Start early with a hearty breakfast before departure; use a trusted spot in Navi Mumbai (Seawoods area) or hotel buffet — light idli/poha or continental if preferred to fuel the drive.
Visit Trimbakeshwar Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas); temple is traditionally open from about 5:00am to 10:00pm — the morning darshan and abhishek are spiritually significant and the temple sits at the source of the Godavari.
If you prefer a relaxed evening, Sula Vineyards (open typically 11:00am–9:00pm for visitors) offers vineyard views and a casual meal; otherwise rest at the hotel.
Check in at your Aurangabad hotel (recommended: Lemon Tree or a comfortable mid-range hotel) and rest; prepare early for next morning's Grishneshwar visit.
Visit Grishneshwar Temple (near Ellora). Temple timings are approximately 5:30am–9:00pm; a morning darshan here is peaceful and close to the Ellora site.
Visit Aundha Nagnath Temple, historically significant and usually open from early morning until about 8:00pm; morning darshan is recommended before onward driving.
Visit Parli Vaijnath Temple (one of the five in Maharashtra) — temple timings typically around 4:30am–9:00pm; evening aarti and darshan are special experiences.
Check in to a guesthouse or resort near Bhimashankar (options: forest cottages or local resorts) and rest; the temple is at a higher elevation so rest helps acclimatize.
Early breakfast at the resort or a packed tiffin; aim to reach the Bhimashankar Temple early to avoid afternoon crowds and for pleasant weather on the ghats.
Visit Bhimashankar Temple (usually open 5:00am–9:00pm). The temple is also known for its scenic wildlife sanctuary; allocate time for darshan and a brief nature trek if desired.