Scenic and Serene 10-Day Road Trip from Ahmedabad to Mahabaleshwar via Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Day 1: Scenic Drive and Hill Station

Ahmedabad to Saputara, Gujarat on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Start Ahmedabad

Begin your road trip early morning from Ahmedabad towards Saputara with a stopover at Vadodara for refreshments and brief exploration.
INR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Mandap, Vadodara

Enjoy a delicious and hearty non-veg breakfast with drinks options in a reputed local cafe known for fresh food and good ambiance.
INR600, 1h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Saputara

Drive through scenic routes to reach Saputara, a tranquil hill station offering a cozy atmosphere away from crowds.
INR0, 3h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at The Fern or similar cozy resort

Settle in at this pleasant, reasonably priced resort surrounded by greenery offering peaceful stay and excellent hospitality.
INR3500, Overnight

4:00pm

Explore Saputara Lake and Sunset Point

Unwind by the picturesque Saputara Lake and visit Sunset Point to enjoy a serene atmosphere and beautiful views without crowds.
INR50, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Rahi Saputara

Savor non-veg delicacies and craft cocktails in this peaceful restaurant known for cozy ambiance and local flavors.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 2: Nasik Exploration

Saputara to Nasik, Maharashtra on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast featuring eggs, meats and fresh juices to start your day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Nasik

Morning drive to Nasik, a city famed for its vineyards and religious sites, located about 3 hours away.
INR0, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Sula Vineyards (11am-6pm)

Tour the vineyards and wine tasting session at Sula, a peaceful estate offering scenic beauty and exquisite wines.
INR1000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sula’s Little Italy

Enjoy non-vegetarian Italian cuisine paired with wines in a calm and serene setting within the vineyards.
INR1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (8am-7pm)

Explore this ancient and less crowded temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, offering spiritual tranquility.
Donation Based, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at The Gateway Hotel or similar

Relax in this friendly, comfortable hotel with good amenities and an inviting atmosphere.
INR3200, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Barbeque Ville

Experience a lively yet cozy dinner with excellent non-veg barbecue options and a variety of drinks.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 3: Bhimashankar Visit

Nasik to Bhimashankar, Maharashtra on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick, energy-rich breakfast with eggs, meats, and tea before the drive.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Bhimashankar

Head to Bhimashankar, about 2.5 hours away, known for its Jyotirlinga temple and peaceful forest surroundings.
INR0, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Bhimashankar Temple

Explore this tranquil Jyotirlinga temple nestled amidst dense forest. The area is calm, ideal for spiritual and nature lovers.
Donation, 1h0m

11:30am

Nature walk in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a quiet nature walk spotting birds and greenery, embracing the peaceful ambiance of the sanctuary.
INR100, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at local dhaba or eco-resort

Relish traditional Maharashtrian non-veg dishes made fresh in a calm setting close to the sanctuary.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Pune

In the afternoon, start drive towards Pune, a comfortable stopping point on the way to Aurangabad (approx. 3.5 hours).
INR0, 3h30m

6:30pm

Check-in at Pleasant Stay on Pune Outskirts

Rest at cozy accommodation slightly outside Pune city for a quiet night after a long drive.
INR2800, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at The Urban Foundry, Pune

Dine on flavorful non-veg dishes and enjoy crafted cocktails in a relaxed, friendly ambiance.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 4: Ajanta Caves Journey

Pune to Aurangabad, Maharashtra on June 10, 2025

6:30am

Start from Pune

Early morning departure for Aurangabad, base for exploring Ajanta Caves, approx. 4 hours drive.
INR0, 4h0m

10:30am

Breakfast en route at Highway Dhaba

Stop for a traditional Maharashtrian non-veg breakfast and tea in a quiet rustic setting.
INR400, 1h0m

12:00pm

Check-in at The Sambhari or similar Aurangabad hotel

Settle into a cozy, affordable hotel ideal for relaxing after sightseeing.
INR3000, Overnight

1:00pm

Lunch at Moti Mahal or a local non-veg specialty restaurant

Enjoy a sumptuous non-vegetarian lunch featuring local and North Indian dishes in a calm setting.
INR1000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Ajanta Caves (9:00am - 5:30pm)

Explore the ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves rich with frescoes and sculptures, a serene cultural experience avoiding peak crowds by afternoon.
INR300, 3h0m

6:00pm

Drive back and rest at hotel

Return from Ajanta, relax at hotel, prepare for next day's itinerary.
INR0, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Enjoy a quiet, cozy dinner featuring local and international favorites with good wine selection.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 5: Ellora Caves and Local Culture

Aurangabad, Maharashtra on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast with eggs, meats, and fruits.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ellora Caves (9am-5:30pm)

Explore the remarkable Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site depicting Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments in a tranquil environment.
INR400, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ellora Caves canteen or nearby local non-veg diner

Enjoy freshly prepared Maharashtrian non-veg dishes in a quiet setting near the site.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Aurangabad Paithani Silk Weaving Center Visit

See traditional Paithani silk sari weaving in a peaceful artisan workshop with few tourists.
INR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at hotel or nearby vineyards

Afternoon at leisure with optional visit to nearby quiet vineyards for wine tasting and relaxation.
INR700, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Barbeque Nation, Aurangabad

Indulge in a wide variety of grilled non-veg delicacies and drinks with a friendly atmosphere.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 6: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Visit

Aurangabad to Grishneshwar to Shirdi, Maharashtra on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Healthy, protein-rich breakfast to prepare for travel and temple visits.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Grishneshwar Temple

Short 30-minute drive to one of the important Jyotirlingas, quieter and less commercialized for peaceful worship.
INR0, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Grishneshwar Temple (Open 5am – 9pm)

Explore this intimate sacred site to absorb spiritual vibes without large crowds.
Donation, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Shirdi

One-hour drive to Shirdi, resting place of Sai Baba, with calm temples and relaxed atmosphere in early hours.
INR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Check-in at Cozy Stay like St Laurn Meditation & Spa

Comfortable peaceful hotel with spa and relaxing ambiance offering some privacy and quietness for couples.
INR3500, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel or Green Leaf Restaurant

Non-veg meal with good variety in a tranquil, friendly setting.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Evening visit to Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Experience peaceful worship away from crowd hours; evening time is quieter for meditation and sightseeing.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Panchavati Gaurav Thali

Try authentic Maharashtrian non-veg thali and light drinks in a relaxed environment.
INR900, 1h0m

Day 7: Panchgani - Pleasant Hills

Shirdi to Panchgani, Maharashtra on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with eggs, meats, and fresh juice.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Panchgani

Head to the charming hill station of Panchgani, approximately 3.5 hours drive, known for its quiet hills and pleasant climate.
INR0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Cosy Boutique Hotel or Guesthouse

Stay in a peaceful, boutique guesthouse with warm hospitality and lovely views ideal for couples.
INR3200, Overnight

1:00pm

Lunch at Little Italy

Cozy and quiet restaurant offering great non-veg options and fine wines in a calm setting.
INR1000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Table Land and Sydney Point

Visit scenic Table Land and nearby Sydney Point to enjoy stunning views and peaceful walks without the usual crowds.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at the hotel with spa services

Unwind with a couples spa treatment at hotel, perfect for relaxing after the drive.
INR2500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at German Bakery

Enjoy excellent non-veg dishes, local brews, and a cozy atmosphere far from crowds.
INR1100, 1h30m

Day 8: Mahabaleshwar Arrival

Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Healthy breakfast including eggs, meats, and fresh juices.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Mahabaleshwar

Short 45-minute pleasant drive to Mahabaleshwar, a hill station famous for its strawberries and panoramic views.
INR0, 0h45m

10:00am

Check-in at Pleasant Valley Resort or similar

Stay at a peaceful resort with cozy rooms, calm ambiance, and surrounded by nature for relaxation.
INR3500, Overnight

11:00am

Explore Venna Lake by boat

Enjoy boating in a peaceful setting away from hustle, perfect for a romantic and serene experience.
INR200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Grapevine

Delight in delicious non-veg meals and wine tasting in a cozy, natural environment.
INR1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Wilson Point for sunset

Climb to Wilson Point, the highest peak in Mahabaleshwar, renowned for stunning sunset views and peaceful surroundings.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Mahabaleshwar Market

Browse the local market for strawberries, jams, and quiet street cafes for tea or drinks.
Variable, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mapro Garden

Cozy garden restaurant serving fresh strawberries and non-veg delicacies along with drinks in soothing ambience.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 9: Mahabaleshwar Leisure Day

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day fresh with eggs, meats and fresh fruit juices in the calm morning setting.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Elephant’s Head Point and Kate’s Point

Visit these peaceful viewpoints which are less crowded, providing beautiful views and perfect for a romantic walk.
Free, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Panchgani Cafe

Enjoy fresh non-veg food with artisanal cocktails in a cozy cafe atmosphere just outside Mahabaleshwar.
INR1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at the hotel spa or garden

Afternoon reserved for relaxation with spa options or peaceful garden walks at the resort.
INR2000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening wine tasting at local vineyards

Experience tasting sessions at a nearby vineyard focusing on locally made wines, in a friendly and relaxing setting off the tourist track.
INR1000, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Quiet Restaurant

Choose to eat quietly in the hotel or a nearby calm restaurant specializing in local non-veg cuisine and drinks.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 10: Return and Departure

Mahabaleshwar to Ahmedabad on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast and get ready for the return journey.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Ahmedabad

Start the approximately 9-hour drive back to Ahmedabad, taking breaks at calm roadside dhabas to rest and have meals.
INR0, 9h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at highway dhaba

Simple non-veg meal with local flavors to refuel on the way back.
INR400, 1h0m

6:30pm

Evening tea/snacks stop

Relax briefly with tea and snacks at a quiet highway rest stop.
INR200, 30m

5:00pm

Arrive in Ahmedabad

Complete your memorable 10-day drive filled with cultural, spiritual and scenic experiences, returning safely with your Mahindra Thar.
INR0, End