Set out early to cover the ~500–600 km drive; leaving at dawn reduces city traffic and gives buffer for stops. Expect around 10–12 hours total driving depending on route and breaks.
Take a mid-morning break in Hubballi; use a reliable café or highway restaurant for a hearty South Indian breakfast (idli, dosa, filter coffee) and to refuel the vehicle.
Have a comfortable dinner at your hotel (Lemon Tree or similar) — varied menu and reliable timings make this an easy first-night choice. Confirm hotel restaurant opening times with reception (usually 07:00–22:30).
Start with a full buffet breakfast at your hotel to fuel a day of sightseeing; hotel restaurants usually open from 07:00 and offer continental and Indian options.
Explore the Kailasa temple and the other Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves; the site is extensive and richly carved — allow time to appreciate the scale and detail. Open 09:00–17:30.
Return toward Aurangabad and enjoy a flavourful lunch; Jaffer Bhai's (popular local choice) offers Mughlai and kebab specialities and stays open through the afternoon (confirm local opening hours around 11:00–22:30).
Visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the 'Taj of the Deccan', for its Mughal-style mausoleum and gardens. Best visited in late afternoon light for photos; typically open around 07:00–18:00.
Explore the nearby 17th-century water mill (Panchakki) and the adjacent gardens for a relaxed cultural stop; many local monuments close by and are open through late afternoon.
Return to the city centre and dine at a well-reviewed local restaurant for a mix of Maharashtrian and North Indian dishes — ask hotel staff for the current best option and opening times (usually until 22:30).
Leave Aurangabad early for the Ajanta Caves (approx 2–3 hours each way, ~100 km). Early departure lets you arrive near opening time and avoid the midday heat.
Bring a packed breakfast from the hotel or stop at a roadside café en route; Ajanta site food options are limited and can be crowded so a packed breakfast is convenient.
Explore the magnificent Buddhist rock-cut caves with well-preserved murals and sculptures. The site opens at 09:00 (confirm seasonally) — plan at least 3–4 hours to see the main caves and viewpoints.
Eat at the government canteen / local dhaba near the Ajanta site; choices are basic but convenient. If you prefer comfort, return toward Aurangabad for lunch en route.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Aurangabad; return to a favourite from earlier or try a different local restaurant specialising in Hyderabadi/Biryani or Maharashtrian thali. Most sit-down restaurants stay open until about 22:30.
Visit the imposing Daulatabad Fort and its famed Chand Minar; the fort offers panoramic views and intriguing passageways. Open generally from 09:00–17:00 — allow 1.5–2 hours.
Explore the Aurangabad Caves (rock-cut Buddhist caves set on a ridge) near Ellora; usually open 09:00–17:00 and are a quieter complement to the larger Ellora site.
Begin the return drive to Sorab (estimate 10–12 hours) or take an evening train from Aurangabad railway station. If driving, leave early enough to reach safely, or break the journey overnight at a convenient point.
Stop for dinner at a clean highway restaurant en route, or use onboard catering if travelling by train. Choose well-reviewed outlets for safe, hygienic food.