Family Friendly 5-Day Itinerary: Kolhapur, Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur & Ellora Caves

Day 1: Explore Kolhapur

Kolhapur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Pankaj

Start your day with a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast at Hotel Pankaj, known for its authentic Misal Pav.
Located just 10 minutes away from most hotels in the city center.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mahalakshmi Temple

After breakfast, head over to the famous Mahalakshmi Temple to admire its stunning architecture and seek blessings.
About 15 minutes drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Panhala Fort

Next, visit Panhala Fort, an ancient fortress overlooking Kolhapur, offering beautiful views and a rich historical background.
Approximately a 30-minute drive from the temple.
INR 50, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Zaffran

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Zaffran, which offers delightful North Indian dishes, ideal for everyone.
Return to the city, approximately 30 minutes from Panhala Fort.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Check out Rankala Lake

After lunch, visit Rankala Lake for a scenic stroll and maybe even a boat ride, perfect for family bonding.
Just a 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100 per person (boat ride), 1 hour

5:00PM

Shop at Mahalaxmi Mandir Market

Spend the evening shopping at the local market near the temple, picking up souvenirs and local handicrafts.
5 minutes drive or a short walk from Rankala Lake.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Opal

Wrap up your day with dinner at Hotel Opal, which serves a variety of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Located about 10 minutes from the market.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Shirdi

Shirdi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Opal

Enjoy a hearty breakfast once again at Hotel Opal before checking out.
Same location as last night.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Shirdi

Pack up and drive to Shirdi, home of the revered Sai Baba.
The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.
N/A, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Sai Baba Temple

Upon arrival, head to the Sai Baba Temple, a major pilgrimage site known for its serene atmosphere.
Located near the entrance of Shirdi.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sai Prasad Hotel

Enjoy a simple and delicious lunch at Sai Prasad Hotel, which serves sincere meals for devotees.
Just a 10-minute walk from the temple.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Baba's Samadhi Mandir

Continue your spiritual journey by visiting Baba's Samadhi Mandir and learn more about Sai Baba’s life.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Shirdi Market

Wander around the local market to shop for Sai Baba merchandise and local handicrafts.
Nearby the temple area, easy walk.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dine and Dream

End your day with a cozy family dinner at Dine and Dream, offering diverse Indian cuisine.
10-15 minute walk from the market.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Visit Shani Shingnapur

Shani Shingnapur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dine and Dream

Enjoy breakfast at Dine and Dream, fueling up for your day.
Same location as last night.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Shani Shingnapur

Leave Shirdi and head to Shani Shingnapur, famous for its Shani Temple.
Approximately 1.5 hours drive.
N/A, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Shani Shingnapur Temple

Arrive and visit the Sri Shani Shingnapur Temple, where it's believed that the deity guards against all evils.
The temple is right at the entrance.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Dhabha

Relish a simple and delicious meal at a nearby local dhaba, perfect for quick bites.
5-minute drive from the temple.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Bushwalk around Shani Shingnapur

Take a leisurely walk around the village, witnessing unique houses and understanding the life around the temple.
Walking around; the village is small.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive to Aurangabad

Embark on a scenic drive to Aurangabad, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2 hours drive.
N/A, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Aurangabad and check-in to your family-friendly hotel.
Choose a hotel central to the city.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

Indulge in a family buffet at Barbeque Nation, known for its grill-on-your-table experience.
Located 15 minutes drive from most hotels.
INR 1500, 2 hours
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Day 4: Explore Ellora Caves

Ellora, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel before your exciting day ahead.
Same hotel as last night.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ellora Caves

Depart for the Ellora Caves, famous for its rock-cut architecture and intricate sculptures.
A 30-minute drive from Aurangabad.
INR 40 (entry), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ellora Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Ellora Restaurant, which offers a variety of local and north Indian dishes.
Close to the caves, just a 5-minute drive.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Ajanta Caves

After lunch, make your way to Ajanta Caves to witness ancient Buddhist art - a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Approx 2 hours' drive from Ellora.
INR 40 (entry), 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Aurangabad

Head back to Aurangabad after exploring the Ajanta Caves.
2-hour drive back.
N/A, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Urban Tadka

Finish the day with a vibrant dinner at Urban Tadka, known for its lively atmosphere.
Close to the hotel.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Kolhapur

Kolhapur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Aurangabad, savoring local delicacies.
Same hotel as last night.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Check-out and Drive to Kolhapur

Check-out from the hotel and head back to Kolhapur, reminiscing about your trip.
2.5 hour drive.
N/A, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit with Maharaja's Palace

On arrival, visit the Maharaja's Palace to see a glimpse of royal history and architecture.
In the city center, easy to find.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Prakash

Enjoy lunch at Hotel Prakash, famous for its local Kolhapuri thali.
5-minute drive from the palace.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Local Gardens

Spend a relaxing afternoon at local gardens, allowing time to recharge before the journey home.
10 minutes away from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Departure

Farewell Kolhapur as you conclude your peaceful and enriching family trip.
Return to your hotel or home as planned.
N/A, N/A
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