Bibi Ka Maqbara is a tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly known as Aurangabad).

But what’s so special about a tomb? Apart from the fact that it is the final resting place of Dilras Banu Begum, Aurangzeb’s first wife?

What makes Bibi Ka Maqbara special is its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Recently, while exploring Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar temple, I stayed in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. That’s when I made a pit stop at Bibi Ka Maqbara, and I’m glad I did.

In the Bibi Ka Maqbara guide, I have included all the necessary information to plan a visit.

• What is Bibi Ka Maqbara?
• When is Bibi Ka Maqbara open?
• How much does a ticket for Bibi Ka Maqbara cost?
• Is it worth visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara?
• Travel tips

WHAT IS BIBI KA MAQBARA?

Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Dilras Banu Begum, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s first wife. When she died shortly after the birth of her fifth child, Aurangzeb and his son, Azam Shah, were grief-stricken.

Azam Shah was fond of his mother and built Bibi Ka Maqbara in her loving memory. The construction was ongoing for almost ten years.

Initially, it was to rival the Taj Mahal in grandeur and size. Due to a lack of funds, the final result was a mini Taj Mahal.

According to an inscription on the main door, the mausoleum was designed by Ata-ullah (an architect) and built by Hanspat Rai (engineer). Interestingly, Ata-Ullah was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri’s son, the chief designer of the Taj Mahal.

Maybe that’s why Bibi Ka Maqbara resembles the Taj Mahal in Agra.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF BIBI KA MAQBARA

The tomb sits on a raised platform at the centre of Charbagh (four gardens). Upon crossing the arched gateway, sprawling views of Bibi Ka Maqbara. The tomb rises above the lush green gardens and a row of foundations leading to the base.

Unfortunately, the fountains were off during my visit.

The mausoleum is at the centre of four towering minarets. Climbing the minarets is prohibited, but you can still enter the tomb to see Dilras Banu Begum’s crypt.

Entry to the tomb leads to a viewing gallery one floor above the crypt. You can see people offering money at the crypt.

TRAVEL TIP:– The railing of the viewing gallery is very low. Therefore, families with kids should keep a hold of their hands.

On the west side of the tomb is a mosque. It was a later addition by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The arched columns of the mosque make for a beautiful photo.

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a fine example of Mughal art and architecture. An intricate network of floral patterns and jali work (stone screens) covers the tomb’s interior and exterior. The delicate marble carvings showcase the skills of the artisan.

Despite its resemblance to the Taj Mahal, Bibi Ka Maqbara has an individual charm.

WHEN IS BIBI KA MAQBARA OPEN?

Bibi Ka Maqbara is open all year round. It is open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sometimes, the timings might differ during festivals and holidays.

TRAVEL TIP:- If you want to avoid crowds, visit before 9 a.m. That’s when the crowds start to arrive. Also, avoid visiting on weekends because it is the busiest time.

I arrived at Bibi Ka Maqbara around 4 p.m. and left by 5 p.m. If you have time, wait for nightfall when they light up the tomb.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see the tomb at night. But I have seen photos, and it is beautiful.

HOW MUCH DOES A TICKET FOR BIBI KA MAQBARA COST?

There are two ways to purchase tickets for Bibi Ka Maqbara– online and at the ticket counter.

Booking tickets online is cheaper than purchasing them at the ticket counter.

For Indians, SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens, a single ticket costs Rs.25 at the ticket counter and Rs.20 online.

Tickets for foreigners cost Rs.300 at the counter and Rs.250 online.

Children below 15 years can enter Bibi Ka Maqbara for free.

The tickets are plastic tokens. For online tickets, collect your tokens at the ticket counter. You have to present the tokens at the entrance and exit.

NOTE:- If you lose the tokens, there is a Rs.100 fine.

There is an extra Rs.25 fee for digital cameras. Mobiles don’t require a ticket.

IS IT WORTH VISITING BIBI KA MAQBARA?

I get asked questions about my travels, but the most common is, “Is it worth visiting?”.

So, is it worth visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara? The answer is yes.

I visited the Taj Mahal 10-15 years ago, so most of my memories have faded. But when I went to Bibi Ka Maqbara, I was reminded of them.

During my visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, I kept comparing it to the Taj Mahal.

Bibi Ka Maqbara shares a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal, but there are slight differences. If you’ve seen the Taj Mahal, try not to compare the two to enjoy your visit.

If you’ve never seen the Taj Mahal, you’ll like Bibi Ka Maqbara. You can enjoy its charm without any prejudices.

Bibi Ka Maqbara is worth visiting. If you’re travelling to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), set aside time to visit Bibi Ka Maqbara.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR BIBI KA MAQBARA

There are a few must-visit places near Bibi Ka Maqbara.

• Ellora Caves
• Grishneshwar temple
• Ajanta Caves

ELLORA CAVES

The Ellora Caves are a complex of 100 caves, of which only 34 are open to the public. Ellora Caves are a medley of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves dating back to the 6th century.

You need at least 2-3 hours to explore the caves, so arrive early. It is exhausting to walk around in the afternoon heat.

Also, if you’re arriving on the weekend, don’t visit Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga together. The lines for darshan are almost a km long during holidays, and it takes 3-4 hours. It’s the same for Ellora Caves. It is too crowded.

TICKETS AND TIMINGS:- The Ellora Caves are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Wednesday to Monday. They are closed on Tuesday. A single ticket (for Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens) costs Rs. 40 if you pay at the counter and Rs. 35 if you book online. For foreigners, a single ticket costs Rs. 600 if you pay at the counter and Rs. 550 for online tickets.

GRISHNESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE

Grishneshwar temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas and is 1 km from the Ellora Caves.

Visitors often visit the temple and Ellora Caves together. That is possible if you’re travelling during the off-season or on weekdays.

I visited the Grishneshwar temple during the holidays, and it was absolute madness. People had queued up as early as 4 a.m., and the darshan took 3-4 hours.

TIMINGS:- The temple is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. However, the hours might differ during holidays and festivals.

If you’re planning a visit to the temple, don’t forget to read my Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga guide.

AJANTA CAVES

Ajanta Caves are not near Bibi Ka Maqbara but about 100 km away.

The Ajanta Caves are centuries-old 31 Buddhist caves carved into a U-shaped gorge on the Waghur River. They are a medley of viharas (monasteries) and Chaitya-grihas (prayer halls).

These caves served as the monsoon retreat for Buddhist monks and provided shelter and housing to travelling merchants.

TIMINGS AND TICKETS:- The Ajanta Caves are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. They are closed on Monday. A single ticket (for Indians, SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens) costs Rs. 40 if you pay at the counter and Rs. 35 for online booking. For students, it is Rs. 25. For foreigners, a ticket costs Rs. 600 if you pay at the counter and Rs. 550 for online booking.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Bibi Ka Maqbara is open from Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Booking tickets online is cheaper than purchasing them at the ticket counter.
• There is a large paid parking area near the tomb. Parking prices are Rs. 30 for cars, Rs.10 for bikes, and Rs.60 for buses.
• Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the premises.
• The best time to visit Bibi Ka Maqbara is between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. There are few people in the morning.
• Avoid visiting on weekends and holidays because that’s the busiest time.

CONCLUSION

That concludes the Bibi Ka Maqbara guide. Here’s a summary of what the Bibi Ka Maqbara guide.

• What is Bibi Ka Maqbara?
• When is Bibi Ka Maqbara open?
• How much does a ticket to Bibi Ka Maqbara cost?
• Is it worth visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara
• Places to visit near Bibi Ka Maqbara
• Travel tips

I hope the Bibi Ka Maqbara guide was helpful. If I missed something or you have any queries, let me know in the comments.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

The world is not in your books and maps. It’s out there.

Gandalf