12 Jyotirlinga Darshan

On your arrival in Pune, start your drive to Bhimashankar. During the road trip, just roll down the windows, play your favorite music, and enjoy the views of beautiful landscapes along with the breathtaking views. After you reach Bhimashankar, complete your check-in formalities at the respective hotel and unwind.

Visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, which is one of the 12 very important Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is an ancient shrine located in the Sahyadri hills and displays the classical constructions in the Nagara style of architecture, the temple is a gem of ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. The excellence of the temple is enhanced by the greenery all around.

You can also plan a visit to the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in the evening where you will get a chance to see Indian Giant Squirrels also known as Malabar Giant Squirrels and endangered species of birds. You can explore more and witness the beauty of nature, amazing waterfalls, and dense woodlands. Back to the hotel after sightseeing.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bhimashankar.

On the second day of the auspicious journey enjoy your breakfast in the morning, check out from the hotel and drive to Shirdi which is situated at a distance of around 183 km from the holy place Bhimashankar.

Shirdi is a famous town in Maharashtra, in western India. Shirdi is well known as the ancient home of Sai Baba, who was a spiritual leader. As a major pilgrimage site, a huge number of devotees all around the world come to seek the blessings of Sai Baba. On your arrival at Shirdi, also pay a visit to Samadhi Mandir, Khandoba Temple, and Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Complex. Later, drive another 65 km to reach Shani Shingnapur. 

Shani Shingnapur Temple is dedicated to Lord Shani Dev and according to the Hindu faith, Shani Dev is recognized as the God of Justice. You have to follow some regulations for visiting this pious temple. It is strictly advised 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. Also, you will get an amazing experience after reaching this city. This city holds an unusual fact or probably in the world that no house has any doors here.

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.

On day 3rd, early morning, leave for a visit to 'Grishneshwar Temple'. The word Grishneshwar means "lord of compassion". The holy temple also is known as the Dhushmeshwar Temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple has a popular South-Indian architecture design. The temple is made up of red-colored stones and occupies an area of 44,400 square feet. Owning a spellbound architecture, the shrine casts a spell on the visitors. Praising in the temple is a soul-soothing experience. Our past says the temple 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. 

After visiting this temple, drive towards Nashik, a city in Maharashtra. Nashik city is settled on the bank of the Godavari River denoting a great mythological, traditional, cultural, and social importance. The city is renowned for its links to the “Ramayana” epic poem earlier this city was known as 'Panchavati' before the Ramayana era.

If you get some free time then you can explore the local markets and the famous shopping streets of Nashik, you can buy many souvenirs such as handicrafts, brass statues, silver items, and ancient copper remains. You can also buy a good quality of grapes here.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Nashik.

On the 4th day of the 12 Jyotirlinga tour, enjoy your breakfast in the morning and check out from the hotel. Head towards Trimbakeshwar. The Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated at a distance of about 28 km from Nashik city. The temple was built by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao on the site of an ancient temple. It is one of the 12 divine Jyotirlinga, devoted to Lord Shiva. The Jyotirlinga positioned here has its three appearances embracing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rudra.

The Godavari flowing out from the majestic Brahmagiri hills enhances the importance of this pious temple, according to Hindu religion it is believed that it is the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, known as a place of Tri-Sandhya Gayatri.

Later drive to the dream city of India, Mumbai. On arrival, you will get an assisted transfer to the hotel. Relax and unwind at the hotel if you get the time then must explore the local markets of Mumbai and do not miss out to try the local street food.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.

Enjoy your breakfast and check out from the hotel and drive to Mumbai airport to catch a flight for Porbandar.  On landing at Porbandar airport, check-in at the hotel and relax. After that you will be assisted to visit Dwarka for Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. In Hindu religion, there is a book called Shiva Purana in that book the story behind the making of this holy temple and religious facts are jotted. 

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple but you can click amazing pictures outside the main temple.

The large garden including a pond and the 25 m tall marvelous statue of Lord Shiva are the major parts of the attraction. 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.

On day 6th enjoy your early morning breakfast and start your drive to Somnath. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist place of Gujarat. Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. The Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan near Junagadh in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat. The Triveni Maha Sangam confluence of three rivers - Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati- is a stone's throw away from this pious temple. 

The temple has a tragic history, it is said that the temple was looted and destroyed seventeen times by rulers like Mahmud Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb.

The construction of this temple is in the Chalukya style of architecture the temple's impressive architecture holds elaborate carvings, silver doors, an important Nandi idol, and the central Shiva linga. Somnath temple is now a great masterpiece of the Chalukya style of architecture. The temple's striking architecture includes elaborate carvings, silver doors, an important Nandi idol, and the central Shiva linga. Pay homage, attend the aarti and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.

After visiting the sacred temple return back to Porbandar. Overnight stay at the hotel in Porbandar.

On day 7th, enjoy your delicious breakfast and complete your check out formalities from the hotel and then head towards the Porbandar Airport. After arriving at the airport, catch your flight for Indore via Mumbai. On your arrival in Indore, head towards Ujjain which is an ancient city situated nearby the Kshipra River in the Malwa region of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

In ancient times, this city was known as Ujjayini. According to the Mahabharata Ujjayani was the capital of Avanti Kingdom. Ujjain is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage destination famous for its centuries-old Mahakaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. After paying the homage at the pious Mahakaleshwar Temple, you will be driven to the hotel for check-in after completing the formalities, relax for some time and visit the local market of Ujjain.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Ujjain.

On day 8th, leave at 3:00 A.M in the early morning and head straight towards the Mahakaleshwar Temple to attend the sacred Bhasm Aarti. It is the first ritual obeyed every day at the temple. The Bhasm Aarti is done to wake Lord Shiva. 

After attending the aarti, return to the hotel for your delicious breakfast after that complete the check-out formalities and get ready to visit Omkareshwar. The famous and sacred Omkareshwar Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva, it is also among one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The temple is located on an island named Mandhata which is also known as Shivapuri 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. After reaching, complete the check-in formalities and unwind yourself at the respective hotel. Visit the Omkareshwar Temple in the evening and attend the charming Aarti.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Omkareshwar.

Participate in the Abhishekam ceremony early in the morning at the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. Get back to the hotel for breakfast, after that complete the check out from the respective hotel and begin your trip to Indore. You will be transferred to the Indore airport. Board your flight to Hyderabad.

On your arrival at Hyderabad, begin your drive to Srisailam. This town is located in Kurnool district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and Srisailam is most famous for Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is snuggled on the Nallamala Hills. It is dedicated to the God of destruction, Lord Shiva. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

After reaching, continue for a visit to the beautiful Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple. This famous temple is also known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple. It is one of the most visited temples by devotees of the Shiva across the country. Pay homage, attend the grand aarti in the evening and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.

Overnight stay at the pre-booked hotel in Srisailam.

Revisit the pious Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple in the early morning to attend the Abhishekam ceremony. Seek blessings from Lord Shiva and get back to the hotel to enjoy the delicious breakfast. After that, check out from the respective hotel. Later, start your drive back to Hyderabad. After reaching, check-in at the hotel and unwind for some hours and utilize the rest of your time to visit the most famous attractions in Hyderabad such as Charminar, Birla Mandir, and Salarjung Museum. If you are interested in shopping then explore the local markets to buy souvenirs like Hyderabadi Pearls, Kalamkari Fabrics, Lac Bangles, handicrafts, etc. You can also relish sumptuous Indian meals at the famous restaurants around the city to settle your cravings.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Hyderabad.

On day 11th, wake up early morning freshen up and enjoy your breakfast and complete the check-out formalities. You will be driven to the airport. After reaching the airport, catch your flight to Madurai. An ancient city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu located on the Vaigai River. This city is famous for its ancient temples built in the Dravidian style of architecture by the Pandyan and Madurai Nayak emperors. Madurai is the most prominent site and renowned as a major hub of Hindu pilgrimage. Along with many famous temples, this city is also a major industrial and educational hub in South Tamil Nadu. A large number of travelers visit Madurai to explore this ancient city. 

On arrival at Madurai, visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple is devoted to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva. Seek the blessings of the Goddess Meenakshi, continue to the road to Rameshwaram, the drive time to reach this island is about 4 hours.

On reaching, check-into the hotel and relax. Then, visit the popular Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples; this Hindu temple is solely dedicated to Lord Shiva located on Rameswaram Island in the state of Tamil Nadu.

The most famous thing about this temple is that it has the largest hallway anywhere in India, it is spread across over an area of 15 acres including tall Gopurams, huge walls. There is a huge pillared corridor that is around 1220 meters in length. It is believed that inside the premises of this holy temple there are 22 wells and water from each well tastes different.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Rameshwaram.

On day 12th, visit the temple for Mani Darshan. Proceed for the rituals of Kund snan and feel blessed. Also, attend the beautiful Abhishekam ceremony at the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Temple and seek blessings of Lord Shiva. After that, return to the hotel and enjoy the delicious breakfast. Complete your check-out formalities and start your return journey to Madurai by road. After reaching Madurai city drive straight to Madurai airport and board the flight for Delhi.

After reaching Delhi, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and relax. Delhi is the capital of India and is a huge metropolitan city. Delhi is renowned for its tourist attractions, delicious foods, and several 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. If your body and mind permit you then you should explore the local markets in Delhi to buy amazing souvenirs for your loved ones.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

On day 13th, complete your check out formalities after breakfast and head towards Haridwar. It is an ancient city and significant Hindu pilgrimage place located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The place is famous for its several largest sacred Ghats (bathing steps) where numerous devotees across the country come to take a dip in the holy River Ganges.

It's believed that taking a dip in the holy Har Ki Pauri relieves you of all your sins. Haridwar is a well-known Hindu temple town and renowned for the world-famous Kumbh Mela which is hosted once in every twelve years, where millions of visitors from all over the country gather to take a din in the holy Ganges.

After arriving at Haridwar, complete your check-in formalities and do visit the famous Chandi Devi, a temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi which is nestled on the top of the Neel Parvat on the Eastern point of the Shivalik Hills, 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. To reach these famous temples you have to take a cable car (Ticket has to purchase directly). Enjoy the beautiful scenery while riding the cable car. After the thrilling day, connect at Ganga Ghat in the evening to witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti. Famous nearby tourist towns like Rishikesh and Devprayag are also well connected to Haridwar.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Haridwar.

On day 14th enjoy your breakfast and complete your check out formalities and drive to Guptkashi. The is located on the western banks of River Mandakini at an altitude of 1,319 meters in the Kedar-khanda, in Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand. Guptkashi is renowned for its ancient Vishwanath Temple devoted to Lord Shiva, which is similar to the one in Varanasi. Pay homage and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.

In your leisure time, you can visit some other popular tourist attractions such as Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Kund, Ardhanarishwar Temple, Gaurikund, Ukhimath, and Chopta. Witness the beautiful scenery of Guptkashi and enjoy the pleasant climate.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi.

On day 15th have your early morning breakfast and head to Phata Helipad by road. Board the helicopter to Kedarnath, while flying on a high altitude enjoy the breathtaking views of mountains and rivers. On your arrival at the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple, you will be presented with priority tickets.

Kedarnath Temple is settled on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River. The holy temple of Kedarnath was built by the Pandava brothers of the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata, and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is believed that this holy temple is around 3000 years old. According to legends, the Jyotirlinga is the humped form of Lord Shiva disguised as a bull. 

It is one of the Char Dham destinations as well as one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Spend a few hours in darshan at the Kedarnath temple. Apart from its spiritual significance and virtue, enjoy the natural environment of this majestic place. It is enclosed by snow-capped and towering mountains and has the beautiful Mandakini River flowing in front of it.

After the holy Darshan, return to Phata via Helicopter, where your vehicle waits for you to take you back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi.

On the day 16th enjoy the early morning delicious breakfast and start your drive back to Haridwar. On arrival touch the pious land and seek some blessings. Haridwar is a remarkable tourist destination located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Every place of this serene spiritual city emits positivity. Say goodbye to this holy town and get transferred to the Haridwar railway station to catch the train for Varanasi.

After reaching the Varanasi railway station around noon, you will get an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete your check-in formalities and relax.

Varanasi is popularly known as ‘The City of Light’ is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This city is recognized as the religious center of India, This divine 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 here 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 which is also dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city has more than 88 Ghats. Most of the Ghats are made for bathing and puja ceremony Ghats, while two Ghats are used particularly as cremation sites.

Move to take part in the great evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat you will find a magnetic charm at the pious Ghat. The magnificent Ganga Aarti starts just after dusk, as darkness begins to spread all over. As the aarti begins, saffron-clad priests take their positions at the platform and raise huge heavy brass lamps in honor of the River Goddess.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

To enjoy a little bit more, then wake up early before the sun rises and enjoy the morning boat ride on the River Ganges with fresh cool air and beautiful Ghat views. Watch the world awake with the sun, as people make way to the Ghats for daily rituals. Have a delightful breakfast and complete your check out formalities. After that can continue for visits to the holy temples. Begin your sightseeing with Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas, Birla Mandir, Sankat Mochan, Visalakshi, and Annapurneshwari, etc. 

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

After seeking the blessings of Lord Kashi Vishwanath, leave for a trip to Sarnath, around 10 km away from Varanasi city. Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrim spot, the city is famous for being the first place where Lord Buddha preached for the first time after gaining 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 draw you towards the past. The exceptional treasures of this place are Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi, and also the Dharnek stupas.

After visiting the various holy temples and famous attractions, in the evening, get assisted transfer to Varanasi railway station to board the overnight train for Deogarh.

Upon arrival in Deogarh, check into the pre-booked hotel and relax till you get fully charged. 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, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in Deogarh in the Santhal Parganas division of the state of Jharkhand. Overlooking the Mayurakshi River this holy town is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.

As per Hindu mythology, the demon king Ravana is popularly known as Lankesh or Dashaanan praised Lord Shiva to get the blessings. Ravana offered his ten heads one after another to Shiva as a tribute. Pleased with this, Shiva descended to this place to cure Ravana who was wounded. As Lord Shiva represented himself as a doctor, he is introduced as Vaidhya which means doctor. From this perspective of Lord Shiva, the temple procures its name.

Visit this holy temple to take part in the rituals of Abhishekam and Puja Archana and seek the blessing of baba Bholenath. In Shravan month thousands of devotees from the different states of India come here to pay homage.

Later, move to Basukinath, it is a city and a stated area in Dumka district in the Indian state of Jharkhand. After reaching the city, pay a visit to Basukinath Temple. It is one of the ancient temples in the area and said to be the court of Baba Bhole Nath, at Basukinath Dham, the Shiv and Parvati temple are just in front of each other.

There are many other small temples inside the premises where you can seek the mighty blessings of Gods and Goddesses. The best time to visit this temple is during the Shravana (a month in the Hindu calendar). The place is crowded with devotees during this time. After darshan, return to the hotel, and if time allows, then attend the evening aarti or visit some of the nearby attractions such as Naulakha Temple, Nandan Hill, etc.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Finally, it's time to say goodbye to Deogarh before leaving the hotel, 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.

On the very last day of your holy trip complete your check-out formalities and proceed to explore the local markets. Buy many souvenirs for your loved ones such as handloom decorative, handloom fabric, handloom saree, handloom textiles, beautiful bangles, etc. Do not forget to buy the specialty of this holy town, buy the popular sweets of Deogarh-'Peda' - It is a type of milk-based sweet-meat purchased by a large number of visitors. A visitor to Deogarh must not miss it.

Later, avail the transfer to the Patna airport to board the flight for your onward destination.