Board an early morning express from Vijayapura (Bijapur) to Aurangabad so you reach Aurangabad late morning; trains usually take about 4–6 hours depending on service. Book an AC or Sleeper class ticket on IRCTC—earlier trains maximise sightseeing time.
Quick breakfast near the station — try local poha, idli or misal pav at a reliable station/IRCTC outlet or a nearby café to fuel up before sightseeing.
Explore the UNESCO Ellora Caves (open roughly 9:00am–5:30pm). The Kailasa (Cave 16) is the highlight — allow time for the main cave cluster and the museum to understand its history and architecture.
Enjoy a Maharashtrian thali or local cuisine near Ellora — try a trusted local vegetarian/non-vegetarian restaurant offering thali or biryani; good for a filling midday meal.
Short visit to Daulatabad Fort (open daytime) if time permits — a historic hill fort with steep access and panoramic views; allow 1–1.5 hours for a quick exploration.
Visit Grishneshwar Temple (adjacent to Ellora) for evening darshan; temple hours commonly include a morning and an evening slot (approx 5:00pm onwards in the evening). This is one of Maharashtra’s three Jyotirlingas and worth an auspicious visit.
Dine at a reputable Aurangabad restaurant or hotel restaurant—try a mix of local dishes or a buffet-style restaurant for variety. If you prefer a known chain, use in-city options (Barbeque-style or multi-cuisine).
Check into a comfortable mid-range hotel in CIDCO or near the station for an early start next day. Confirm booking and request early morning breakfast/packed meals if you have a very early train.
Take an early morning train from Aurangabad to Nashik; journey time is typically 5–7 hours depending on the service. Book tickets in advance to secure seats and reach Nashik by early afternoon.
Arrive Nashik and have lunch in the city — Nashik has many good vegetarian and non‑vegetarian restaurants; try local Maharashtrian cuisine or a thali for a quick, nutritious meal.
Drive to Sula Vineyards (open typically 11:00am–6:00pm) for a guided vineyard tour and tasting — a relaxing, scenic stop between temple visits; reserve the tasting slot in advance.
Head to Trimbakeshwar Temple (Trimbak) for evening darshan; commonly open 5:00am–12:00pm and 4:00pm–10:00pm. This jyotirlinga is set at the source of Godavari River and is an important pilgrimage site.
Return to Nashik city and enjoy dinner; try a local family-run restaurant or a popular multi-cuisine spot known for Maharashtrian specialties and sweets.
Catch an early train from Nashik to Pune (typically 4–5 hours) to reach Pune by mid-morning. This positions you to take a road transfer up to Bhimashankar (hill area) the same day.
Enjoy a Pune breakfast at a known eatery (for example try a popular local café or restaurant for vada pav, poha or South Indian fare); Pune has reliable breakfast options near the station.
Hire a taxi from Pune to Bhimashankar (approx 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and the exact route). The road climbs into forested hills — plan for breaks and a scenic drive.
Visit Bhimashankar Temple (usually open ~6:00am–6:00pm) for darshan and a short walk in the sanctuary; this is the hill Jyotirlinga, set inside the Bhimashankar wildlife/forest area — wear comfortable shoes.
Return by taxi to Pune; expect evening arrival around 9:00–10:00pm depending on stops. Alternatively, stay overnight near Bhimashankar if you prefer to avoid night driving.
Have dinner in Pune at a well-rated restaurant near your hotel or the station; choose lighter options after a long day. If you plan to catch a late-night train, pick up station meals or use hotel/restaurant parcel services.
Board a late-night/overnight train back to Vijayapura (if available) or book next-day morning service; overnight trains reduce travel fatigue. Check IRCTC for appropriate sleeper/AC options and exact departure times.