5‑Day Road Trip: Nashik ➜ Bengaluru

Day 1: Nashik → Aurangabad

Morning: Depart Nashik early and enjoy the scenic drive through the Western Ghats. Stop at Sula Vineyards for a quick vineyard tour and a glass of fresh wine.

Afternoon: Continue to Aurangabad and have lunch at a local dhaba. Visit the magnificent Ellora Caves, exploring the rock‑cut temples and monasteries.

Evening: Check into your hotel and unwind. Take a leisurely stroll around the historic Daulatabad Fort to catch the sunset.

Day 2: Aurangabad → Bijapur (via Solapur)

Morning: Explore the iconic Ajanta Caves before leaving Aurangabad. The frescoes and ancient Buddhist art provide a captivating start to the day.

Afternoon: Drive to Solapur and visit the Siddheshwar Temple. Enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian thali for lunch.

Evening: Arrive in Bijapur and settle into your accommodation. Wander around the illuminated Gol Gumbaz, famed for its whispering gallery.

Day 3: Bijapur → Hampi

Morning: Tour the remaining sights of Bijapur, including the stunning Jama Masjid and Malik-e-Maidan cannon.

Afternoon: Drive to Hampi, stopping for lunch at a riverside eatery in Hospet. Check into a guesthouse near the ruins.

Evening: Begin exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi with a sunset walk along the Tungabhadra River, viewing the iconic Vittala Temple stone chariot.

Day 4: Hampi → Mysore

Morning: Continue the Hampi tour, visiting the Lotus Mahal and Queen’s Bath. Enjoy a coffee break amidst the ancient ruins.

Afternoon: Depart for Mysore, crossing the scenic Karnataka countryside. Stop for a quick bite at a local restaurant in Chitradurga.

Evening: Arrive in Mysore, check into your hotel, and head to the illuminated Mysore Palace for a night‑time light show.

Day 5: Mysore → Bengaluru

Morning: Visit the tranquil Chamundi Hill and the historic St. Philomena’s Cathedral. Enjoy a leisurely brunch in Mysore’s bustling market area.

Afternoon: Drive the final leg to Bengaluru, arriving by late afternoon. Check into your Bengaluru hotel and freshen up.

Evening: Explore the vibrant city life with a walk through Lalbagh Botanical Garden and dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking UB City.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Sula Vineyards – 1.5 hrs – ₹500 entry & tasting
• Ellora Caves – 3 hrs – ₹300 entry
• Daulatabad Fort – 2 hrs – ₹150 entry
• Ajanta Caves – 3 hrs – ₹300 entry
• Siddheshwar Temple (Solapur) – 1 hr – Free
• Gol Gumbaz – 2 hrs – ₹200 entry
• Jama Masjid (Bijapur) – 1 hr – Free
• Malik‑e‑Maidan – 30 min – Free
• Vittala Temple (Hampi) – 2 hrs – ₹200 entry
• Lotus Mahal – 1 hr – ₹150 entry
• Queen’s Bath – 45 min – ₹150 entry
• Mysore Palace – 2 hrs – ₹250 entry
• Chamundi Hill – 1.5 hrs – Free
• St. Philomena’s Cathedral – 45 min – Free
• Lalbagh Botanical Garden – 2 hrs – ₹100 entry
• UB City rooftop dinner – 2 hrs – Approx. ₹1,200 per person
• Fuel & tolls (≈ 1,000 km) – 12 hrs – ₹6,500
• Accommodation (5 nights) – 5 nights – ₹7,500
• Meals (average) – 5 days – ₹4,500
• Total Estimated Cost – ₹23,300 per person

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Hampi to fully explore the extensive ruins or a detour to Coorg for coffee plantation experiences. To shorten the trip, skip the Solapur stop and drive directly from Aurangabad to Bijapur, reducing travel time by a few hours while still covering the major attractions.