Photo spot in Aurangabad
Daulatabad Fort
Aurangabad, Maharashtra
A near-impregnable 12th-century hill fort of moats, dark passages and switchback climbs, crowned by a Chand Minar tower.
Best time
Early morning for a cooler climb and a clear view over the plain; late afternoon for warm light on the Chand Minar from the lower fort.
Best angle
Stand in the lower fort a little back from the Chand Minar and take a vertical photo of the tower with the scarped hill and its walls rising behind it.
Entry fee
₹25 (Indian) / ₹300 (foreign)
Opening hours
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Daulatabad Fort
Early morning for a cooler climb and a clear view over the plain; late afternoon for warm light on the Chand Minar from the lower fort. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Daulatabad Fort
Stand in the lower fort a little back from the Chand Minar and take a vertical photo of the tower with the scarped hill and its walls rising behind it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the fort ramparts
By the Chand Minar tower
Outfit guide
What to wear at Daulatabad Fort
For photos at Daulatabad Fort, rust, cream and olive work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Aurangabad.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Daulatabad Fort.
Eat nearby
Food near Daulatabad Fort
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for aurangabadi biryani nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Start the climb as early as the gate opens, since the upper hill has almost no shade.
Carry at least a litre of water each, because there is little to buy once you are on the hill.
Keep your phone torch ready for the dark tunnel, where the steps are uneven.
Wear closed shoes with a good grip; sandals slip on the worn stone steps.
Hire a guide at the gate if you want the false gates and trap passages explained.
Visit on the way to Ellora, but avoid Tuesdays, when Ellora is usually closed.
Rest at the Chini Mahal level before the final climb if the heat is getting to you.
Devagiri, then Daulatabad
This hill about 15 km north-west of Aurangabad was the capital of the Yadava kings, who founded a fort here around 1187 and called it Devagiri, the hill of the gods. Alauddin Khalji's armies took it in the early 1300s. In 1327 the Delhi sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq renamed it Daulatabad and ordered much of Delhi's population to move here, a decision he reversed a few years later. Most of the walls you see today were built by later Deccan sultanates.
The defences
The Yadavas cut the lower slopes of the hill into sheer rock faces, about 50 metres high, and dug a deep moat at the base. The only way up is over a narrow bridge and then through a long, dark tunnel cut in the rock, built to confuse attackers. Gates are staggered so an army could not charge straight through, and some carry iron spikes against war elephants.
What to see on the way up
Near the entrance stands the Chand Minar, a tall 15th-century tower built by the Bahmani sultans to mark a victory; you can look at it but not climb it. Further up is the Chini Mahal, named for the blue tiles once set in its walls, which the Mughals later used as a prison. Old cannons still point out from the bastions, and a pavilion sits at the summit.
The climb
Allow two to three hours for the full visit. The route has many steep steps and the dark passage, where a phone light helps. The hill has little shade, so start early. It is manageable for most fit adults but hard for young children and anyone with knee trouble.
On the way to Ellora
Daulatabad sits on the road to Ellora, so most people pair them. Khuldabad, with its Sufi shrines, is between the two.
Questions
Daulatabad Fort — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Daulatabad Fort?
Early morning for a cooler climb and a clear view over the plain; late afternoon for warm light on the Chand Minar from the lower fort. Stand in the lower fort a little back from the Chand Minar and take a vertical photo of the tower with the scarped hill and its walls rising behind it.
Is there an entry fee at Daulatabad Fort?
Entry to Daulatabad Fort costs ₹25 (Indian) / ₹300 (foreign). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Daulatabad Fort?
Daulatabad Fort is open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Daulatabad Fort?
Rust, cream and olive photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Daulatabad Fort get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning for a cooler climb and a clear view over the plain; late afternoon for warm light on the Chand Minar from the lower fort.
What food should I try near Daulatabad Fort?
Try aurangabadi biryani, available at nearby restaurants.
Why is it called both Devagiri and Daulatabad?
Devagiri was its name under the Yadava kings who built the first fort. Muhammad bin Tughluq renamed it Daulatabad, meaning city of fortune, when he moved his capital here in 1327. Both names are in use today.
How long does it take to climb Daulatabad Fort?
Most people usually need about an hour to reach the top at a steady pace, and two to three hours for the whole visit with stops.
Can I climb the Chand Minar?
No. The tower is closed to visitors and you can see it only from outside, near the entrance to the fort.
Is Daulatabad Fort suitable for children or older visitors?
The lower fort and the Chand Minar are easy to reach. The climb to the top is steep, dark in places and hot, so it suits older children and fit adults better than toddlers or anyone with joint problems.