Three Jyotirlinga Temples In Maharashtra

Itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai – Nashik (170kms/ 4hrs)

Stop At: Nashik, Nashik, Nashik District, Maharashtra
Pick up from your hotel or airport in Mumbai and drive to Nashik check in at hotel.
Later visit Trimbakeshwar Temple located on the outskirts of Nashik, the ancient Trimbakeshwar Temple was constructed by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760) at the site of an even older temple. It sits at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hill and is flanked by the hills of Nilagiri and Kalagiri. Made entirely of black stone, it is a beautiful pilgrimage center for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near the town of Trimbak, from where River Godavari originates. Kusavarta, a pond within the temple premises, represents the origin point of the holy river. The temple is among the most important in the region as it houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The focal point of the shivling here is the fact that it is a three-faced linga embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The linga is adorned by a crown made of diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones. The crown is displayed every Monday for an hour in the evening. Within the temple, you will also come across images of other gods and goddesses such as Goddess Gangadevi, Lord Jaleswara, Lord Rameswara, Lord Gautameswara, Lord Kedarnath, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Parasurama and Lord Lakshmi Narayana.

While you’re here, you can also explore the impressive Brahmagiri Fort, and Gangadwar, located in close vicinity to the temple.
Duration: 5 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Nashik – Shirdi - Aurangabad (170kms/ 4hrs)

Stop At: Nashik, Nashik, Nashik District, Maharashtra
Breakfast at hotel, visit the ancient holy city, known for its links to the “Ramayana” epic poem. On the Godavari River is Panchavati, a temple complex. Nearby, Lord Rama was thought to have bathed at Ram Kund water tank. Shri Kalaram Sansthan Mandir is an ancient shrine to Rama, while Rama and Sita are said to have worshipped at Sita Gufaa caves.

Sundarnarayan Temple marks the site of a legend of Lord Vishnu. Tapovan is a pilgrimage site next to the Nasardi River, close to where Lord Rama purportedly lived. Colorful statues of Hindu gods fill ISKCON, a modern temple for the worship of Lord Krishna. The temple complex Muktidham, in white sculpted marble, has painted scenes depicting the lives of Krishna and several chapters of the "Bhagavad Gita," an ancient Hindu scripture. On a small hill to the southwest are the 24 Pandavleni Caves, dating back millennia. They are marked by Buddha carvings, rare inscriptions and cisterns. Vineyards dot the land west of the city.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Shirdi, Shirdi, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra
Later drive to Aurangabad via visiting Shirdi. Shirdi is known as home of revered spiritual leader Sai Baba, and as a major pilgrimage site. Devotees gather daily at the Sai Baba Temple complex to honor his legacy. Here, the Samadhi Mandir shrine has an ornate marble statue of Sai Baba, alongside his tomb. Close by are Dwarkamai, a mosque where Sai Baba once lived, and tree-lined Lendi Garden. Continue drive to Aurangabad check in at hotel.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Aurangabad – Ellora (36kms/ 1hrs approx one way)

Stop At: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Grishneshwar, Ellora Nr. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad India
Breakfast at hotel, excursion to visit Grishneshwar jyotirlinga & Ellora Caves. Visit Grishneshwar Temple one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga. Made of red and black stones boasting intricate carvings and patterns the temple was constructed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, in the Maratha style of architecture.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ellora Caves, Ellora Cave Rd Ahead of Hiranya Reosrts, Aurangabad 431005 India
Ellora Caves a UNESCO World heritage sites (Tuesday closed). It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Daulatabad Fort, Daulatabad, Daulatabad India
On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. The defense system that made Daulatabad virtually impregnable comprises fortifications with double and even triple rows of massive walls.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bibi Ka Maqbara, Begumpura Gulistan-e-Jauhar KARACHI, Aurangabad 431004 India
Later city tour of Aurangabad visit Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother. Due to its similar design standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Aurangabad – Bhimashankar (280kms/ 6hrs approx)

Stop At: Bhimashankar, Bhimashankar, Pune District, Maharashtra
Breakfast at hotel drive to Bhimashankar check in at hotel.

Later visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple away from the tumult of city in the laps of Sahyadri Hills. The modest yet graceful temple dates back to the 13th century and is ornated with Buddha cravings as well. A trek to the Bhimashankar temple adds a pinch of adventure to your spiritual visit. The holy shrine of Bhimashankar is a work of Naga style of architecture. The temple brilliantly showcases the intelligent work of Vishwakarma sculptors of ancient times. Situated atop the hills, the place is perfect for all nature lovers and trekkers. The forest nearby is said to be a treasure of medicinal herbs. The site is highly picturesque and gives mind-boggling views of the nearby locations.

Optionally visit and trek in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is mainly famous for being a home to many endemic and pandemic animal and bird species including the Indian Giant Squirrel. It is so rich in flora and fauna that it is considered to be one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. The reserve is also known for being the home of 14 sacred groves which are said to be thousands of years old and responsible for the origin of many species.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Bhimashankar – Lonavala - Mumbai (200kms/ 5hrs approx)

Stop At: Lonavala, Lonavala, Pune District, Maharashtra
Breakfast at hotel drive to Mumbai via visiting The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves in Lonavala. The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. These are caves carved from solid granite rocks around 160 BC. It has an Ashoka stambh at the entrance. The caves have rooms for the monks who resided here a prayer hall and a huge stupa. It also has the temple of Ek Veera the goddess of the Koli flock who are the original residents of Mumbai. They feature massive pillars and intricate relief sculptures. South of the Bhaja Caves sits the imposing Lohagad Fort, with its 4 gates. West of here is Bhushi Dam, where water overflows onto a set of steps during rainy season.
Duration: 3 hours

Pass By: Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Continue drive to Mumbai and drop off to your hotel or airport.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.