Head to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ellora for darshan; allow about 1.5 hours, as the queue can be slow on a Sunday. The temple is generally open from early morning into the evening, but timings and queue arrangements can change on busy or festival days. Dress modestly, leave footwear at the designated stand, and keep valuables to a minimum. Darshan is free; check locally before joining the queue in case any entry instructions have changed.
From the temple, it’s only a short drive to Hotel Kailas, near the caves. Settle in for a relaxed lunch with views towards the surrounding hills; budget roughly ₹300–700 per person. It’s a handy pause before exploring, and a good moment to drink water and rest in the shade.
Spend 2.5–3 hours at Ellora Caves, focusing on the extraordinary Kailasa Temple and leaving time to wander through a few other caves at an unhurried pace. The site is typically open 9 am–5 pm and is closed on Tuesdays; Sunday crowds are likely, so expect some waiting at the most popular monuments. ASI entry tickets are paid at the entrance or through the official ticketing system; check the current Indian and international visitor rates before you go. Wear comfortable shoes—the paths are uneven, and there’s plenty of walking between caves.
Finish with a short drive west to Bhadra Maruti Temple in Khuldabad, allowing around 45 minutes for a visit. It’s known for its distinctive reclining Hanuman image; remove footwear before entering and be mindful of worshippers, especially if aarti is underway. If you’re visiting near closing time, check the temple’s local timings before setting off from Ellora.
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