Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel restaurant — both offer reliable continental and Maharashtrian options and typically serve from early morning (around 7:00–10:30). Good fuel for a day of walking and climbing.
Explore the UNESCO-grouped Ellora Caves, a spectacular complex of rock-cut Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monuments; the Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the standout — carved from a single rock. Site opening hours: typically 9:00–17:30; allow time to climb and photograph.
Have a relaxed lunch back in Aurangabad (or at a reliable highway restaurant closer to Ellora) — try a Maharashtrian thali or local kebabs; many places are open 12:00–15:00 for lunch.
Climb and explore Daulatabad Fort — famed for its robust defences and panoramic views of the plains; the fort complex includes enigmatic gates and long ramparts. Usually open 9:00–18:00; wear good shoes for steep steps.
Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the 'Taj of the Deccan'; it’s especially attractive at sunset for photographs. Typical visiting hours run roughly 6:00–18:30 (confirm seasonal closing times).
Return to your hotel for dinner; if you prefer a sit-down restaurant, many Aurangabad hotels and family restaurants offer good North Indian, Mughlai and Maharashtrian dishes (open evenings 19:00–22:30).
Leave early (around 6:00) to reach Ajanta in time for opening and cooler morning light — drive time is about 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic/route. Book a private car or a scheduled tourist coach in advance.
Explore the rock-cut Buddhist Ajanta Caves, famed for their well-preserved murals and chaitya halls; this UNESCO site is best seen slowly — openings usually 9:00–17:30. Note: ticket rates differ for Indian and foreign visitors; arrive early to avoid the midday crowds.
Simple local lunches are available near the site (basic restaurant/cafeteria). If you prefer a sit-down meal, plan to stop at a recommended restaurant en route back to Aurangabad; most options serve 12:00–15:00.
Use the late afternoon to revisit your favourite caves, catch the view from the main ridge viewpoints, and buy a few souvenirs at the site stalls. The light is often good for mural photos late afternoon.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner sampling local Maharashtrian dishes (pithla-bhakri, bharli vangi) or Mughlai cuisine — many hotel restaurants and city eateries operate nightly from 19:00–23:00.
Visit the lesser-known Aurangabad Caves (a cluster of rock-cut Buddhist shrines on a ridge) for a quieter, shorter cave experience — typically open from about 9:00–17:00.
See the historic Panchakki (a clever ancient water-powered mill and garden complex) and the iconic Bhadkal Gate — both are close to each other and illustrate Aurangabad’s medieval urban fabric. Most are open in daytime hours (9:00–17:00).
Shop for Paithani sarees, handlooms, and local handicrafts in the traditional markets — great final-stop shopping before departure; markets generally stay open until early evening.
If you have a late departure, visit a local museum for regional history or return to your hotel to pack and rest. Museums usually open 10:00–17:00; confirm specific closing times.