Maharashtra is one of India’s most spiritual states. It is home to 3 of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas — Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, and Grishneshwar. Along with these, the holy town of Shirdi, the abode of Sai Baba, makes this tour a complete divine experience. If you are planning a religious trip to Maharashtra, this 3 Jyotirlinga tour with Shirdi is perfect for you.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know — itinerary, budget, hotels, best food, how to reach, and more.
What Are the 3 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra?
A Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga tour with Shirdi is one of the most popular short spiritual trips in India. It covers four powerful pilgrimage stops in one journey
1) Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Pune District)
Set in the Western Ghats, Bhimashankar is known for calm weather, forest views, and a deeply spiritual temple complex.
2) Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Nashik)
Trimbakeshwar is famous for its unique Shivling and proximity to holy sites like Panchavati and the Godavari river area.
3) Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Aurangabad / Ellora)
Grishneshwar is close to the world-famous Ellora Caves. Many travelers combine Jyotirlinga darshan and Ellora sightseeing on the same day.
4) Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Shirdi is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage towns. Along with the main temple, places like Dwarkamai and Chavadi are also highly revered.
Best Time to Visit for Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga Tour
🔹 October to March: best weather for long drives and temple queues
🔹 July to September: Bhimashankar area becomes green and beautiful, but roads may be slippery due to monsoon
🔹 Avoid peak heat in April–June if traveling with senior citizens.
Best Route + Distance for Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga Tour with Shirdi
Best road route (from Pune):
Pune → Bhimashankar → Shirdi → Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) → Grishneshwar (Aurangabad/Ellora) → Pune/Mumbai
Approximate distances
- Pune → Bhimashankar: 110 km (3–4 hrs)
- Bhimashankar → Shirdi: 240 km (5–6 hrs)
- Shirdi → Trimbakeshwar: 120 km (3 hrs)
- Trimbakeshwar → Aurangabad: 180 km (4 hrs)
- Aurangabad → Grishneshwar: 30 km (45–60 mins)
- Aurangabad → Pune: 230 km (5–6 hrs)
- Aurangabad → Mumbai: 330 km (7–8 hrs)
Total trip distance (loop): ~700–800 km (depends on start/end city and local travel)
Estimated Budget for Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga Tour with Shirdi
Costs vary based on accommodation and transport. Here is a rough estimate per person:
🔹 Transport: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 (Cab sharing)
🔹 Accommodation: ₹4,000 (2 nights, 2-star hotel)
🔹 Food: ₹2,000
🔹 Temple Donations: ₹1,000
🔹 Entry Fees/Extras: ₹500
🔹 Total Approx: ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per person for a 3-day trip. Luxury stays will double the cost.
Itinerary for 3 Jyotirlinga Maharashtra & Shirdi
Day 1: Pune/Mumbai → Bhimashankar → Shirdi
- Early morning departure for Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga darshan
- Optional: short walk around temple area / viewpoints (as time permits)
- Drive to Shirdi
- Evening: Sai Baba darshan, visit Dwarkamai and Chavadi
Overnight stay: Shirdi
Day 2: Shirdi → Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) → Aurangabad
- Morning: optional second Shirdi darshan (if you want a calmer slot)
- Drive to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
- Optional in Nashik (time-based): Panchavati, Kalaram Temple, Godavari ghat
- Continue to Aurangabad
- Overnight stay: Aurangabad
Day 3: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga → Ellora → Return
- Early morning Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga darshan
- Visit Ellora Caves (very close; great to combine)
- Return to Pune or Mumbai as per your plan
For Best Itinerary visit Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga tour package
How to Reach
🚗 By Road
The best way to do this tour is by private car or tempo traveller. Roads in Maharashtra are well-maintained. Hiring a cab from Mumbai or Pune gives you complete flexibility.
🚆 By Train
Mumbai to Shirdi: Take a train to Sainagar Shirdi Station.
Nashik Road Station: Nearest station for Trimbakeshwar.
Aurangabad Station: For Grishneshwar and Ellora.
✈️ By Flight
Mumbai Airport – Best starting point.
Aurangabad Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport) – You can fly in and start in reverse order.
Pune Airport – Nearest to Bhimashankar.
Most Visited Places in this Trip
🛕 Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi – Most visited religious site in India
🛕 Dwarkamai & Chavadi, Shirdi – Historic places connected to Sai Baba
🛕 Shani Shingnapur – Famous open-air Shani temple, near Shirdi
🛕 Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
🌊 Godavari River Ghats, Nashik – Sacred river for holy dips
🛕 Bhimashankar Temple, Pune – Set inside a wildlife sanctuary
🛕 Grishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad – The 12th and last Jyotirlinga
🕳️ Ellora Caves, Aurangabad – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best Food to Try in Maharashtra
Maharashtra offers amazing food at every stop on this tour.
a) Misal Pav – A spicy curry served with bread, a Maharashtra favourite
b) Vada Pav – India’s favourite street food, best in Mumbai and Nashik
c) Sabudana Khichdi – Very popular near temple towns during fasting
d) Puran Poli – Sweet flatbread, a Maharashtrian festive dish
e) Modak – Sweet dumplings offered to Lord Ganesh, found near temples
f) Zunka Bhakar – A simple rustic dish made from chickpea flour and bajra bread
Thali Meals – Full traditional Maharashtrian meals at dhaba restaurants near temples
Best Hotels to Stay
In Shirdi
- Sai Palace Hotel – Budget-friendly, close to temple
- Ishwar Residency – Mid-range, clean rooms
- Sai Leela Hotel – Popular among pilgrims
In Nashik (for Trimbakeshwar)
- The Gateway Hotel, Nashik – Premium option
- Hotel Express Inn – Mid-range, good service
- Hotel Panchavati – Budget, near temple ghats
In Aurangabad (for Grishneshwar)
- Lemon Tree Hotel, Aurangabad – Well-rated mid-range hotel
- MTDC Holiday Resort – Budget option run by Maharashtra Tourism
- Hotel Rama International – Near Ellora, convenient location
🚗 Why Choose Root Indians for This Trip
✅ Verified Drivers – All drivers are background-checked and trained for long routes
✅ Clean and Comfortable Cabs – Well-maintained fleet with AC and GPS
✅ Transparent Pricing – No hidden charges. What you see is what you pay.
✅ 24/7 Customer Support – Help available round the clock for any issue
✅ On-Time Pickup – We respect your time. Early morning pickups available.
✅ Multiple Cab Options – Sedan, SUV, luxury, and tempo traveller for all group sizes
✅ Easy Online Booking – Book in minutes from website or phone
✅ Best Rates – Competitive prices with no compromise on quality
For more information visit our website www.rootindians.com or contact on +91 78777 38437 For Customized itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many days are needed for the Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga tour with Shirdi?
A minimum of 3 days is needed. However, 4 days give you more time for relaxed darshan and sightseeing.
Q2. Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. All temples have ramps and facilities for elderly visitors. However, Bhimashankar involves some walking, so plan accordingly.
Q3. What is the best time to get darshan at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
Early morning (5:00 AM – 7:00 AM) is the best time. The crowd is less and the atmosphere is peaceful.
Q4. Can I do this tour by public transport?
Yes, you can use trains and state buses. However, a private cab is more comfortable and time-saving, especially with multiple stops.
Q5. Is there a dress code at these temples?
Modest clothing is advised. At Grishneshwar, men may be required to remove their shirts. Covering shoulders and knees is generally recommended.
Q6. Are there any entry fees at the Jyotirlinga temples?
Basic darshan is free at all three temples. However, paid VIP darshan passes are available for faster access.
Q7. Can I combine this tour with Ajanta Caves?
Yes. Ajanta Caves are about 100 km from Aurangabad. You can add a 4th day to visit both Ajanta and Ellora.
Q8. What is the best starting point for this tour?
Mumbai is the most convenient starting point. Pune is another good option if you are starting from southern Maharashtra.
