If you have only three days, Maharashtra’s Jyotirlinga circuit is one of the most rewarding spiritual trips you can plan. This itinerary covers Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar, and adds Shirdi and Ellora on the way. Not sure how many days you need? Read how many days are needed for 3 Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra first.
3 Day Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pune/Mumbai → Bhimashankar → Nashik | Bhimashankar darshan, overnight at Nashik |
| Day 2 | Nashik → Trimbakeshwar → Shirdi | Trimbakeshwar darshan, Sai Baba darshan |
| Day 3 | Shirdi → Grishneshwar → Ellora → Return | Grishneshwar darshan, Ellora Caves |
Day 1: Pune/Mumbai to Bhimashankar to Nashik
Start by 4:30 to 5:00 am from Pune, so you reach Bhimashankar (roughly 122 km, 4 hours) for morning darshan before the queues build up. Bhimashankar is surrounded by forest, so keep time for the walk and the weather, especially in monsoon. After darshan and lunch, drive towards Nashik (this is a long stretch of around 5 to 6 hours) and check in for the night.
Tip: Day 1 is the heaviest day, so keep your luggage light and carry water and snacks.
Day 2: Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi
Trimbakeshwar is about 29.1 km from Nashik city, so you can reach early in the morning for darshan. If you have time, visit the Kushavarta Kund and see the Brahmagiri area, from where the Godavari begins. After lunch, drive to Shirdi (around 90 km from Nashik) for Sai Baba darshan and evening aarti. Stay overnight at Shirdi.
Planning a special puja at Trimbakeshwar, such as Narayan Nagbali? Book it in advance, as it takes several hours.
Day 3: Grishneshwar, Ellora and Return
Shirdi to Grishneshwar is roughly 99.4 km. After darshan, visit the Ellora Caves (the Kailasa Temple is the highlight), which are right next to the temple. Then start your return. Keep in mind that Sambhajinagar is far from Pune and Mumbai, so the drive back takes several hours. Choose a late evening train or an overnight stay if you have small children or elderly travellers.
Want to check exact distances? See our distance between the 3 Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra guide with a map.
How to Travel All 3 Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Private car / tempo traveller | Most flexible, door-to-door | Long hours of driving |
| Self-drive | Full control | Tiring on hill roads |
| Train + local taxi | Cheaper | Temples are not on one rail line, so you need cabs anyway |
| Tour package | Driver, hotels and darshan assistance handled | Fixed dates |
Because the three temples are not connected by a single rail line, most pilgrims use a private vehicle for the circuit. Our Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga tour package is a 4D/3N option with an AC vehicle, hotel stay and darshan support, starting from ₹9,500 per person. It adds an extra day, so the last day is relaxed.
Where to Stay
- Nashik or Trimbakeshwar for Day 1 night
- Shirdi for Day 2 night (lots of options for every budget)
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar if you want a night after Grishneshwar
During festivals, Shravan month and long weekends, book hotels well in advance.
Best Time for This Trip
October to February has comfortable weather. Monsoon (June to September) is green and scenic but crowded and slippery at Bhimashankar. Summer is hot, so start darshan early.
Tips for the Yatra
- Check darshan timings and entry rules for each temple before you leave, since they can change on festival days.
- Wear comfortable clothes and carry a light jacket for early mornings.
- Keep cash and ID handy for temple and Ellora entry.
- Do not over-pack your schedule. Add a buffer if you are travelling with seniors.
Prefer a stress-free yatra? Book the 3 Jyotirlinga yatra package from Pune/Mumbai and we will handle the transport, stay and darshan planning.
Visit Bhimashankar and reach Nashik on Day 1, Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi on Day 2, and Grishneshwar with Ellora on Day 3.
A private car or tempo traveller is the easiest option, because the temples are in different regions.
Yes. Start with Trimbakeshwar from Nashik, then continue to Shirdi, Grishneshwar and Bhimashankar in reverse order.
It is enough, but the days are long. Many families prefer 4D/3N for a relaxed pace.
2 Replies to “3 Day Maharashtra Trip Plan: Complete 3 Jyotirlinga Itinerary”