Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12 Jyotirlinga Road Pilgrimage from Hyderabad by Car — Complete Day-by-Day Route + Map

Viewed by 877 travelers

Day 1: Hyderabad → Srisailam

Hyderabad, India → Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India on May 17, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast — Chutneys or local tiffin center, Hyderabad

Start with a filling South Indian breakfast (dosa/idli/uttapam) to fuel the day; convenient, quick, and open early (typically 6:00–11:00 AM).
INR300, 1h0m

7:30AM

Drive to Srisailam (Mallikarjuna)

Approx. 3.5–4.5 hour scenic drive (depending on traffic) through Telangana countryside; plan a fuel/top-up stop mid-way.
INR0, 4h0m

11:30AM

Visit Mallikarjuna (Srisailam) Temple

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas set in the Nallamala Hills; darshan windows usually start early (temple open roughly 6:00 AM–1:00 PM and 3:00 PM–8:00 PM) — check the temple website/noticeboard for darshan booking and seasonal boat/road access.
Free, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch — Hotel/Local Mess, Srisailam

Simple Andhra-style thali or vegetarian meals at local eateries; quick, affordable, and typically available between 12:00–3:00 PM.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30PM

Short local sightseeing — Akkamahadevi Caves / viewpoints

Stretch legs and visit nearby viewpoints or short trails around the temple; opening hours vary but daytime visits are fine.
INR0, 1h0m

4:00PM

Drive toward overnight stop (Tirupati or back to Hyderabad as preferred)

Option A: return to Hyderabad (4–5h) or Option B: drive to Tirupati/nearby town (3–4h) to rest — choose based on driver fatigue.
INR0, 4h0m

8:30PM

Dinner — Hotel restaurant

Light, mostly vegetarian dinner; many pilgrim-friendly hotels serve early dinners (typically until 9:00–10:00 PM).
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Start South leg

Hyderabad/Tirupati → Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India (begin long drive) on May 18, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast — hotel

Eat a hearty breakfast (idli/dosa/poha/fruit) before the long southbound drive; most hotels serve from 6:00–9:30 AM.
INR250, 1h0m

7:00AM

Drive south toward Rameshwaram — split into stages

This is a multi-day driving stretch if visiting by car only; plan overnight stops (e.g., Chennai / Madurai) en route. Use scheduled breaks every 2–3 hours.
INR0, Split across days

1:00PM (en route)

Lunch — highway dhaba or city restaurant

Stop at a reputable highway or city restaurant offering clean vegetarian thali; most remain open 12:00–15:00.
INR350, 1h0m

7:30PM (overnight stop)

Hotel stay in Madurai/Thoothukudi area (recommended)

Rest for the night and recharge; prebook hotels during peak/holiday seasons.
INR2000 (hotel), 8h0m

8:30PM

Dinner — hotel/local restaurant

Try regional Tamil vegetarian fare; many restaurants close by 10:00–11:00 PM in smaller towns.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Ramanathaswamy Visit

Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India on May 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast — hotel

Light breakfast before early temple rituals; many hotels on the island open early for pilgrims.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy (Rameshwaram) Temple

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas famed for long corridors and sanctity; temple generally open early (around 4:00 AM) through late evening (11:30 PM), but check local notice for aarti/closing times and queue protocols.
Free, 2h0m

10:30AM

Explore Dhanushkodi / local beaches

Visit nearby beaches and the Dhanushkodi ruins for a peaceful coastal experience; sites are open daylight hours, and weather/sea conditions matter.
INR0, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch — local coastal restaurant

Enjoy south Tamil vegetarian dishes and coconut-based curries; seafood is available but choose vegetarian if following pilgrim diet.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00PM

Begin drive northwest toward Maharashtra (long multi-day leg)

This is a long haul — plan stops (Madurai → Bengaluru → Pune/Mumbai corridor) and overnight stays; consider breaking into shorter driving days.
INR0, Multi-day

8:00PM (overnight)

Dinner and stay — en route hotel (e.g., Madurai/Bengaluru)

Rest and prepare for the western-cluster leg. Confirm hotel check-in times when booking.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 4: Western cluster start

Drive en route to Aurangabad (Grishneshwar/Ellora), India on May 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast — hotel en route

Hearty breakfast to recover from previous driving days; fuel-up and vehicle check before long highway stretches.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00AM

Continue drive toward Aurangabad / Ellora (Grishneshwar)

Expect long driving hours across multiple states (Telangana → Maharashtra). Break the drive into manageable stages and prebook hotels in Aurangabad.
INR0, Multi-day (split)

1:00PM (lunch stop)

Lunch — recommended highway restaurant or city dhaba

Choose a hygienic restaurant offering vegetarian thali; many reliable chains are present in major towns along the route.
INR350, 1h0m

7:30PM (overnight)

Hotel stay in Aurangabad area

Rest to visit Grishneshwar and Ellora early next morning; Aurangabad has many pilgrim-friendly hotels.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 5: Grishneshwar & Ellora

Aurangabad / Ellora (Grishneshwar), Maharashtra, India on May 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast — hotel, Aurangabad

Light breakfast before temple visits; hotels usually open by 6:30–7:00 AM.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00AM

Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (near Ellora)

A small but sacred Jyotirlinga close to the Ellora caves; temple timings typically start early (around 6:00 AM) — combine with Ellora for a cultural day.
Free, 1h30m

9:45AM

Visit Ellora Caves (optional)

UNESCO site of rock-cut monuments open ~9:00 AM–5:30 PM; a worthwhile cultural stop if you have time and energy.
INR40–INR200 (ticket), 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch — Aurangabad city restaurant

Try local Maharashtrian thali or South Indian options available in Aurangabad (most restaurants open 12:00–15:00).
INR400, 1h0m

3:00PM

Drive toward Bhimashankar area (Sahyadri hills)

A comfortable drive heading west/northwest into the Sahyadris; expect hill roads and slower pace near Bhimashankar.
INR0, 5–7h (split with overnight)

8:30PM

Dinner and overnight near Bhimashankar/Nasik corridor

Rest ahead of an early temple visit next day; book a hill-side or nearby town hotel in advance.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 6: Bhimashankar & Trimbakeshwar

Bhimashankar → Trimbakeshwar → Nashik area, Maharashtra, India on May 22, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast — light at hotel

Simple, early breakfast before hill temple visit; many guesthouses provide packed breakfasts on request.
INR250, 45m

7:00AM

Visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Sacred temple in dense Sahyadri forests; temple timings generally from early morning to evening (6:00 AM–6:00 PM) — check local darshan queue procedures.
Free, 2h0m

10:00AM

Drive to Trimbakeshwar (near Nashik)

Shorter drive across scenic Western Ghats toward Trimbakeshwar, another important Jyotirlinga close to Nashik.
INR0, 2h30m

1:00PM

Lunch — Nashik/Trimbakeshwar local restaurant

Try Maharashtrian thali or popular restaurants in Nashik; open mid-day (12:00–15:00).
INR350, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Important pilgrimage site and origin of Godavari river; temple hours commonly 5:30 AM–9:00 PM with specific rituals — confirm aarti schedule locally.
Free, 1h30m

5:00PM

Overnight stay in Nashik area

Nashik has many comfortable hotels and eateries suitable for pilgrims.
INR2000, 8h0m

8:00PM

Dinner — hotel or popular local restaurant (e.g., Hotel Panchavati Vihar)

Enjoy Maharashtrian or North Indian vegetarian dishes; many places serve until 10:30–11:00 PM.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 7: Drive to Gujarat (Dwarka / Nageshwar cluster)

Nashik → Dwarka/Nageshwar area, Gujarat, India (long drive, split) on May 23, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast — hotel

Fuel up for a long drive; pack water and snacks for highway stretches.
INR300, 1h0m

7:00AM

Begin drive toward Dwarka / Nageshwar

Long multi-state drive northwest across Maharashtra and into Gujarat; plan overnight stops (e.g., Surat or Rajkot) depending on pace.
INR0, Split across days

1:00PM (en route)

Lunch — recommended city restaurant on route

Choose hygienic, high-rated city restaurants for a reliable break; most open between 12:00–15:00.
INR350, 1h0m

8:00PM (overnight)

Hotel stay — en route city (e.g., Rajkot or Jamnagar)

Rest; Gujarat drives can be long — book hotels with secure parking and early breakfast options.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 8: Nageshwar (Dwarka) & Somnath

Dwarka (Nageshwar) → Somnath (Veraval), Gujarat, India on May 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast — hotel

Early breakfast before coastal temple visits; verify ferry/boat options if using sea routes for nearby islands.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00AM

Visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga / Dwarka Temples

Nageshwar (one of the Jyotirlingas) is near Dwarka — temple timings usually early morning to late evening (approx. 5:00 AM–10:00 PM) — dress respectfully and follow local queue norms.
Free, 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch — Dwarka or Jamnagar restaurant

Try local Gujarati thali or simple vegetarian options; most restaurants serve through afternoon.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive south to Somnath (Veraval region)

Coastal drive of several hours; plan fuel and rest stops. Somnath is best visited in late afternoon/evening for a calmer darshan.
INR0, 4–6h

7:00PM

Visit Somnath Jyotirlinga (evening darshan)

Somnath temple has long opening hours (typically early morning and through evening) and often an evening aarti; check local timings but evening visits are recommended for atmosphere and lighting.
Free, 1h30m

8:30PM

Dinner — Haveli / local restaurant, Somnath

Enjoy Gujarati or Kathiyawadi vegetarian specialties; many eateries close by 10:00–11:00 PM.
INR400, 1h0m

10:00PM

Overnight — Somnath hotel

Stay near the temple for an early start toward central India next day.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 9: Somnath → Omkareshwar (central India)

Somnath, Gujarat → Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, India (long drive) on May 25, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast — hotel Somnath

Early breakfast and a final look at the coastal sunrise if time permits; fuel up the vehicle.
INR300, 1h0m

7:30AM

Drive toward Omkareshwar (multi-state long drive — break in Maharashtra)

Expect a long driving day heading east into Madhya Pradesh; plan a reliable overnight stop en route if needed (e.g., Indore outskirts).
INR0, Split across day

1:30PM (en route)

Lunch — highway/city restaurant

Eat a filling thali or quick local meal; choose well-reviewed stops for hygiene during long drives.
INR350, 1h0m

8:00PM (overnight)

Hotel stay near Omkareshwar/Indore

Rest; arrive next morning early for Omkareshwar island temple visit.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 10: Omkareshwar & Mahakaleshwar

Omkareshwar (MP) → Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar), Madhya Pradesh, India on May 26, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast — hotel

Early breakfast before visiting the island temple; prepare for short boat/walk connections depending on local access.
INR250, 45m

7:00AM

Visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Unique island temple shaped like 'Om' on the Narmada River; temple timings generally early morning to evening, but access to the island can vary — check local ferry/road availability.
Free, 1h30m

10:30AM

Drive to Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar)

Approx. 2.5–3.5 hour drive to Ujjain; reach in time for afternoon rituals if desired.
INR0, 3h30m

2:00PM

Lunch — Ujjain local restaurant

Sample Malwa cuisine (vegetarian); many eateries open 12:00–15:00 and again for dinner.
INR350, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

One of the most powerful Jyotirlingas noted for the early-morning Bhasma Aarti (special ritual at ~4:00 AM) — regular darshan is available throughout the day (temple hours vary widely, typically early to late evening). Verify aarti/darshan slot and security rules.
Free, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner and overnight — Ujjain hotel

Rest after an intense spiritual day; Ujjain has many pilgrim-oriented lodging options.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 11: Ujjain → Eastward to Deoghar (Baidyanath)

Ujjain, MP → Deoghar (Baidyanath), Jharkhand, India (long drive, split into stages) on May 27, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast — hotel

Early, hearty breakfast before the long eastbound drive; check tyre pressure and vehicle fluids.
INR300, 1h0m

7:00AM

Begin drive toward Deoghar (Baidyanath) — multi-day stretch

This is an extended road leg crossing several states; plan for overnight stops (e.g., Jabalpur / Gondia / Ranchi stops depending on route) and driver rotation if possible.
INR0, Multi-day

1:00PM (en route)

Lunch — highway/city restaurant

Eat at a hygienic, reputable stop and rest 30–60 minutes before resuming.
INR350, 1h0m

8:00PM (overnight)

Hotel stop — mid-route city

Prebook hotels with secure parking and good reviews; rest and prepare for the next day's drive to Deoghar.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 12: Baidyanath (Deoghar) Visit

Deoghar (Baidyanath), Jharkhand, India on May 28, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for temple visits; many guesthouses provide quick early meals.
INR250, 45m

9:00AM

Visit Vaidyanath / Baidyanath Temple

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas with high pilgrim footfall; temple hours are typically early morning to late evening (verify seasonal timings and special yatra days like Shravan when crowds surge).
Free, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch — local restaurant

Try local Jharkhand-style vegetarian meals; local eateries are generally open by noon.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30PM

Begin long drive toward Uttarakhand/Kedarnath base (Guptkashi / Sonprayag)

This is a very long drive (consider splitting across 2 days) — many pilgrims choose to travel by train/flight plus local road to reach Kedarnath base; if driving, plan overnight stops in Uttar Pradesh region.
INR0, Split across days

8:00PM

Overnight — en route hotel

Rest and prepare for the mountain leg; consider acclimatization plans and trekking requirements for Kedarnath.
INR2000, 8h0m

Day 13: Kedarnath Approach and Trek

Guptkashi/Sonprayag → Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India on May 29, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast — hotel/base village

High-energy breakfast (porridge, fruits, nuts) before trekking; check weather and local permissions for trekking/heli services.
INR250, 45m

7:30AM

Drive to Sonprayag / Gaurikund and start trek/heli

Kedarnath access is seasonal (typically April/May to November) — choose between a 14 km trek or helicopter to Kedarnath (heli service available from Phata/Guptkashi/Dehradun on demand). Confirm current trail conditions, permits, and weather.
INR0–INR6000 (heli optional), Trek 5–7h / Heli 15–45m

2:00PM

Darshan at Kedarnath Temple

Experience the high-altitude Jyotirlinga set against the Himalayan backdrop; temple opens seasonally and timings vary — check local notices and long queue expectations during peak season.
Free, 1–2h

4:30PM

Return to base village (trek back) or fly back by heli

If trekking back, expect several hours; plan for dinner and rest in the base village. Weather changes quickly in mountains — prioritize safety.
INR0–INR6000, 4–6h

9:30PM

Dinner and overnight — guesthouse at base

Hot meals and early rest recommended. Mountain lodging is basic — carry warm clothing and medical essentials.
INR500, 8h0m

Day 14: Kedarnath → Varanasi

Return to plains → Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), Uttar Pradesh, India on May 30, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast — base hotel/guesthouse

Solid breakfast before descending or taking heli; check road/flight connections before departure.
INR250, 45m

8:00AM

Descend / heli to nearest roadhead and begin drive east to Varanasi

Long driving day across Uttar Pradesh — many pilgrims choose to split with a night halt (Prayagraj/Lucknow) or take a train/flight from Dehradun/Delhi to Varanasi for time savings.
INR0, Split across day

1:00PM (en route)

Lunch — highway or city restaurant

Stop at reliable restaurants; keep hydration and rest frequent on long plains drives.
INR350, 1h0m

8:00PM

Check-in and dinner — Varanasi hotel

Relax with a North Indian vegetarian dinner and prepare for the evening Ganga aarti visit the next day; hotels in Varanasi typically welcome pilgrims and offer early breakfasts for ghat visits.
INR1200 (hotel) + INR400 (dinner), 8h0m

Day 15: Kashi Vishwanath & Ganga Aarti

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India on May 31, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast — hotel or packed

Early start recommended for morning darshan and Ganga sunrise boat rides; many hotels serve breakfast from 5:30–6:30 AM on request.
INR250, 30m

6:30AM

Morning darshan / visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most revered Jyotirlingas with long ritual history; temple timings are early morning through night with specific aarti schedules — verify entry rules and queue systems.
Free, 1–2h

9:00AM

Stroll along ghats / optional Ganga boat ride

Experience the riverside rituals and local culture; boat rides usually operate from sunrise till late afternoon (confirm boat operator times).
INR200–INR800, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch — local restaurant (Kashi specialties)

Try vegetarian Banarasi fare (kachori, chaat, thali); many eateries near the ghats are open midday.
INR350, 1h0m

5:30PM

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the evening aarti — iconic and highly recommended; arrive early for a good vantage point (aarti begins around sunset, check exact timing).
Free, 1h0m

8:00PM

Dinner — Varanasi hotel/restaurant

Finish the day with a relaxed dinner and prepare for the return leg toward Hyderabad (multi-day drive or consider train/flight options for faster return).
INR400, 1h0m

Day 16: Return to Hyderabad

Varanasi → Hyderabad, India (return leg) on June 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast — hotel

Final breakfast in Varanasi; pack and prepare vehicle for long return. Consider breaking the return into two comfortable driving days or opt for rail/flight for one leg.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00AM

Begin drive back to Hyderabad (or board train/flight)

Direct driving is very long (~15–18 hours). Recommended: break the trip (Varanasi → Nagpur → Hyderabad) with overnight stop(s), or take a train/flight from Varanasi to Hyderabad and collect your car if parked/left in Hyderabad earlier.
INR0, Split across day

1:00PM (en route)

Lunch — highway city

Choose trusted highway/rest-stop restaurants for hygiene and comfort.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00PM

Estimated arrival / night halt near Hyderabad (depending on pace)

Complete the pilgrimage loop and celebrate completion with a special Hyderabadi meal (e.g., biryani) once back in the city.
INR600, 1h0m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version