We realise just how aptly named the Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport is, after our cab rolls out of the Aurangabad airport and rolls up the hotel’s driveway in just a few short minutes (no fear of missing flights here, for sure!) The pre-dawn December air is deliciously nippy, and the glow emanating from within the welcoming interiors of the hotel beckons.
It’s 6 am but the smiles at the front desk are wide – this friendly and helpful demeanour is to be a regular all through our lively two-night stay at the plush Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport in the city of Aurangabad.
A Historical City with Many Names
Actually, make that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – the new name of the city bestowed by the Maharashtra government in 2022. It’s a city that’s no stranger to name changes.
Prior to Aurangabad, which was the name given in 1653 by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after he made it the capital of the Deccan region, it was called Khirki, the original name of the city established by Malik Ambar in 1610, and subsequently changed to Fatehnagar by the latter’s son, Fateh Khan. Call it what you will, the city’s storied past is present in its many historical monuments, including the Sunheri Mahal, Qila-e-Ark, Bibi ka Maqbara, and primarily for the UNESCO world heritage cave sites of Ajanta and Ellora.
Exceeding Expectations at Zing Restaurant
As we sample the delectable breakfast buffet at the 110-cover in-house restaurant, Zing – World of Flavours, my companion and I feast our eyes on the impressive bidri-work mural created by artisans that artistically depicts Aurangabad’s ‘City of Gates’ status. But there’s no time to dawdle too much—the ancient city’s treasures are calling and set forth, we must!
Exploring the Ellora Caves
Stepping into the Ellora cave complex, around 30km from Aurangabad, is like entering a portal into a past that’s ancient yet vibrantly alive. A series of 34 rock-cut temples, these magnificent structures are hewed from basaltic cliffs and feature elaborate facades and interior walls. Comprising Buddhist (200 BCE – 600 CE), Hindu (500 – 900 CE) and Jain (800 – 1000 CE) caves, the complex is also a symbol of religious coexistence.
The piece de resistance—the Kailasa temple (cave 16)— named for the mountain in the Himalayas where the Hindu god Shiva resides—is truly a creation fit for the gods. Unlike other temples at the site, which were first delved horizontally into the rock face, the Kailasa complex was excavated downward from a basaltic slope and is therefore largely exposed to sunlight. Encyclopaedia Britannica informs that its construction in the 8th century, involved the removal of an astounding 150,000 to 200,000 tons of solid rock.
The four storeyed-complex contains elaborately carved monoliths and halls with stairs, doorways, windows, and numerous fixed sculptures. Whether the depiction of Vishnu’s transformation into a man-lion and battling a demon, the monument to Shiva’s bull Nandi, the ten-headed Ravana shaking Kailasa, or the many voluptuous representations of mythological figures and divinities, Kailasa is more, much more than we had imagined.
The Ajanta Caves
The following day, we have a longish drive to the scenically-located Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and monasteries of Ajanta, around 100km northeast of Aurangabad. Situated on the inner side of a 70-foot ravine in the Wagurna river valley, the caves, which were excavated between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE, comprise of chaityas (sanctuaries) and viharas (monasteries).
The rich ornamentation of the chaitya pillars is matched by the fresco-style paintings that depict colourful Buddhist legends and divinities with an exuberance and vitality that is considered unparalleled in Indian art.
Comforts to Delight In
Back at the hotel, we kick back and sample the pleasures on offer including multiple dining options comprising all-day dining at Zing, Zing Bar and The Market, and a fairylight-festooned swimming pool on the first floor. The hotel also offers specialised event and meeting spaces, and a fitness centre.
After the dapper mixologist Avijit mixes us an aromatic special cocktail incorporating vodka, apple and cinnamon—perfect for the season—young Kaushik, the team leader of Zing, seats us at The Courtyard, an open to the sky area with faux candlelight glowing on the tables and in the wall niches with sculptural details.
Mansi, the cheerful barista at the hotel’s 24-hour coffee shop called The Market, whips up a signature coffee for us, and later we listen as Assistant General Manager Joshua D’Mello draws our attention to the traditional touches at the hotel, including the decorative coffee trays, and the framed Paithani fabrics in the rooms. “There is a lot of diversity in the city and our hotel echoes the rich heritage of Aurangabad,” he adds with a touch of satisfaction.
Leadership and Dedication
The hotel’s General Manager Amit Jain looks fresh and unruffled even though the hotel has just finished hosting a grand destination wedding over two nights, during which its entire inventory of 150 rooms was booked out.
“It has not been a walk in the park,” he smiles, “but every single member of our staff across departments pitched in like one family, supporting one another.” Jain points out that in order to be considered the best, you have to be the best and he’s taking no shortcuts nor sparing any effort or expense to ensure the Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport is worthy of that status. “We are going all out to prove ourselves every single day in every way. Nothing less will do!” he vouches.
A Prime Location for Business and Leisure
With development progressing across the city, as it becomes a manufacturing hub for sectors like auto and pharma, Jain points out that the hotel’s location, situated near the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Airport as well as the city’s economic zones such as Shendra MIDC and Waluj MIDC, is a definite draw for business travellers.
The property’s easy access to the city’s famed historical landmarks also makes it the apt choice of tourists. Delivering a seamless transition from work to relaxation, the hotel thus makes the perfect getaway for travellers looking to explore both business opportunities and leisure activities in the city. All in all, its combination of style, innovation and 24/7 amenities create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveller.
A Memorable Stay in Aurangabad
Leaving to catch our pre-dawn flight back home, our eyes are bleary but our hearts are bright: both, the Hyatt Place and Aurangabad itself, have delivered just the gateway we needed to exceptional comfort and memorable experiences.
