Hyderabad to Maharashtra‑Gujarat Pilgrimage Road Trip

Viewed by 201 travelers

Day 1: Hyderabad ➜ Bhimashankar (Arrival)

Morning: Depart early from Hyderabad and embark on the scenic 10‑hour drive (≈550 km) toward Bhimashankar, stopping for breakfast at a highway dhaba.

Afternoon: Reach Bhimashankar by early afternoon, check into a modest lodge, and freshen up before heading out.

Evening: Stroll around the serene surroundings and enjoy a peaceful sunset near the Bhimashankar Temple complex.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Bhimashankar Exploration & Drive to Pune

Morning: Explore the sacred Bhimashankar Temple and attend the morning aarti, then take a short trek into the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary for wildlife spotting.

Afternoon: After lunch, begin the 5‑hour drive (≈210 km) to Pune, passing through lush Western Ghats scenery.

Evening: Arrive in Pune, settle into a boutique hotel, and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local Maharashtrian restaurant.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Pune City Highlights

Morning: Visit the historic Shaniwar Wada fort and learn about its Maratha legacy, followed by a walk through the nearby Aga Khan Palace, a site of national importance.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a rooftop café, then explore the bustling Tulsi Baug market for traditional crafts.

Evening: Relax at the picturesque Khadakwasla Dam waterfront as the sun sets, and dine on authentic Maharashtrian thali.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Pune ➜ Grishneshwar (Ellora Caves)

Morning: Depart Pune after breakfast and drive 4 hours (≈200 km) to the UNESCO‑listed Ellora Caves complex.

Afternoon: Tour the stunning rock‑cut monuments, focusing on the magnificent Buddhist Cave 10 (Vishvakarma) and the impressive Rakhi‑Baba Temple at Grishneshwar.

Evening: Stay overnight in a comfortable guesthouse near Grishneshwar and savor a simple vegetarian dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Grishneshwar ➜ Trimbakeshwar (Nashik)

Morning: After an early breakfast, drive 2 hours (≈100 km) to the sacred town of Trimbakeshwar, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Afternoon: Explore the majestic Trimbakeshwar Temple and take a short hike to the nearby Godavari River source (Gautami).

Evening: Return to Nashik city for a relaxed evening, sampling local grape‑wine at a boutique winery.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Trimbakeshwar ➜ Surat (Rest Stop)

Morning: Begin the long 7‑hour drive (≈460 km) toward Gujarat, with a brief stop at the historic Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple en route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Surat, check into a hotel, and enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring the famous Surat‑style seafood.

Evening: Stroll along the Riverfront Garden and rest up for the final leg of the journey.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Surat ➜ Somnath (Pilgrimage Finale)

Morning: Depart early for the final 6‑hour drive (≈350 km) to the coastal town of Somnath.

Afternoon: Arrive at the iconic Somnath Temple, explore its magnificent architecture, and attend the midday aarti.

Evening: Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea from the temple’s seaside promenade, followed by a celebratory dinner of Gujarati thali.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the sea, reflect on the journey, and optionally visit the nearby Prabhas Patan Museum.

Afternoon: Begin the return drive to Hyderabad (≈1,200 km) or arrange a flight from nearby Rajkot airport, depending on time constraints.

Evening: Conclude the pilgrimage road trip with cherished memories of the sacred sites visited.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Bhimashankar Temple & Sanctuary – 4 hours – $15 entry & guide
  • Shaniwar Wada & Aga Khan Palace (Pune) – 3 hours – $10 combined entry
  • Khadakwasla Dam (Pune) – 1 hour – Free
  • Ellora Caves (Grishneshwar) – 3 hours – $12 entry
  • Trimbakeshwar Temple & Gautami River – 3 hours – Free
  • Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple – 1 hour – Free
  • Somnath Temple – 4 hours – $20 entry & aarti donation
  • Fuel (≈2,300 km @ 15 km/l, ₹100/l) – Approx. $300
  • Accommodation (7 nights @ $50/night) – $350
  • Meals & Miscellaneous – $200
  • Total Estimated Cost: $1,217

Tips

If you have limited time, consider trimming the itinerary by skipping the Surat stop and driving directly from Trimbakeshwar to Somnath, converting the trip into a 6‑day adventure. Conversely, to extend the journey, add an extra day in Pune for nearby attractions like Lonavala and a day in Gujarat to explore the historic city of Junagadh before heading back. Adjusting the pace allows you to enjoy each sacred site without feeling rushed.

0