Aurangabad

With several excellent hotels and a growing number of good restaurants, Aurangabad is a good base from which to explore the cave temples at Ajanta and Ellora. Its proximity to so many interesting, world-famous sights gives it a draw that no other place in Maharashtra has. Aurangabad has an intriguing old bazaar, and is known for its himru (cotton and silk brocade) shawls and saris, and its gorgeously and painstakingly decorated Paithani—zari, fine gold-embroidered saris. If you're interested, pop into the Aurangabad Standard Silk Showroom or Aurangabad Silk, both near the train station; Ajanta Handicrafts in Harsul, on the highway to Ajanta; or Himroo Saris, on the highway to Ellora. An even better option to view Himru saris being woven is to venture over to the Himru Cooperative Society at Jaffer (also spelled Zaffar) Gate, an area in the western part of Aurangabad; there you can see the entire process in action in a traditional environment. The saris (which incidentally can be cut up and tailored into other items) are more reasonable here.