Visiting the 3 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra—Trimbakeshwar (Nashik), Grishneshwar (Aurangabad/Ellora), and Bhimashankar (Pune district)—along with Shirdi and Ellora Caves, is a spiritually fulfilling and well-connected journey. Here’s a suggested 5 to 6-day itinerary with travel tips:
Places to Cover
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Near Nashik
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – Near Nashik
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Near Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
- Ellora Caves – UNESCO Heritage Site, near Grishneshwar
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Near Pune
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nashik
Reach Nashik (by train or flight via Mumbai/Pune)
Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (30 km from Nashik)
Stay overnight in Nashik or head to Shirdi (2–3 hrs drive)
Day 2: Shirdi
Early morning darshan at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Optional: Visit Shani Shingnapur (1.5 hrs from Shirdi)
Leave for Aurangabad in the afternoon (Approx. 3.5 to 4 hrs)
Stay overnight in Aurangabad
Day 3: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga & Ellora Caves
Morning visit to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (30 km from Aurangabad)
Visit the Ellora Caves (5 mins from the temple)
Optional: Visit Daulatabad Fort or Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad
Stay overnight in Aurangabad
Day 4: Travel to Pune or Bhimashankar
Drive to Pune (6–7 hrs) OR directly to Bhimashankar (about 8–9 hrs from Aurangabad; start early)
If staying in Pune, overnight there
Day 5: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
From Pune, drive early morning to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (3.5 hrs drive through scenic ghats)
Explore forest trails if time permits (Bhimashankar is also a wildlife sanctuary)
Return to Pune and relax or depart
Day 6: Departure
Depart from Pune (airport/railway station) or return to your base city
Travel Tips
Private cab for 5–6 days is best for convenience (especially for Bhimashankar).
Roads are generally good, especially Nashik–Shirdi–Aurangabad–Pune stretch.
Trains and state buses connect all major towns, but timing can be tricky for Grishneshwar & Bhimashankar.
Flights are available to Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, and Nashik (limited).
Accommodation
All major locations have good hotels/lodges.
Consider staying in MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism hotels) near tourist spots.
Pre-book especially on weekends and festivals.
Tips for Darshan
Jyotirlinga temples have queues; early morning is best for peaceful darshan.
Follow dress codes and temple protocols.
Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
