Are you a devotee of Mahadev? If so, you surely wish to visit all the Jyotirlingas across the country. Am I right?
Some devoted individuals also wish to take their parents along on this pilgrimage. I salute such virtuous and dutiful devotees.
When traveling with elderly people, we must ensure that they receive timely meals and adequate rest.
In this Maharashtra Jyotirlinga itinerary, we have planned a comfortable and hassle-free trip that allows you to visit three Jyotirlingas. Please read this article carefully and follow the plan.
👉 If you want to combine other sacred Shiva temples in one journey, explore our 2 Jyotirlingas in One Trip: Best Routes & Itinerary for convenient route options.
The Maharashtra Jyotirlinga itinerary begins here.
Remember, you should start your trip at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, then proceed to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, and finally reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing in Nashik
Firstly, you will have to reach Nashik. Also, please note that if you have an elderly person with you, it is best to travel to Nashik by train.
Check into your hotel and allow the elderly person some time to rest.
Do not rush to visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga immediately upon arrival in Nashik, as it could leave you exhausted. Instead, spend the first day visiting Nashik’s famous tourist attractions.
If the old person is not tired then take him to Ram Kund and the banks of Godavari River. Surely, he will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere there. This place has spirituality then it is sure that the elderly visitors will find it delightful.
Return to the hotel early in the evening, have dinner, and get some sleep, as you will need to wake up early the next morning to set out for Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga.
The distance from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is only 30 kilometres. You can easily find a bus, auto-rickshaw, or private taxi in Nashik for the journey to Trimbakeshwar.
Before planning your darshan, check the official Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust website for the latest temple timings, darshan information and online services.
Day 2: Travel from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga.
Wake up as early as possible and set out for Trimbakeshwar while chanting “Har Har Mahadev.”
If you are accompanied by elderly people, it is advisable to hire a private taxi; this will allow you to visit not only Trimbakeshwar but also several other nearby attractions.
As you approach Trimbakeshwar, you will be greeted by lush greenery and towering mountains on all sides. After alighting from the car, proceed towards the temple.
Important Note: Trimbakeshwar is extremely crowded from Saturday to Monday, during Shravan, and on Mahashivratri. Avoid taking elderly people on these days, as they may face discomfort.
The path leading to the temple entrance is very narrow, so walk carefully. If you have children or elderly people with you, make sure to hold their hands firmly.
Since the narrow lane is lined with shops selling fruits and worship materials, there is no need to carry such items from Nashik.
Even during the off-season, you will likely encounter queues at Trimbakeshwar, so be prepared to wait in line.
Separate facilities are available for the elderly and differently-abled to enter the temple; you can inquire about this with any local person present at the site. VIP darshan facilities are also available if you wish to opt for them by paying a fee.
Walk slowly as you enter the temple, as you are about to experience a unique spiritual atmosphere, one unlike anything you have felt before. The temple environment is serene, allowing you to view the Jyotirlinga in a peaceful manner.
After the darshan, step out of the temple and spend some time sitting nearby. The temple’s exterior architecture is stunning, and there is no doubt that you will be mesmerized by its beauty.
There are a few places around the temple that you can explore if you wish; however, keep in mind that you need to head straight from Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, a journey that takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
My advice is that if it is already afternoon by the time, you are in Trimbakeshwar, you should set off for Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga immediately. If possible, retain the private taxi you brought from Nashik.
You will likely arrive at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga by nightfall. Book a room at a nice hotel, have dinner, and get a good night’s sleep.
Before planning your darshan, check the official Shree Kshetra Bhimashankar Trust website for the latest temple timings, darshan passes and important visitor notices.
Day 3: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Darshan
Wake up at a slow pace to relieve travel fatigue, have breakfast and freshen up. Then, head towards Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple which is surrounded by beautiful hills.
Situated among the scenic Sahyadri hills, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple is a stunning and tranquil place. It is generally not overly crowded.
Keep in mind that your car cannot go all the way to the temple; get off at the parking gate and walk towards the temple from there. You will need to descend a flight of stairs to reach the temple, which is an easy walk.
If you are accompanied by elderly individuals, advise them to hold the railing beside the steps and descend slowly and carefully to reach the temple.
You should try to get to the Bhimashankar temple as early as possible in the morning because the chances of crowds are more if you go between Saturday to Monday.
As you step inside the temple the atmosphere changes completely with Har Har Mahadev echoing all around. In a nutshell the vibe inside the temple is very spiritual.
In this ancient temple, you will experience a spiritual feeling unlike any you have known before.
The atmosphere inside the Bhimashankar temple is distinct from that of the Trimbakeshwar temple, a difference you will sense the moment you step inside.
After you offer prayers at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, come out and spend some time around the ancient temple to have peace of mind. Now, climb the stairs back towards the parking area. For elderly people and kids, hold the railing while climbing.
Please ensure that girls and women do not enter the temple wearing revealing clothing. Wear comfortable footwear to avoid foot pain while climbing the stairs.
Try to complete your visit to the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga by 3:00 PM so that you can depart for the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
The distance between Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is approximately 305 km a journey of about 6 to 7 hours.
Therefore, finish your visit to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga as early as possible and set out for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; this historic city is located approximately 30 km from the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
Upon reaching Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, book a room at a good hotel, have a meal, and get some rest.
👉 Want a quieter and more peaceful darshan? Read our guide to the Off Season for 12 Jyotirlingas in India before choosing your travel dates.
Day 4: Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
After a leisurely morning, drive an hour to visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, which is located near the historic Ellora Caves.
As you travel you will see many scenic and historic sights. When you arrive park your car and walk to the temple. Hold hands with elderly companions as the area can be crowded.
There are often long queues of devotees at the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple, so it is best to join the line immediately.
If you are accompanied by elderly or differently-abled individuals, contact the temple security staff; they can guide you to the nearest accessible route to the sanctum sanctorum.
Mobile phones are not permitted inside the temple, so leave yours in your car or store it in one of the available lockers.
Upon entering the sanctum sanctorum, you will experience a profound spiritual sensation, one you may never have felt before.
The temple witnesses large crowds from Saturday to Monday, during the holy month of Shravan, and on Shivratri.
It is better to avoid visiting with elderly people or children on these days to save them from any inconvenience.
There are several guest houses in the vicinity if you prefer not to stay in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. After visiting the Jyotirlinga, spend some time outside the temple admiring its intricate carvings; the craftsmanship is truly mesmerizing.
Post your visit, head to the world famous Ellora Caves.
Most of the travellers visit here especially to see Kailasa Temple which is a magnificent structure carved out of a single rock. There is no doubt that this extraordinary temple will leave you awestruck.
Important Note: Exploring the Ellora Caves will take at least 2 to 3 hours, and the visit involves a significant amount of walking. If you are unable to walk or are accompanied by an elderly person who has difficulty walking, you should not visit the Ellora Caves.
To return home, you should head to Aurangabad; it is a major city with a large railway station. The distance from the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple to Aurangabad is approximately 30 kilometres.
If you wish to travel by air, return to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which has a domestic airport served by flights from across the country.
Before planning your darshan, visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirling website to check the latest temple timings, darshan information and visitor guidelines.
Important Tips for Maharashtra Jyotirlinga Trip
- Wearing revealing clothing inside the temple is prohibited.
- Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple; please leave them in your car or a locker.
- Be sure to check the temple’s official website for opening and closing times to avoid unnecessary waiting.
- Monsoon Season: The crowds are not much in monsoon season, but it is not recommended to travel far to visit the Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra during this time as you may face difficulties.
- Plan your trip between Tuesday and Friday, avoiding vacation periods or festivals, to ensure a smooth visit with fewer crowds.
- Book your hotel and taxi only through reliable websites to avoid falling victim to fraud.
👉 Continue your spiritual journey with our Ujjain Itinerary for 2 Days, which covers Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and other important temples in the holy city.
There is no doubt that if you follow the Maharashtra Jyotirlinga itinerary we have suggested, you will be able to visit three Jyotirlingas in a single trip.
Har Har Mahadev.
