After checking in, head to Siddharth Garden and Zoo in Nirala Bazar for an easy first outing. Allow about an hour to wander the shaded garden and, if you like, visit the zoo; the zoo has a separate entry fee, generally modest, so carry some cash. Hours can vary by section and season, so check locally before setting out. An auto-rickshaw from central Aurangabad is usually a quick ride; agree on the fare or ask the driver to use the meter.
From the garden, take an auto toward Bhadkal Gate in Juna Bazar—roughly 10–20 minutes depending on traffic—and spend half an hour admiring the old gateway from the street. Then continue into Gul Mandi, a lively Old City market nearby, for about 45 minutes of browsing textiles and everyday shopping. The lanes are best experienced on foot, but can be busy and uneven; keep valuables close and ask before photographing shopkeepers. Market stalls generally wind down in the evening, so don’t leave this stop too late.
Finish at Kailash Veg Restaurant in central Aurangabad for a relaxed vegetarian meal. Budget around ₹200–500 per person; a short auto ride from Gul Mandi is the easiest way to get there. It’s a gentle first-day plan, so leave room to return to your hotel and rest after dinner.
Start at Bibi Ka Maqbara in Begumpura while the light is soft and the gardens are cooler. Give yourself about 1½–2 hours for the mausoleum, its water channels and grounds; it generally opens around sunrise and closes at sunset. Allow roughly ₹25 for Indian adult entry, though fees can change. An auto or app cab from the central areas takes about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. From here, it’s a short ride toward the old city to Panchakki, where the historic water-powered mill and calm garden complex are worth about an hour. Check the entrance for current hours and fees before setting out.
Continue north to Himayat Bagh for a shaded pause beneath the old trees. Set aside around 45 minutes, but check locally that the garden is open and accessible that day—entry and upkeep can be variable. Carry water and a snack, and use an auto or cab between sites rather than counting on much shade along the roads.
Head back to central Aurangabad for Tandoor Restaurant & Bar, a comfortable sit-down choice for tandoori dishes and North Indian staples. Plan on 1–1½ hours and roughly ₹500–1,000 per person; a cab or auto from the garden is the easiest option. Call ahead if you’re arriving later in the evening, as timings can vary.
Leave Aurangabad around 6:30–7:00 a.m. by cab or pre-booked car; Daulatabad Fort is about 15 km northwest, usually a 30–40-minute drive. Start the steep climb as early as you can, before the sun gets strong. Allow roughly two hours for the uphill route, gateways and views from the fort—wear grippy shoes, carry water, and expect some dark, narrow passages on the way up. The fort generally opens in the morning; confirm the day’s hours and entry fee locally before setting out.
Continue about 15–20 km to Ellora Caves near Verul. Give yourself around three hours for the cave complex, making time for the monumental Kailasa Temple as well as the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves. The site is typically open from morning until late afternoon and is closed on Tuesdays, so Saturday is a good day to visit; arrive with enough time before closing. Indian adult entry is generally around ₹40, with higher rates for foreign visitors, and fees or rules can change. After exploring, take a convenient break at MTDC Restaurant, Ellora, close to the caves; budget about ₹300–700 per person for lunch.
Finish at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, just beside the Ellora area. Set aside 45–60 minutes, and allow extra time if there’s a queue. Dress modestly, and check locally about current footwear and phone-storage arrangements before entering. From here, it’s roughly a 30 km drive back to Aurangabad; traffic and the fort climb can stretch the day, so keep water and a small snack in the car.
Head to Aurangabad Caves early, before the day warms up. They’re north of the city; a cab or auto from the center usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Allow 1½–2 hours for the quieter Buddhist caves and their carved sculptures—the paths include steps and uneven stone, so wear shoes with grip and bring water. The site generally opens during daylight hours; check locally for current timings and entry fees.
Take a cab to Soneri Mahal, near Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, and spend about an hour with the palace and its museum exhibits. The drive from the caves is roughly 15–25 minutes. Museum hours and access can vary, so confirm before setting out; keep a little cash handy for entry.
Continue to Salim Ali Lake for an easy 45-minute lakeside stroll and a spot of birdwatching. It’s a short drive from the palace; go gently on the paths and bring binoculars if you have them. Finish at Green Leaf Vegetarian Cuisine in central Aurangabad, where a relaxed lunch typically takes about an hour and costs around ₹300–700 per person. Since it’s Sunday, calling ahead to confirm hours is sensible.
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