Stop at a trusted highway dhaba for hot idli/vada or a packed tiffin from Surat hotel — most highway dhabas open by 6:00–7:00am, so plan this early to stay on schedule.
Most options are basic — book government rest house or a local guesthouse in advance; use this time to rest before evening darshan and a short nature walk.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga has morning and evening darshan windows (typical temple timings: morning ~6:00–11:30am, evening ~4:00–8:00pm); evening darshan and aarti are peaceful and set against the Western Ghats backdrop.
Take the short trails or viewpoint near the temple for birdlife and forest scenery; visitor access typically allowed until dusk, but check local timings with the guesthouse.
Simple home-style Maharashtrian thali at the guesthouse or nearby local eatery; food choices are limited in the hamlet so pre-book dinner with your stay.
Many pilgrims prefer the early morning darshan (temple often opens ~5:30–6:00am) and the cool forest air; check with the temple noticeboard for exact timings on the day.
Simple hot breakfast (poha/upma/tea) at the guesthouse; eating early keeps you on schedule for the long drive to the Aurangabad/Ellora area (Grishneshwar).
Drive time is substantial (approx 5–7 hours depending on route and traffic). Plan fuel and a lunch stop en route — the aim is to reach Aurangabad by late afternoon for Grishneshwar darshan or check-in.
Grishneshwar is a Jyotirlinga located near Ellora; typical darshan timings often span morning to evening (many temples open 6:00am–9:00pm with short breaks) — evening darshan is convenient if you arrive late.
Choose accommodation near Ellora for an early start to visit the caves next morning. Popular Aurangabad hotels vary from budget to mid-range — book ahead in peak season.
Ellora Caves are best seen early; the site is managed by ASI. Typical visiting hours are ~9:00am–6:00pm (confirm on day), but arriving early reduces heat and crowds.
Ellora’s rock‑cut complexes include the monumental Kailasa temple (Cave 16). Reserve 2.5–3.5 hours to see the main caves and appreciate the site’s architecture and inscriptions; photography may have a separate camera fee.
There are simple restaurants/cafeterias near the entrance serving thalis and snacks; lunch here saves time before an afternoon sightseeing or onward drive.
If time permits, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad (open ~8:00am–6:00pm) for a quick monument stop; otherwise use this time to begin the drive to Trimbakeshwar/Nashik.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is best visited early — typical temple timings start around 5:30–6:00am for morning rituals; plan for a calm, spiritual darshan and to see the sacred pushkarini and Brahmagiri hills nearby.
If you have time and energy, take a short visit to Anjaneri (associated with Lord Hanuman’s birthplace) or the Brahmagiri foothills for local scenery; check local access hours and weather conditions.