5-Day Family Road Trip: Pune, Ellora & Ajanta Caves

Day 1: Exploring Pune

Pune, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Goodluck

Start your day with scrumptious Akuri (Parsi scrambled eggs) and chai, a local favorite.
Located in the heart of Pune, it's easily accessible.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aga Khan Palace

Explore this historic site, significant in India’s freedom struggle, set amidst beautiful gardens.
Just a 15-minute drive from Cafe Goodluck.
INR 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vaishali

Indulge in authentic South Indian cuisine with a must-try dosa.
A 10-minute drive from Aga Khan Palace.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Pune Okayama Friendship Garden

Wander through this serene garden, perfect for family strolls and relaxation.
Only a 20-minute drive from Vaishali.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Shaniwar Wada

Explore the historic fortification which was once the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire.
Just a 15-minute drive from the garden.
INR 5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening tea at Shreemant Bhide Wada

Enjoy a local delicacy, the Kanda bhaji (onion fritters) with chai.
Located near Shaniwar Wada.
INR 150, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

Experience a lavish buffet with fantastic grilled dishes that kids will love.
A quick 10-minute drive from Bhide Wada.
INR 800 per person, 2 hours
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Day 2: Caves of Ellora

Ellora, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kailas

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before heading to the caves, featuring local dishes like poha and upma.
Located near the caves, about 30 minutes from Pune city.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Ellora Caves

Discover the stunning rock-cut caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that date back centuries.
Entrance to the caves is right there after breakfast.
INR 40, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Krishna Restaurant

Savor traditional Maharashtrian thali with an assortment of flavors.
Just a 15-minute drive from the caves.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Daulatabad Fort

Explore this sprawling fort, a stunning example of military architecture.
Only a 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 25, 2 hours

4:30PM

Cave Exploration Continues

Head back to visit the remaining caves at Ellora, focusing on the notable Kailasa Temple.
Easily accessible from the fort.
INR 40, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Ellora Caves Restaurant

End the day with a meal featuring varied Indian dishes amidst lovely ambiance.
Located nearby the caves.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Ajanta Caves Adventure

Ajanta, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Ellora

Recharge with a hearty breakfast before your Ajanta exploration.
Conveniently located near Ellora, perfect to start the trip to Ajanta.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ajanta Caves

Make your way to Ajanta Caves, marveling at the ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves.
1.5-hour drive from Ellora.
INR 0 (Transport cost varies), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Ajanta Caves

Walk through the artistic masterpieces of ancient rock-cut paintings and sculptures.
Entry to the caves once you arrive.
INR 40, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ajanta Caves View Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with picturesque views of the surroundings.
Just near the entrance of the caves.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Ajanta Cultural Centre

Engage in cultural immersion with showcases of traditional crafts.
Only a 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Ellora

Drive back to Ellora for a restful night after a day full of ancient wonders.
1.5-hour drive back.
INR 0 (Transport cost varies), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Kailas

Enjoy some local delicacies to reward yourselves after a day of exploration.
Dine at your lodging for convenience.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relaxing in Pune

Pune, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Marzorin

Enjoy fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit as a perfect start to the day.
A 3-hour return drive from Ellora to Pune.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osho Garden

Spend some peaceful family time at this tranquil oasis in the city.
Approximately a 20-minute drive from Marzorin.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Zaffran

Delight your family with an aromatic Indian buffet featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Just 15 minutes from Osho Garden.
INR 650, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Parvati Hill

Climb up to Parvati Hill for a panoramic view of Pune, with temples and gardens to explore along the way.
A 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

Explore this museum to see traditional Indian arts and crafts, intriguing for all ages.
Only a 20-minute drive from Parvati Hill.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The German Bakery

End your day with some delicious pizzas and a cozy atmosphere.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Pune & Relaxation

Pune, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Suwadik Wada

Try the iconic misal pao and bread for a taste of Pune's local flavor.
Located in the center of Pune.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Bund Garden

Relax and take nature walks or enjoy a boat ride with the family.
Only 15 minutes from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Cultural Workshop

Participate in a local arts and crafts workshop for an immersive cultural experience.
Check local events for nearest workshops, nearby
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Bliss Bistro

Enjoy a lovely lunch with a wide range of dishes, including pasta, salads, and desserts.
A short drive from the workshop location.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shopping at Phoenix Marketcity

Wrap up your trip with some family shopping at one of Pune's best shopping malls.
Right next to The Bliss Bistro.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Conclude with Evening Snack at Wadeshwar

Relax with a light snack of vada pav or refreshing salads before heading home.
Only 10 minutes from the shopping mall.
INR 200, 1 hour
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