Stop at a trusted highway dhaba or highway restaurant (e.g., Hotel Shreenath on Pune–Aurangabad route) for a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast like misal pav or poha to fuel the drive.
Check into your Aurangabad hotel and have lunch at a local favourite serving Hyderabadi/Mughlai or Maharashtrian thali (e.g., Hotel Green Leaf or similar).
A calm afternoon visit to the 'Taj of the Deccan' — photogenic and less crowded late afternoon; ideal for history and photography. (Typically open ~7:00am–6:00pm.)
Dinner at a recommended local restaurant (try Laal Qila or local family restaurant) to sample biryani or regional cuisine; relax early to prepare for a long next day.
Drive northwest from Aurangabad to Ajanta so you can arrive early and avoid heat and crowds; Ajanta is a 2–3 hour drive depending on road and your hotel location.
Explore the UNESCO rock‑cut Buddhist cave complex famous for its murals and sculptures. Typical visiting hours are around 9:00am–5:30pm; note Ajanta is often closed one day a week — check current closure day before travel.
Lunch at a local restaurant on the Ajanta route — choose a safe, recommended café offering simple Indian meals to recharge before the long afternoon drive.
Late dinner in Nagpur; try local orange‑based sweets or a popular restaurant (e.g., Barbeque Nation or local Maharashtrian family restaurant) and rest for next day.
Long drive northeast to Ayodhya. This is the longest leg (approx 9–12 hours depending on routing and breaks). Plan driver rotations if possible, and several stops for refreshments and leg stretches.
Begin the day with the serene Saryu Aarti at dawn — a soul‑soothing experience and ideal for sunrise photography. Aarti timings vary seasonally; arrive early (usually around 5:30–6:30am).
Visit the main pilgrimage site — Darshan windows and timings can be structured, with morning and afternoon slots (commonly morning 6:00–12:00 and evening 15:00–20:00); expect queues, book any required passes in advance.
Visit nearby temples: Kanak Bhawan for historic significance and Hanuman Garhi for its elevated views over Ayodhya; Hanuman Garhi is typically open 5:00am–10:00pm.
Return to the Saryu ghats for the evening aarti — a more vibrant ritual with lamps and local participation; great atmosphere and concluding the pilgrimage day.
If you missed Ellora or want a morning photo stop at Bibi Ka Maqbara, visit early (Ellora typically 9:00am–5:30pm); otherwise start your return drive to Pune directly.