logo
whatsapp chanel

Aurangabad Weekend Trip Plan – Best 2-Day Itinerary, Routes & Timings

Planning a short weekend break? Aurangabad is one of Maharashtra’s best heritage cities, famous for the Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, and beautiful Mughal-era architecture.
This 2-day itinerary is designed for a quick, efficient, and enjoyable trip with minimum travel fatigue.

Quick Overview

  • Ideal Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

  • Best Months: October to March

  • Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (IXU)

  • Base Stay: Aurangabad City (Cannought / Railway Station area)

DAY 1 – Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga & Daulatabad Fort

A perfect heritage-focused day exploring UNESCO caves, a Jyotirlinga temple, a majestic fort & sunset views.

Start Early

6:30 AM — Breakfast in Aurangabad

Recommended Restaurants:
  • Tandoor Restaurant (Cannought)
  • Upahar Garden (Station Road)
  • Hotel Kailash (Simple veg breakfast)
Best Route for Day 1

Aurangabad → Ellora Caves → Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga → Daulatabad Fort → Bibi Ka Maqbara

Total Driving Distance: ~70 km (Round Trip)

Road Condition: Excellent 4-lane highway

1. Ellora Caves

Timing: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Entry Fee: Indians – ₹40 | Foreigners – ₹600
Closed on Tuesdays

What to Explore:
  • Cave 16 – Kailasa Temple (world’s largest monolithic rock-cut structure)
  • Cave 10 – Vishvakarma Cave
  • Buddhist Caves 11–12
  • Jain Caves 30–34
What to Expect:
  • Less crowd in the morning
  • Cooler weather
  • Golden light for photography
  • Moderate walking — wear comfortable shoes
2. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Distance: Only 1 km from Ellora

Darshan Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Afternoon break on busy days)

What to Expect:
  • Quick darshan if you reach before 1 PM
  • Dress modestly (traditional wear preferred)
  • Photography not allowed inside temple
Lunch Stop (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

Recommended Restaurants (Near Ellora):

  • MTDC Ellora Restaurant
  • Ellora Heritage Resort Restaurant

Must Try: Misal, Maharashtrian Thali, Bhakri-Pitla, Veg/Non-veg Thali

3. Daulatabad Fort

Timing: 2:15 PM – 4:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹25

What to Expect:
  • Medium climb (1–1.5 hours)
  • Explore Andheri (Bat Caves)
  • Stunning top views of the region

Tip: Carry water; the sun can be harsh.

4. Bibi Ka Maqbara

Timing: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹25

What to Expect:
  • Perfect spot for sunset photography
  • Taj-Mahal–style Mughal architecture
  • Peaceful gardens & pathways
Dinner & Stay
Recommended Hotels:
  • Lemon Tree Hotel
  • The Fern Residency
  • Vivanta Aurangabad (Premium)
Dinner Recommendations:
  • Tandoor Restaurant (Best Non-Veg)
  • Kailash Veg (Pure Veg)

DAY 2 – Ajanta Caves & Local Markets

A full day exploring ancient Buddhist murals followed by shopping in Aurangabad’s vibrant markets.

Start Early

6:00 AM — Breakfast at Hotel

6:30 AM — Leave for Ajanta

Best Route for Day 2

Aurangabad → Phulambri → Sillod → Ajanta Caves

Distance: 102 km

Travel Time: 2.5 – 3 hours

Road Condition: Smooth highways with few curvy patches

1. Ajanta Caves

Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Closed on Mondays

Entry Fee: Indians – ₹40 | Foreigners – ₹600
Shuttle Bus (Parking → Caves): ₹20 (Mandatory)

What to Explore:
  • Cave 1 – Bodhisattva Padmapani (Ajanta’s crown jewel painting)
  • Cave 2 – Beautiful murals & decorated ceilings
  • Cave 4 – Largest monastery structure
  • Cave 9 & 10 – Ancient Chaitya halls
What to Expect:
  • Stunning and preserved Buddhist murals
  • More walking compared to Ellora — carry water
  • Light snacks recommended due to long cave trail
  • Guides available for ₹300–₹600
Lunch (Around 3:15 PM)

Food Options:

  • MTDC Ajanta Restaurant
  • Local dhabas on Sillod Road

Recommended: Maharashtrian Veg Thali, Dal Rice, Chapati–Sabji

2. Panchakki (Water Mill) – Optional

Timing: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

A quick historical stop with a medieval water-driven flour mill — good for a short visit while returning to the city.

3. Aurangabad Local Market

Timing: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Best Shopping Areas:
  • Gulmandi
  • Connaught Market
  • Shahganj Market
What to Buy:
  • Himroo Shawls
  • Paithani Sarees
  • Bidriware (Metal handicrafts)

Related Blog

Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra | Sacred Shiva Temples You Must Visit
Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar & Grishneshwar Tour: 2-Day Pilgrimage Plan
Shirdi to Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Tour Plan – A Complete Guide
Top Historical Places to Visit in Aurangabad: A Complete Travel Guide
Spiritual Tour in Aurangabad: Temples, Dargahs & Sacred Experiences
Aurangabad Weekend Trip Plan – Best 2-Day Itinerary, Routes & Timings
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Guide – History, Timings & Travel Tips
Package Start Form
2000 / Person
View More