Start with a hearty Gujarati breakfast (fafda–jalebi or a local thali) to fuel the drive; good local cafés and hotel breakfasts open from 7:00am. This gives you energy for the 4–6 hour road leg.
Drive southeast on NH27/NH47 toward Surat; expect ~4.5–6 hours depending on traffic and stops. Plan one fuel/tea stop midway and check toll/route on your navigation app.
Sample Surti flavours—try locho, khandvi and a Surti thali at a busy local restaurant; many open for lunch from 12:00pm. Choose a hygienic spot for a restful break.
Check into your hotel, freshen up and brief the driver/vehicle for the next day's early departure. Use this time to confirm accommodation and next-day route.
Walk Dumas Beach for a relaxed sunset experience (public beach, open all day—avoid visiting isolated areas after dark) or visit the Dutch Garden for a calm heritage park; both are good short outings before dinner.
Have dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant—try seafood specialities if you like or a vegetarian thali; many restaurants operate till 10:30–11:00pm. Rest early for the long drive next morning.
Quick hotel breakfast (tea, sandwich or idli) and checkout to beat highway traffic; most hotel breakfasts are available by 5:30–6:00am if requested earlier. Pack temple-appropriate modest clothing.
Arrive for darshan at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (temple generally opens from ~5:00–6:00am and stays open into the evening; morning/midday darshan is peaceful on non-festival days). Modest dress and footwear removal required.
Have a simple Maharashtrian vegetarian meal or a clean highway restaurant meal; many local eateries serving pilgrims are open through the afternoon. Good time to hydrate and rest.
Drive east toward Aurangabad — roughly 3–4 hours depending on route and traffic. Aim to reach Aurangabad by late afternoon to do a short temple visit before night.
Check into your Aurangabad hotel and freshen up; important before evening temple visiting and dinner. Confirm next-morning Ellora timings (ASI: often 9:00am–5:30pm).
Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (near Ellora) for evening darshan; temple typically open most of the day into the evening (confirm local schedule). It's architecturally attractive and calmer in evenings.
Enjoy a wholesome dinner with Aurangabadi/Maharashtrian specialities or a multi-cuisine meal; many restaurants stay open until about 10:00–11:00pm. Rest early for the Ellora visit next morning.
Early breakfast at the hotel (poha/upma or continental options) and checkout so you can reach Ellora before the midday crowds; most hotels serve breakfast from 7:00am.
Visit the Ellora Caves (Kailasa Temple — Cave 16 is the highlight); ASI-managed site usually open 9:00am–5:30pm. Plan 2–3 hours to cover key caves—wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
Return to Aurangabad for lunch—try local specialities or a filling thali. Aim to depart by early afternoon for the long drive toward Bhimashankar (via Pune).
Long scenic drive through Maharashtra via NH52/NH48 toward Pune and then up into the Western Ghats to Bhimashankar — allow 6–8 hours depending on stops and traffic. Consider a short tea/dinner stop in Pune if needed.
Check into a guesthouse or lodge near Bhimashankar; options are basic, so pre-book if possible. Rest and stock water/snacks for the next day’s sanctuary visit.
Have a simple home-style Maharashtrian dinner at your lodge or nearby bhojanalaya; kitchens in rural/temple areas often close by 9:00–10:00pm so eat promptly.
Attend the morning darshan at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga; temple usually opens early (~5:30–6:00am) and mornings are peaceful for rituals. Dress modestly and expect local queues during festival weekends.
Have a hot local breakfast (poha/chiwda and chai) at a nearby eatery or your lodge; small shops catering to pilgrims open early. It’s ideal before a nature walk in the sanctuary.
Explore the sanctuary (3–4 hours) to spot the Indian Giant Squirrel and enjoy Western Ghats biodiversity. Check with the forest department for permitted trails, guide needs and morning visiting windows (many forest trails recommended in morning hours). Carry permits if required, water, and insect repellent.
Return for a relaxed local lunch at your lodge or a bhojanalaya; meals are basic but hearty—confirm kitchen hours because rural kitchens may close earlier in the afternoon. Rest and pack up for onward travel.
If you’re returning home or continuing travel, drive ~3–4 hours to Pune (Pune airport/railway hub) for trains/flights or to proceed further. Alternatively use this as a buffer/relaxation time if you end your trip here.
In Pune, enjoy a proper meal (Maharashtrian or multi-cuisine) and finalise onward connections; Pune restaurants typically serve dinner from 7:00pm onward. If not traveling, use this time to rest or prepare for the return drive to Rajkot (long drive).