12 JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE TOUR

Day 01: Pune to Bhimashankar

Day 02: Bhimashankar - Shirdi – Shani Shingnapur- Aurangabad

Day 03: Aurangabad - Grishneshwar – Trimbakeshwar / Nashik

Day 04: Nasik - Trimbakeshwar – Mumbai

Day 05: Mumbai - Porbandar (By flight) – Dwarka - Porbandar

Day 06: Porbandar – Somnath - Porbandar

Day 07: Porbandar to Mumbai to Indore by flight and drive to Ujjain

Day 08: Ujjain – Mahakaleshwar - Omkareshwar

Day 09: Omkareshwar – Indore - Hyderabad (flight) – Srisailam

Day 10: Mallikarjuna Temple - Drive to Hyderabad

Day 11: Hyderabad – Madurai (Flight) - Arrival Madurai – Rameshwaram

Day 12: Rameshwaram – Madurai – Delhi

Day 13: Delhi – Haridwar

Day 14: Haridwar – Guptkashi

Day 15: Guptkashi – Phata – Kedarnath – Phata – Guptkashi

Day 16: Guptkashi – Haridwar – Varanasi (By train)

Day 17: Arrival in Varanasi

Day 18: Varanasi – Sightseeing and overnight on the train for Deogarh

Day 19: Deogarh – Baidyanath – Basukinath

Day 20: Deogarh – Drop at Patna airport to board the flight

Day 01: Pune to Bhimashankar (110 Km/3 Hrs.)

On your arrival in Pune, begin your road journey to Bhimashankar. Enjoy the stunning scenery along with the breathtaking views of the river during Pune to Bhimashankar road trip. When you reach Bhimashankar, check-in at your respective hotel and relax.

 

Visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple which is one of the 12 highly respected Jyotirlingas in India. Seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple displays the traditional and modern constructions in the Nagara style of architecture, a masterpiece of ancient Vishwakarma sculptors.

 

The beauty of the temple is highlighted by the greenery all around. You can also plan a visit to the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in the evening where you will explore the beauty of nature with lush hills, sparkling waterfalls, and dense forests, this wildlife sanctuary is home for Indian Giant Squirrel also known as Malabar Giant Squirrel and endangered species of birds. After a hectic day return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bhimashankar.

 

Day 02: Bhimashankar - Shirdi – Shani Shingnapur- Aurangabad (340 Km/7 Hrs.)

On the 2nd day of the holy tour, enjoy breakfast early in the morning and then check out from the hotel. Later head straight towards Shirdi which is located at a distance of almost 183 km from Bhimashankar.

 

Shirdi is a town located in Maharashtra, in western India. This town is popularly known as the ancient home of esteemed spiritual head Sai Baba. Denoting a major pilgrimage site millions of people all around the world come to seek the blessings of Sai Baba. On your arrival at Shirdi, pay a visit to Samadhi Mandir, Khandoba Temple, and Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Complex. Later, drive towards Shani Shingnapur.

 

Shani Shingnapur temple is devoted to Lord Shani Dev. According to Hindu mythology, Shani Dev is known as the God of Justice. The city and temple are equally amazing. The most exceptional fact about this village in India, or probably in the world is that no house here has any doors. It is strictly recommended that you must wear Dotar/Dhoti (a garment worn by male Hindus, consisting of a piece of material tied around the waist and extending to cover most of the legs) to enter the temple premises.

 

In the evening, drive to Aurangabad. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the time is at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.

 

Day 03: Aurangabad - Grishneshwar – Trimbakeshwar / Nashik (183 Km/4 Hrs.)

In the early morning, leave for a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Grishneshwar Temple'. The word Grishneshwar means "lord of compassion". The holy temple also is known as the Dhushmeshwar Temple. The temple has a traditional South-Indian architecture design. It was re-constructed by the grandfather of Shivaji (Maloji Bhosale) in the 16th century and later again by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. The temple is made up of red-colored stones and occupies an area of 44,400 square feet. It is not just divine but has a unique architectural style that is bound to leave you captivated. 

 

After visiting this temple, head towards Nashik which is an ancient city in Maharashtra, a state in western India. The city is renowned for its links to the “Ramayana”. Nashik was earlier known as 'Panchavati' before the Ramayana era. Nashik city is nestled on the bank of the Godavari River and denotes a great mythological, traditional, cultural, and social significance.

 

On arrival in Nashik, complete the check-in formalities. The rest of the time is at your leisure. Nashik is one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the world. If you some get free time, then Nashik is an excellent spot for shopaholics as this city is famous for its shopping streets. You can find numerous shopping items such as handicrafts, silver items, copper items, and statues of brass.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Nashik.

 

Day 04: Nasik - Trimbakeshwar – Mumbai (170 Km/3 Hrs.)

On day 4, enjoy your breakfast in the early morning and check out from the hotel. Drive towards Trimbakeshwar which is home to one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga. The pious Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated at a distance of approximately 28 km from Nashik city. The temple was constructed by third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao on the position of an ancient temple.

 

The Jyotirlinga positioned here has its three appearances embracing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rudra. The significance of this temple is enhanced as the Godavari begins from the Brahmagiri hills in this town and it is believed that it is the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, known as a place of Tri-Sandhya Gayatri.

 

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that those who visit Trimbakeshwar attain salvation or Moksha (it refers to freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth). Due to its utmost religious importance, this holy destination is visited by a large number of devotees every year.

 

Later you will head towards Mumbai after paying a visit to the Trimbakeshwar Temple. On arrival, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. If time and energy allow permits then explore the popular market in Mumbai. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.

 

Day 05: Mumbai - Porbandar (By flight) – Dwarka - Porbandar

On day 5th enjoy your breakfast and check out from your hotel and head towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai to catch a flight for Porbandar. On arrival at Porbandar airport, you will have an assisted check-in at the respective hotel. Later, you will head towards Dwarka for Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.

 

The 25 m tall statue of Lord Shiva and a large garden with a pond are major attractions of this temple complex. Photography is not allowed inside the temple but allowed outside the main building. After seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva return to the respective hotel or if you get some leisure time you can explore the local markets in Dwarka. Back to Porbandar for an overnight stay.

 

Day 06: Porbandar – Somnath - Porbandar

Wake up early morning freshen up and enjoy the delicious breakfast. Later begin your drive to Somnath Jyotirlinga which is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The temple is located on the ancient Triveni Sangam which is the confluence point of three rivers - Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. The history of this pious temple is very tragic as it is said that the temple was looted and destroyed seventeen times by rulers like Mahmud Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb. At present, the construction of this temple is in the Chalukya style of architecture. The temple comprises an impressive architecture that holds elaborate carvings, silver doors, an important Nandi idol, and the central Shiva linga. Seek the blessing of Lord Shiva and attend the evening aarti. Somnath temple is a major pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat.

 

After visiting the holy temple, return to Porbandar. Overnight stay at the hotel in Porbandar.

 

Day 07: Porbandar to Mumbai to Indore by flight and drive to Ujjain

On day 7th, enjoy your breakfast and check out from your respective hotel. You will be driven to Porbandar airport to catch a flight for Indore via Mumbai. On your arrival in Indore, start your drive towards Ujjain. This ancient city is snuggled on the bank of the Kshipra River in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain is an important Hindu pilgrimage destination, it is renowned for the centuries-old Mahakaleshwar Temple, a towering construction with an ornate roof. During the road trip, you will find the scenic beauty of the farms and wide fields. After reaching Ujjain, complete the check-in formalities at the respective hotel and relax. The rest of the time is at your leisure. You can visit the local market to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ujjain.

 

Day 08: Ujjain – Mahakaleshwar - Omkareshwar

Wake up early morning and head straight towards the Mahakaleshwar Temple to attend the Bhasm Aarti, before 3:00 am, The Bhasm aarti is the first ritual obeyed every day at the temple. It is performed to wake Lord Shiva. After paying homage, return to the hotel for breakfast. This is followed by a road trip to Omkareshwar. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is situated on an island named Mandhata which is also known as Shivapuri. The island is located in the Narmada River. The shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu symbol 'Om'. Omkareshwar is the most visited religious tourism place in Madhya Pradesh. Post reaching, complete the check-in formalities, and unwind yourself. The evening is reserved for visiting the Omkareshwar Temple. Also, get a chance to attend the Aarti. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Omkareshwar.

 

Day 09: Omkareshwar – Indore (80 Km/2½ Hrs.) - Hyderabad (flight) – Srisailam (340 Km/7Hrs.)

Wake before the sun rises to attend the early morning Abhishekam ceremony at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. Later, get back to the hotel, have a delightful breakfast and check out from the respective hotel. Later, begin your drive to Indore and you will get transferred to the Indore airport to board a flight to Hyderabad.

 

On your arrival in Hyderabad, begin your drive to Srisailam, it is a census town in Kurnool district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This town is renowned for Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is located on the Nallamala Hills and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva.

 

After reaching, proceed for a visit to the magnificent Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple which is also known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple. Attend the grand aarti in the evening and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

 

In February and March, a grand festival is celebrated every year, and visiting during the festival adds more appeal to the darshan. The seven-day long festival, Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam is one of the most popular festivals of the temple. Overnight stay at the pre-booked hotel in Srisailam.

 

Day 10: Mallikarjuna Temple - Drive to Hyderabad (340 Km/7Hrs.)

Attend the early morning abhishekam ceremony at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple and seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Later return to the hotel, enjoy the delicious breakfast and check out from the respective hotel. After this start your drive back to Hyderabad. Upon reaching, complete the check-in at the hotel and relax for a few hours. Enjoy your leisure time by visiting the most popular attraction such as Salarjung Museum, Charminar, and the second biggest Mosque of India.

 

You can also explore the local street markets of Hyderabad and buy souvenirs for your loved ones such as Hyderabadi Pearls, Kalamkari Fabrics, Lac Bangles, and many more.  Stay overnight at the hotel in Hyderabad.

 

Day 11: Hyderabad – Madurai (Flight) - Arrival Madurai – Rameshwaram (175 Km/4 Hrs.)

On the 11th day of the tour, enjoy the healthy breakfast and then check out from the respective hotel. Head towards the airport to catch a flight for Madurai.

 

Madurai is a dynamic and ancient city settled on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This city is well known for its temples built in the Dravidian style of architecture by the Pandyan and Madurai Nayak emperors. The holy city of Madurai is also one of India's most prominent Hindu pilgrimage hubs. The city has several historical masterpieces, with the Meenakshi Temple and the Thirumalai Nayak Palace holding the most famous place.

 

On arrival in Madurai, visit the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple. This divine temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva. After seeking the blessings of the Goddess Meenakshi, get on the road to Rameshwaram. The drive to the island town takes almost 4 hours.

On arrival, check-into a hotel and unwind yourself. Then after some time, visit the Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. This temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on Rameshwaram Island in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. The list of unique features in its structure seems to be infinite. This temple holds its name in history books as it has the largest hallway anywhere in India. It is spread across an area of 15 acres including tall Gopurams and huge walls. There is a huge pillared corridor that is around 1220 meters in length. Another notable feature of Ramanathaswamy Temple is that there are 22 wells spread throughout the premises, it is said that water from each well tastes different. Overnight stay at the hotel in Rameshwaram.

 

Day 12: Rameshwaram – Madurai – Delhi (Flight)

Wake up early morning around 4:00 am and get ready for the holy Mani Darshan. Later proceed for rituals of Kund snan. Also, attend the Abhishekam ceremony at the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Temple. Seek blessings of the Lord and return to your respective hotel. Savor the delicious breakfast and complete the check-out formalities. Then begin your return journey to Madurai by road. During the road trip just sit back and enjoy your favorite music with beautiful views. After reaching Madurai, head straight to Madurai airport to board the flight for Delhi.

 

After reaching Delhi, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel and relax. If energy permits then you can explore the local markets in Delhi and buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

 

Delhi is well-known for its tourist attractions, cuisine, and local markets. As it is the national capital of India, you can explore places like Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and India gate. If you are interested in history you can visit major ancient tourist spots such as Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb, and many other spots. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

 

Day 13: Delhi – Haridwar

On day 13th, check out from the respective hotel and head towards Haridwar. It is an ancient city and significant Hindu pilgrimage site which is situated in North India's Uttarakhand state. The place is famous for its several largest sacred Ghats (bathing steps). 

 

Haridwar is renowned all over the world for its majestic Kumbha Mela, This mela has its religious importance which is held every 12 years. This is not strange that it is the largest gathering of faith in which devotees from all over the world participate and take a bath in the sacred or holy river. The seekers believe that bathing in these holy rivers purifies them of their sins for the mistakes done in the past. 

 

After arriving at Haridwar, complete your check-in formalities and visit the renowned Chandi Devi Temple which is settled on the top of the Neel Parvat (mountain) on the Eastern point of the Shivalik Hills which is the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. You will also visit the Mansa Devi Temple which is located on Bilwa Parvat (mountain) in the same mountain chain. This holy temple is devoted to goddess Mansa Devi. You will visit these temples by cable car (Ticket has to purchase directly). In the evening witness the most charming Ganga aarti at the Ghat. Overnight stay at the hotel in Haridwar.

 

Day 14: Haridwar – Guptkashi (205 Km / 7 to 8 hrs.)

On day 14th enjoy your breakfast and complete your check out formalities and get ready for the morning drive to Guptkashi. On arrival check-in at the hotel and unwind. The rest of the time is at your leisure. You can explore the famous town of Guptkashi which is located at an altitude of 1,319 meters in the Kedar-khanda, in Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand.

 

It is well-known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is similar to the one in Varanasi. You can visit the most popular tourist attractions such as Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi, Manikarnika Kund, Ardhanarishwar Temple, Gaurikund, and Ukhimath, Chopta. You will enjoy the pleasant climate, lush green forests, and also the stunning views of Chaukhamba Range. Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi.

 

Day 15: Guptkashi – Phata (15 Km/40 Minutes) – Kedarnath – Phata – Guptkashi

On the 15th day of the 12 Jyotirlinga tour, you will enjoy your early morning breakfast and begin the day with a road transfer to Phata Helipad. On arrival, board the helicopter to Kedarnath while flying high you can enjoy the breathtaking views of mountains.

 

This holy temple is located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River. According to legends, the Jyotirlinga is the humped form of Lord Shiva disguised as a bull. The holy temple of Kedarnath was built by the Pandava brothers of the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Later the temple was revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is believed that this holy temple is around 3000 years old. It is one of the Char Dham destinations as well as and one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Spend a few hours in darshan at the Kedarnath Temple.

 

After the holy Darshan, return to Phata via Helicopter, after a safe landing, your vehicle awaits for you to take you back to the hotel.Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi.

 

Day 16: Guptkashi – Haridwar (205 Km/ 8 Hrs.) – Varanasi (By train)

On the 16th day of the tour, savor the delicious early morning breakfast and start your drive back to Haridwar. This holy town is settled at the foothills of Himalayas and on the bank of the River Ganga. This is a serene spiritual city. After reaching the holy town, you will get transferred to the Haridwar railway station to catch the train for Varanasi.

 

Enjoy the overnight journey to the land of Lord Shiva 'Varanasi' also known as Banaras or Kashi.

 

Day 17: Arrival in Varanasi

Arrive at Varanasi railway station in the afternoon and get an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete check-in formalities and relax. 

 

Varanasi is also known as ‘The City of Light’. This city is situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This city is acknowledged as the spiritual capital of India, This sacred city attracts many travelers all around the world. People from various states of India visit here to perform many Hindu rituals. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that after the death of an individual if funeral rites are performed then the pure soul attains Moksha (it refers to freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth). 

 

Along the winding streets of the city, there are about more than 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” and many more. Proceed to take part in the famous evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The spectacular Ganga Aarti starts just after sunset. As the aarti begins, saffron-clad priests take their positions at the platform and raise huge heavy brass lamps in reverence of the River Goddess. Chanting of hymns, music, the aroma of flowers and incense make it a memory you cherish forever. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

 

Day 18: Varanasi – Sightseeing and overnight on the train for Deogarh

Wake up early before the sun rises and leave for an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Watch the world awake with the sun, as people make way to the Ghats for daily rituals. Later return to the hotel and have a hearty breakfast. Complete the check-out formalities after which you can proceed for visit to the holy temples. Embark on the sightseeing of the city including Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas, Birla Mandir, Visalakshi and Annapurneshwari, etc. 

 

The highlight of the day is Shri Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the revered 12 Jyotirlingas in India. This temple is one of the most renowned temples in Varanasi and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was constructed in the year 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of the Indore. 

 

After seeks the blessings from Lord Kashi Vishwanath, leave for an excursion to Sarnath which is situated 10 km from Varanasi. Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrim spot the city is famous for being the first place where Lord Buddha preached for the first time after attaining enlightenment. Later, kings who followed Buddhism like King Ashoka built a lot of stupas and structures here that are focused on Buddhism. The remarkable remains and modern temple will fascinate you. The outstanding masterpieces of Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi, and Dharnek stupas must not be missed.

 

Later in the evening, get assisted transfer to Varanasi railway station to board the overnight train for Deogarh.

 

Day 19: Deogarh – Baidyanath – Basukinath (40 Km/1 Hrs.)

Upon arrival in Deogarh, check into the pre-booked hotel and relax for a while. Later, leave for a visit to Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga also known as Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga temple or Baidyanath Dham. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in Deogarh in the Santhal Parganas division of the state of Jharkhand.

 

According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Ravana praised Lord Shiva to get the blessings. Ravana offered his ten heads one after another to Shiva as a tribute. Delighted with this, Shiva descended to this place to cure Ravana. As Lord Shiva portrayed himself as a doctor, he is introduced as Vaidya which means doctor. From this perspective of Lord Shiva, the temple procures its name.

 

Visit the holy temple to take part in the rituals of Abhishekam and Pooja. Later, pay a visit to Basukinath Temple, one of the ancient temples in the area. It is believed to be the court of Baba Bhole Nath, at Basukinath Dham.

 

After darshan, return to the hotel, and if time permits, attend the evening aarti. Overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 20: Deogarh – Drop at Patna airport to board the flight

On the very last day of the 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan tour, wake up early in the morning and visit the temple to attend the morning aarti at the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple. Seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and get a return to your hotel to enjoy your delightful breakfast. Later, complete the check-out formalities and proceed to explore the markets. You can buy many souvenirs for your loved ones such as handloom decorative, handloom fabric, handloom saree, handloom textiles, beautiful bangles, etc.

 

You can also buy some famous sweets of Deogarh such as Peda - a type of milk-based sweet-meat which is the specialty of this city. A visitor to Deogarh must not miss it. Later, avail the transfer to the Patna airport to board the flight for your onward destination.

 

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.