Weekend getaway from Nashik · #6 of 10
Aurangabad (Ellora Caves)
UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut caves crowned by the monolithic Kailasa temple, with the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Daulatabad fort and the Taj-like Bibi Ka Maqbara nearby. Best in the cool months; caves shut on Tuesdays.
Ellora's towering basalt cliffs hold over 100 Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves carved between 600 and 1000 CE, headlined by Cave 16's Kailasa temple - the world's largest single monolithic excavation. Base yourself in Aurangabad city and tack on Grishneshwar, Daulatabad, and Bibi Ka Maqbara for an unforgettable weekend.
Getting there
Head straight to the caves on day 1 to beat the crowds; Aurangabad city is another 30 km down the road.
Day 1 - Saturday
Ellora cliff caves, sacred shrines, and hill forts- 16:00 AMDrive
Drive Nashik to Ellora
Set off early for a smooth 3.5-hour cruise via Sinnar and Vaijapur. An early start gets you to the ticket counter before the midday heat and tour crowds roll in.
Tip · Ellora is closed on Tuesdays, so keep your weekend timing tight!
- 210:00 AMSight
Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
A jaw-dropping, chariot-shaped Shiva temple carved top-down from a single basalt cliff, the planet's largest monolithic excavation. Give yourself 90 minutes to explore.
📍 Kailasa Temple, Ellora
Tip · Scramble up the trail on the cliff rim behind the temple for that jaw-dropping top-down view.
- 312:00 PMSight
Buddhist and Jain cave groups
Work your way through the 12 Buddhist viharas and ribbed Vishvakarma chaitya, then head to the far end for the delicate Jain group and Indra Sabha (Cave 32).
📍 Ellora Caves, Ellora
Tip · The cave clusters are far apart; catch the local shuttle or drive between them to save your legs in the heat.
- 41:30 PMFood
Lunch near the caves
Refuel at the no-fuss thali joints and MTDC canteens right at the Ellora gate. Nothing fancy, but cold drinks and quick, spicy bites hit the spot.
- 53:00 PMSight
Grishneshwar Temple
The 12th and last Jyotirlinga is a compact red-stone beauty just 2 km away in Verul village. Lines here move much faster than at Trimbakeshwar.
📍 Grishneshwar Temple, Verul
Tip · Remember to strip down to the waist if you are a guy entering the sanctum, per local temple tradition.
- 64:30 PMSight
Daulatabad (Deogiri) Fort
The Yadavas' epic hill fortress on the Aurangabad road boasts deep moats and spooky spiral passages. Catching golden hour on the ramparts is worth every step.
📍 Daulatabad Fort, Daulatabad
Tip · The full trek to the top takes a solid 2 hours; stick to the lower bastions if you are running out of daylight.
- 77:30 PMFood
Mughlai dinner in Aurangabad
Aurangabad's old-city kitchens are famous for slow-cooked Mughlai and Hyderabadi flavours. Ask your hotel for their go-to spot for hot naan and rich curries.
📍 Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- 89:30 PMStay
Overnight in Aurangabad
Stay central so you are only minutes from tomorrow's sights. The city has great options across the board, from easy budget lodges to full five-star comfort.
📍 Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Day 2 - Sunday
The Deccan Taj, hilltop caves, and historic bazaars- 98:00 AMFood
Breakfast in the city
Kick off the morning with poha-jalebi or dive into a rich Mughlai paya breakfast if you are feeling adventurous. Hot chai is steaming on every corner.
- 109:00 AMSight
Bibi Ka Maqbara
The 'Taj of the Deccan' was built in 1668-69 by Aurangzeb's son for his mother Dilras Banu Begum, designed by the Taj architect's son. It looks magical in soft morning light.
📍 Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad
- 1111:00 AMSight
Aurangabad Caves
Dodge the crowds at these peaceful 6th-7th century Buddhist caves tucked in the hills north of town, featuring fine bodhisattva carvings and sweeping views over the Maqbara.
📍 Aurangabad Caves, Aurangabad
- 1212:30 PMActivity
Old-city gates walk
Known as the city of gates, Aurangabad is dotted with grand Mughal-era darwazas. Take a breezy walk through the vibrant bazaar lanes connecting them.
📍 Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Tip · Don't leave without a handwoven Himroo shawl - it's Aurangabad's classic signature keepsake.
- 131:30 PMFood
Lunch before the road
Tuck into one last fragrant biryani or a loaded thali in the city. Eat on the early side so your drive home wraps up well before late night.
📍 Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- 143:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Nashik
Plan for about 4 hours back via Vaijapur and Sinnar with a solid chai break. Keep an eye out for slow-crawling trucks as you navigate the ghats.
Where to eat
Aurangabad's iconic comfort dish: tender mutton slow-simmered in spiced gravy and scooped up with hot tandoori naan in the old city.
The royal Mughlai tradition runs deep here, with old-city kitchens serving up fragrant, saffron-infused plates and succulent kebabs.
The classic Deccan-Malwa morning fuel: warm, spiced poha paired with crunchy, syrup-dripping jalebis across the city.
When to go
The sweet spot for exploring. Pleasant temperatures make walking the fort ramparts and cave terraces a breeze, with gorgeous clear light.
The Deccan plateau gets scorching. Cave interiors offer some cool shade, but the outdoor stretches between them can be brutal.
Pure drama. Rains bring lush greenery and seasonal waterfalls cascading down the dark basalt cliffs right beside the caves.
Good to know
- Ellora is closed every Tuesday, but Bibi Ka Maqbara stays open daily.
- Hire an ASI-licensed guide at the Ellora ticket counter; the incredible mythological carvings really come alive with their stories.
- Have an extra day? Make the detour to Ajanta's legendary painted caves, about 100 km further east.
