4-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration: Ajanta Ellora Caves, Lonar Lake, and Nearby Hill Stations

Day 1: Ajanta Caves Exploration

Aurangabad, India on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sayaji

Start your day with a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast, including poha and chai, at this comfortable hotel in Aurangabad. This will prepare you for a day of sightseeing.

INR500, 1h

8:30am

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments known for their exquisite murals and sculptures dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. The site opens at 8am and closes at 5:30pm.

INR50, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Highway Gomantak

Enjoy authentic Maharashtrian thali with fresh, locally sourced ingredients at this popular restaurant on the route back from Ajanta. It closes at 4pm.

INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Aurangabad Caves

Explore the nearby Aurangabad Caves, a set of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines situated on a hill, featuring impressive carvings and sculptures.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kalinga Restaurant

Indulge in flavorful Indian dishes with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options before retiring for the night.

INR600, 1h

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Day 2: Ellora Caves Visit

Aurangabad, India on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe De Italiano

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and light continental breakfast to energize you for the day ahead.

INR350, 1h

8:30am

Ellora Caves Tour

Visit the Ajanta’s neighboring UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves, a complex of 34 rock-cut caves that showcase Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments and artwork. Open 9am to 5:30pm.

INR50, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Barbeque Nation Aurangabad

Relish a buffet lunch offering a variety of grilled meats and vegetarian dishes, perfect for recharging after a morning of exploration.

INR700, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Daulatabad Fort

Explore this formidable medieval fort known for its strategic architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It closes at 6pm.

INR50, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Milani Restaurant

Enjoy sumptuous local and North Indian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere to end the day.

INR550, 1h

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Day 3: Lonar Lake Adventure

Lonar, Maharashtra, India on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your hotel in Aurangabad

Grab a quick and hearty breakfast such as idli or dosa with chutney and coffee to gear up for the 3-hour drive to Lonar.

INR300, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Lonar Lake

Travel to Lonar Crater Lake, a unique meteor impact crater filled with saline water, surrounded by a volcanic rock landscape. The site is open all day.

INR30, 3h

11:30am

Explore Lonar Lake and Surroundings

Walk around the crater lake, visit the temple complexes dating back to the 6th century, and observe the unique flora and fauna of the biosphere reserve.

Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Enjoy traditional Marathi cuisine in a rustic setting near Lonar village, experiencing authentic regional flavors.

INR250, 1h

4:00pm

Drive back to Aurangabad

Return to Aurangabad to rest and prepare for the next day's hill station visit.

Transportation cost included, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Peshawri

Dine at this famous restaurant specializing in North West Frontier cuisine, kakes for a hearty and flavorful meal.

INR700, 1h

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Day 4: Hill Station Nature

Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra, India on May 14, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast & Leave for Malshej Ghat

Have a light breakfast at the hotel before an early morning 2.5-hour drive to Malshej Ghat, a beautiful hill station known for its waterfalls, hills, and birdwatching.

INR300, 1h