Start with a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast (poha or misal pav) at your hotel or a reliable local eatery in Aurangabad to fuel a day of walking. A hot chai and light snack will set you up for the 1–1.5 hour drive to Ellora.
Take a prepaid taxi, private car, or local tourist cab west from Aurangabad to the Ellora archaeological site (roughly 30–35 km depending on your pickup point). Early departure avoids midday heat and gives you more time at the site.
Buy entrance tickets at the ASI counter; tickets and camera/video charges are handled by the Archaeological Survey of India. Note the ASI hours and last-entry policies before you go.
Begin with the Kailasa rock-cut monolithic temple (Cave 16), the highlight: a single rock hewn downward to create a temple complex with courtyards, sculptures and pillared halls — the engineering and sculpture are exceptional and best seen early before crowds. The site is open daily; typical ASI hours: 9:00am–6:00pm (last entry often ~5:00–5:30pm) — confirm current hours on ASI site.
Walk through the nearby Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples (a compact cluster). Focus on the prominent caves (e.g., 10, 11, 12, 29–32) to see different styles and reliefs; allow time for photography and interpretation panels.
Have a relaxed lunch at one of the local restaurants/canteens just outside the Ellora complex (simple Indian thali or local Maharashtrian dishes). If you prefer a sit-down option back in Aurangabad, leave a little earlier to return to town.
Use the afternoon to visit any caves you missed, revisit details at Kailasa, or relax in the shaded garden and small museum area near the entrance; keep an eye on the clock for last entry times.
Return to Aurangabad by taxi or car; traffic is usually lighter later in the afternoon. If you have time and interest, you can stop at Grishneshwar Temple (close to Ellora) en route (small detour) — open times roughly similar to temples (mornings and evenings).
If you didn't visit on the outward leg, stop by Grishneshwar Temple (a short drive from Ellora) — it's one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines and makes a culturally complementary stop to Ellora. Check temple darshan timings (typically early morning & evening; dress modestly).
Enjoy dinner back in Aurangabad at a recommended mid-range restaurant serving local and north Indian dishes (suggest a restaurant that offers thali, biryani, or Mughlai specialties). Choose a place with good reviews and a relaxed atmosphere to reflect on the day.
Return to your hotel to rest or prepare for onward travel. If you're catching an early flight or train the next morning, reconfirm transfers and packing.