Take an early morning flight from Delhi to Mumbai so you can connect onward to Aurangabad the same day; book a flight that lands early to allow the transfer. Leave buffer for arrival, immigration/security and baggage.
Catch a morning connection from Mumbai (BOM) to Aurangabad (IXU) — flights are ~1 hour; this is the fastest way to reach Ellora same day. Book seats early to avoid delays.
Private car or taxi (recommended with driver for flexibility) to the Ellora Caves complex; the drive typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Explore the UNESCO‑listed Ellora cave complex, focusing on the massive rock‑cut Kailasa (Kailash) Temple — an extraordinary monolithic carving and must‑see; check site hours (generally ~9:00am–5:30pm) and allow 2–3 hours.
Enjoy a hearty Maharashtrian thali or local cuisine at a reputable restaurant near the site to sample local flavors and recharge before visiting the nearby temple. Restaurants typically serve lunch from ~12:00–3:00pm.
Short drive to the historic Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and very close to Ellora — allow ~30–60 minutes for darshan and photography (temple hours often long, many open early morning to late evening).
Fly back to Mumbai; arrive evening and transfer to your hotel in Malad West so you’re ready for the festival the next day. Book flights with reasonable buffer for road delays.
Dinner near your Malad West hotel — choose a popular local seafood/Maharashtrian spot or a trusted chain (buffet option like Barbeque Nation if you want variety); most places open late (until ~11:00pm).
Light breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café; choose something filling (eggs, idli/dosa or sandwich) to fuel a festival day. Hotel breakfast service typically starts 7:00–8:00am.
Free morning to rest, pick up festival tickets, buy water/portable snacks, or explore nearby shops; this is useful buffer time in case of travel delays.
Have an early lunch near the festival site — choose a quick, filling option (rice/thali, biryani, or wraps) so you can arrive at the venue on time. Lunch outlets near event venues generally operate 12:00–3:00pm.
Arrive at the festival venue at least 30–60 minutes before headliners; festival start times vary by organizer (common window 3:00pm–6:00pm onward) — confirm exact schedule and entry rules (bags, cameras).
Dinner can be enjoyed at festival food stalls (convenient but pricier) or step out to a nearby restaurant after the show for a relaxed meal. Festival food stalls often operate through the event hours.