Ellora and Surrounding Temples: A Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Ellora Caves
   Located in Aurangabad, 27 minutes (17.3 km) from Ellora

   In the morning, explore the ancient Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning rock-cut temples and monasteries dating back to the 6th century. Spend the afternoon soaking in the beautiful Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a mausoleum built by Prince Azam in memory of his mother. In the evening, head to the Panchakki Water Mill, an impressive engineering marvel built in the 17th century, with a unique water supply system that powers the flour mill and grindstones that are still operational today.

2. Day 2: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
   Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple located in Verul, 18 minutes (11.5 km) from Ellora, and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple located in Shirdi, 113 minutes (86.5 km) from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

   In the morning, visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. After that, drive to Shirdi to visit the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, a famous pilgrimage site and the resting place of the revered saint Sai Baba. Spend the afternoon exploring the temple complex and paying your respects. In the evening, enjoy the local street food and bazaars in Shirdi.

3. Day 3: Ajanta Caves and Daulatabad Fort
   Ajanta Caves located in Aurangabad, 1 hour 45 minutes (102 km) from Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, and Daulatabad Fort located in Daulatabad, 20 minutes (15.7 km) from Ajanta Caves

   In the morning, head to the Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rock-cut cave monuments and Buddhist paintings dating back to the 2nd century BC. Spend the afternoon exploring the Daulatabad Fort, a 14th-century fortress that was once the capital of the Tughlaq Dynasty. The fort is known for its impressive architecture and engineering, including a series of cleverly concealed and designed defense mechanisms. In the evening, enjoy the sunset from the top of the fortress walls.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the stunning Bhadra Maruti Temple, located in Khuldabad, a 35 minutes (25.5 km) drive from Ellora. For a side trip, visit the historical city of Aurangabad, with its beautiful Mughal-era architecture and delicious street food. To maximize your fun, try the local specialty Naan Qalia, a delicious meat curry served with Naan bread. Lastly, if you have time, take a scenic drive to the beautiful Lonar Crater, a geological marvel with a stunning lake, located about 4 hours (234 km) from Ellora.

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