3-Day Road Trip from Mumbai to Aurangabad: Historical Sites, Local Flavors, and Comfortable Stays

Day 1: Travel and City Exploration

Mumbai to Aurangabad, India on May 7, 2025

6:00am

Drive from Mumbai to Nashik

Start your journey early from Mumbai to beat traffic and enjoy a smooth drive towards Nashik, where you can take a break for breakfast.
INR0, 3h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Panchavati Vihar, Nashik

Enjoy a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast at this popular hotel known for its pure vegetarian fare, including misal pav and poha.
INR300 per person, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive to Aurangabad

Continue your drive towards Aurangabad, covering the remaining distance and reaching around noon for hotel check-in.
INR0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Check-in at Vivanta Aurangabad

Stay at Vivanta Aurangabad, a well-rated 5-star hotel offering modern amenities and comfortable rooms in city center.
INR5000 per night, N/A

2:00pm

Lunch at Tandoor Restaurant, Aurangabad

Enjoy North Indian cuisine, especially their kebabs and tandoori dishes in a cozy ambiance.
INR800 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

Aurangabad Caves

Visit these 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines featuring beautiful sculptures and reliefs dating from the 6th and 7th centuries. Open till 5:30pm.
INR40 per person, 1h30m

5:30pm

Safa Tourist Complex

Explore the fort complex with multiple gates, gardens, and temples, offering a pleasant evening stroll before dinner.
INR50 per person, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at High Tide Restaurant

Dine on delicious seafood and Indian dishes with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for wrapping up the day.
INR1200 per person, 1h30m

Day 2: Cave Exploration Day

Aurangabad, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Vivanta

Start your day with a diverse and filling breakfast buffet at your hotel.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Ajanta Caves

Drive 110 km to the Ajanta Caves to marvel at exquisite ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with intricate murals and statues. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, arrive early to avoid crowds.
INR50 per person, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ajanta Caves Cafeteria

Grab a light lunch/snacks at the onsite cafeteria before departing to Ellora.
INR300 per person, 45m

1:00pm

Visit Ellora Caves

Proceed to Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 30 km from Aurangabad, known for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples, including the massive Kailasa temple. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR40 per person, 3h0m

4:30pm

Return to hotel

Rest and refresh at your hotel after a day of extensive sightseeing.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at German Bakery

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring continental and Indian dishes, with excellent bakery items and coffee.
INR900 per person, 1h30m

Day 3: Local Culture and Return

Aurangabad to Mumbai, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the day and journey back.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara

Explore the iconic Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the 'Taj of the Deccan,' built as a mausoleum with beautiful architecture. Open till 6:00pm.
INR50 per person, 1h30m

10:30am

Shopping at Aurangabad Local Markets

Shop for Paithani sarees, Himroo textiles, and other local handicrafts to take back home.
Varies, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nizam Restaurant

Try authentic Hyderabadi and Mughlai dishes, especially their biryani and kebabs before departure.
INR700 per person, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive back to Mumbai

Start your return journey to Mumbai with fond memories of Aurangabad's rich heritage and flavors.
INR0, 6h0m