Leave Viva College, Virar around 7:00 AM and take the NH 48 towards Ghoti, then NH 160 to Trimbakeshwar. Allow roughly 4–5 hours of driving, plus your planned 1.5 hours for CNG refuelling and breaks; traffic or queues at pumps can stretch the journey, so check CNG availability along the route before setting out. On arrival, park in the designated temple-area lots and walk through the busy town lanes to Trimbakeshwar Temple. Set aside 2–3 hours for Saturday darshan and queues, and check current temple arrangements before you go.
From Trimbakeshwar, drive towards Anjaneri Hills for a short foothills visit and views—allow about 1–1.5 hours, but don’t attempt the full trek today. Continue to Sula Vineyards in the Gangapur area, around 30–40 minutes from Anjaneri depending on traffic. The day is ambitious: a long drive, temple queues and the scenic stop may push your arrival close to Sula’s visitor hours. Check access and tasting availability in advance, and book a tasting if that’s part of your plan; if you’re running late, enjoy the vineyard setting without relying on a tour or tasting being available.
Head into Nashik for misal—Sadhana Restaurant, known for its misal pav and rustic setting, is a popular option; expect roughly ₹150–₹350 per person, depending on what you order. Stay overnight in Nashik so you can get an early start for the next leg.
Leave Trimbak around 6:30–7:00 AM for Bhimashankar, allowing roughly 5–6 hours behind the wheel via Sangamner and Manchar, plus your planned 1.5 hours for CNG and breaks. That puts arrival in the early to mid-afternoon if the roads cooperate. CNG stations can be sparse on the final approach, so fill up before the ghat section and check availability with your driver; keep water and snacks handy. On arrival, park in the designated temple area and expect a Sunday crowd.
Allow 2–3 hours for Bhimashankar Temple darshan, with extra time possible on Sunday; timings and queue arrangements can change, so check locally before joining the line. Next, take a short walk in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary for the forest and Western Ghats scenery, but keep it to marked, locally approved paths and follow staff guidance. With the long drive and Sunday queue, daylight may be tight: don’t set off on a forest walk near dusk, and shorten or skip the walk if local advice or the time makes it unsafe.
For a simple Maharashtrian meal near the temple, budget about ₹200–₹450 per person; options are limited, so ask your lodging to confirm what will be open and arrange dinner ahead. MTDC Bhimashankar is one nearby place to check for dining, but confirm restaurant access and hours directly rather than relying on it being open. Stay close to the temple, as late-night food and onward transport choices are limited.
Leave Bhimashankar at dawn—ideally around 4:30–5:00 AM—for Grishneshwar Temple near Verul. The drive via Manchar, Narayangaon and Ahmednagar can take about 6–7 hours before stops; allow another 1.5 hours for CNG and breaks, and check pump availability rather than assuming every stop will be quick. This is a demanding arrival day, so keep food and water handy and confirm your temple and cave access arrangements before setting out.
Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for darshan at Grishneshwar Temple, depending on the queue; dress modestly and check current entry and phone-storage rules locally. Then drive the short distance to Ellora Caves and focus on the Kailasa Temple. The caves are generally open during the day and Monday is not the usual weekly closure day, but verify current hours and access before travelling. The timing is tight: after the long drive and darshan, you may have only around 1.5–2 hours before the caves close, rather than the desired 2.5–3 hours. If you arrive late, don’t rush through the site—consider moving Ellora to the following morning if your return-day plans allow.
Drive into Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for dinner at Bhoj Thali, a practical choice for a filling Maharashtrian-style meal; budget roughly ₹300–₹700 per person. After such a long day, head to your hotel and keep the evening quiet.
Start with Bibi Ka Maqbara in Begumpura when it opens, generally around 8:00 AM; allow 1–1.5 hours to walk the grounds and admire the mausoleum in the cooler part of the day. Entry is usually modest—budget about ₹25 per Indian adult, but check current ASI rates before you go. Parking is available nearby; arrive early to avoid the tour groups and midday heat.
Afterwards, have breakfast at Madhuban Restaurant near Nirala Bazaar—a convenient city-centre stop for a straightforward meal; budget ₹150–₹350 per person. Then set aside your planned 1.5 hours for CNG refuelling and breaks. Confirm which pumps are open and have CNG available before setting out, and don’t leave the city with a low tank.
Leave as early as your visit and breakfast allow. The drive to Viva College, Virar via Vaijapur, Nashik and the NH 48 corridor is roughly 8–10 hours behind the wheel; with CNG stops, a meal break and traffic, budget around 10–12 hours door to door. Check live traffic and road conditions before departure, and plan your longer break around a confirmed CNG stop rather than relying on finding one at the last minute.
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