the main mausoleum through the archway of the main gate for a classic composition.

Insider Tips

  • • Visit on a weekday to avoid the local weekend crowds
  • • Hire a local guide at the entrance or book one in advance for the rich stories; it's worth the small cost
  • • Pay close attention to the stucco plasterwork on the dome; it's designed to mimic marble
  • • Walk to the far corners of the garden for the best symmetrical photos of the monument
  • • Combine your visit with the nearby Aurangabad Caves, which are often overlooked but offer a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist history.

Book Before You Go

Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

K
Klaus Schmidt
Germany • 2024-03-20

A Peaceful and Beautiful Monument

We booked a guided tour through this platform and it was fantastic. Our guide, arranged by the local partner, was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Aurangzeb and his wife. Bibi ka Maqbara is so much more peaceful than the Taj Mahal. You can actually take your time and appreciate the architecture without the massive crowds. Booking online was easy and our mobile tickets worked perfectly.

E
Emily Carter
United Kingdom • 2024-02-15

Well Worth the Visit!

A lovely half-day trip in Aurangabad. It's not as grand as the Taj, but it has its own unique charm and history. The gardens are serene. I recommend getting a guide to understand the story behind it. The process of getting the ticket via the link provided was simple, saved us queuing in the sun.

A
Aarav Patel
USA • 2024-03-05

Impressive 'Taj of the Deccan'

As someone of Indian origin visiting from the US, I was keen to see this monument. It exceeded my expectations. The resemblance to the Taj is clear, but the story is different and equally poignant. Our tour included a pickup from the hotel which was very convenient. Highly recommend booking a combo tour with Daulatabad Fort.

S
Sophie Dubois
France • 2024-01-28

Belle architecture, visite tranquille

A beautiful piece of Mughal architecture. It's much smaller and less ornate than the Taj Mahal, but this also means it is much quieter. We enjoyed a very peaceful walk through the gardens. Booking our tickets online beforehand was a good idea. The monument is stunning during the late afternoon light.

K
Kenji Tanaka
Japan • 2023-12-10

Serene and historically rich

My visit to Bibi ka Maqbara was a highlight of my trip to Aurangabad. The symmetry of the structure and the gardens is very calming. I opted for a self-guided visit after booking my entry ticket here. The information provided on the booking page was helpful to plan my visit. It is very clean and well-maintained.

L
Liam O'Connell
Ireland • 2024-04-02

A Fascinating Piece of History

Really glad we visited. It's a fascinating look at the decline of the Mughal empire's wealth - you can see the ambition in the design but also the limitations in the materials compared to the Taj. It makes the story more human. Our guide explained this brilliantly. Don't miss the details in the marble screens.

I
Isabella Rossi
Italy • 2024-03-18

Poignant and Beautiful

A truly moving place. Knowing it was commissioned by a son for his wife adds a layer of emotion. The setting is lovely, and you can get beautiful photos without crowds of people in them. We used the 'skip-the-line' ticket option we found here, and it was a breeze getting in.

C
Carlos Rodriguez
Spain • 2024-02-22

Good half day excursion

A nice monument to visit in Aurangabad. It doesn't take very long to see, maybe 1-2 hours. Booking the ticket online was easy. We combined it with a visit to the Aurangabad caves in the same morning, which worked well. It's a must-see if you are in the city.

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