Take an early morning flight from Delhi to Mumbai so you get maximum time in Malad; book a 7:00am–8:30am slot (IndiGo/Air India/SpiceJet have frequent early flights).
Short drive to Aksa/Marve — ideal for a relaxed stroll, sea breeze and local snack stalls; beaches are open all day but avoid high tide for walking. Great easy local experience in Malad West.
Inorbit Mall (Malad) offers a range of cuisines (mainstream & local) making it easy to satisfy different tastes quickly; convenient for midday rest. (Malls typically open 11:00am–10:00pm).
Drive to SGNP to visit Kanheri Caves for short hikes and Buddhist rock-cut caves — park is open roughly 7:00am–5:30pm and Kanheri Caves usually open 9:30am–5:30pm, so afternoon visit is fine; it's peaceful and photo-friendly.
Choose seafood at Gajalee if you prefer Malvani-style coastal cuisine, or Kailash Parbat for vegetarian North Indian; both are reliable choices near Malad. Most restaurants open for dinner 7:30pm–11:00pm.
Depart very early for the airport to catch an early flight to Aurangabad; budget 1–1.5 hours for road transfer from Malad to CSMIA depending on traffic.
Private car or taxi from Aurangabad airport/railway station to Ellora (approx 30–60 minutes depending on route) — recommended to hire a driver for the day for flexibility.
Ellora Caves complex (UNESCO) houses 34 rock-cut temples; Cave 16 (Kailasa) is a monolithic marvel and the highlight — open daily ~9:00am–5:30pm. Plan 2.5–3.5 hours to see major caves and the Kailasa temple.
Short drive from Ellora to the ancient Shri Ghrushneshwar Jyotirlinga — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, an important pilgrimage site; temple darshan is usually open from early morning to late evening (approx 5:00am–10:30pm) but timings can vary for aarti.
If time and energy allow, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara (often called the mini-Taj) in Aurangabad — it complements Ellora and makes for good photography; open ~9:00am–6:00pm.
Try local Marathwada specialities or a reliable hotel restaurant for a comfortable meal; Aurangabad has good options for both Hyderabadi and Maharashtrian cuisine.