Try a classic Maharashtrian breakfast — misal pav or thali — at this popular local restaurant near the Kalaram Temple area to get a regional start to the trip.
Visit Sula for a vineyard walk, winery tour and a tasting session; it’s a relaxed way to experience Nashik’s wine country (Sula typically opens for tours from late morning — confirm current timings on Sula's site).
Have a leisurely lunch paired with local wine at Sula’s restaurant or tasting room — good food and scenic vineyard views make for a pleasant afternoon.
Explore historic Panchavati — visit the Kalaram Temple (black idol of Rama) and the Ramkund bathing ghat by the Godavari; both are cultural stops that give Nashik its pilgrimage character.
Offer darshan at the main Sai Baba Temple (open early morning through late evening; darshan queue times vary — check the official Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan website for queue/booking options).
Visit the associated sites: Dwarkamai mosque, Chavadi and the small Sai Museum that illustrate Baba’s life and Shirdi’s heritage (check onsite timings — most are open through evening).
Aurangabad has notable local eateries — try a popular biryani or Mughlai meal at a well-reviewed local restaurant; check current opening hours and book if needed.
Depart very early (approx 100–110 km, ~2.5–3 hrs) to reach Ajanta before peak heat and crowds; aim to arrive close to opening time for the best experience.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Ajanta rock-cut Buddhist caves famed for their murals and chaitya and vihara architecture; Ajanta typically opens around 9:00am (often closed on Mondays) — confirm ASI timings and entry fees before you go.
Have a straightforward lunch at the visitor-area restaurant or a reliable local dhaba; food options are basic but adequate — carry water and snacks as a backup.
Visit the Ellora complex, including the magnificent Kailasa temple rock-cut monolith and 34 other caves from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions; Ellora generally remains open in the afternoon (confirm opening hours — many ASI sites operate ~9:00–17:30).
Start the approx 5.5–7 hour drive back to Pune in the evening; plan one or two highway stops for tea/dinner and a driver rest break — expect to reach Pune late night.
Stop for dinner at a good highway restaurant or trusted dhaba (Ahmednagar has multiple options) — choose a clean, well-reviewed place for comfort on the long drive home.