3 day itinerary for Shirdi N Ajanta Ellora

Itinerary

Shirdi and the Ajanta-Ellora caves are both rich in culture and history, making for an exciting three-day itinerary. Let’s dive into your adventure!

## Day 1: Shirdi - The Land of Sai Baba

Morning:

• Arrival in Shirdi: Start your day early! If you’re arriving by train or bus, you’ll find that Shirdi is quite accessible. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Sai Baba Temple: Head straight to the famous Sai Baba Temple. It’s best to visit early to avoid the crowds. Spend some time soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, and don’t forget to participate in the morning aarti (prayer ceremony) if you can!

Lunch:

• Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal at one of the local eateries. You can try some traditional Maharashtrian thali or even the prasad (offering) from the temple.

Afternoon:

• Dwarkamai Masjid: After lunch, visit the Dwarkamai Masjid, where Sai Baba spent a significant part of his life. The atmosphere here is serene, and you can see the sacred fire that Baba used to light.
• Chavadi: Just a short walk away is Chavadi, where Sai Baba used to sleep every alternate night. It’s a quaint spot with a lot of history.

Evening:

• Shopping: Explore the local markets for souvenirs, like Sai Baba idols, religious artifacts, and local handicrafts.
• Dinner: Enjoy a nice dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Try some local dishes!

## Day 2: Ajanta Caves - A Journey Through Time

Morning:

• Travel to Ajanta: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head towards Ajanta Caves. It’s about a 3-4 hour drive from Shirdi, so you might want to leave early.
• Ajanta Caves: Once you arrive, start exploring the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These rock-cut caves are famous for their stunning frescoes and sculptures. Don’t miss Cave 1 and Cave 2 for their intricate paintings!

Lunch:

• There are some local eateries near the caves where you can grab a quick bite. Try some local snacks or a simple meal.

Afternoon:

• Continue your exploration of the remaining caves. Each cave has its own unique story and artistic style, so take your time to appreciate the details.
• Photography: The views around the caves are breathtaking, so make sure to capture some memories!

Evening:

• Travel to Ellora: After a day of exploration, head to Ellora, which is about an hour away from Ajanta. Check into your hotel and relax a bit.
• Dinner: Enjoy a nice dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant. You can try some North Indian or Maharashtrian cuisine.

## Day 3: Ellora Caves - Marvels of Architecture

Morning:

• Ellora Caves: After breakfast, head to the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The caves are famous for their rock-cut architecture, especially the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), which is a marvel of engineering.
• Spend your morning exploring the various caves, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves. Each cave has its own unique charm!

Lunch:

• There are some small eateries near the entrance of the caves where you can grab a quick lunch. Enjoy some local delicacies!

Afternoon:

• Explore More Caves: Continue your exploration of the Ellora Caves. Don’t miss the intricate carvings and sculptures that tell stories from ancient texts.
• Visit the Nearby Villages: If time permits, consider visiting nearby villages to experience local culture and perhaps buy some handicrafts.

Evening:

• Return to Shirdi or Aurangabad: Depending on your travel plans, you can either head back to Shirdi or stay in Aurangabad for the night. If you’re returning to Shirdi, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Tips:

• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the caves.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you, especially while exploring the caves.
• Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples, be respectful of the customs and traditions.

And there you have it! A delightful three-day itinerary filled with spirituality, history, and culture. Enjoy your trip! 🌟