Start with a hearty South-Indian breakfast (idli, vada, filter coffee). Hotel Kamat branches are reliable on Karnataka highways; if staying in Sirsi, take hotel breakfast to fuel a day of travel and temple visits.
Famous local temple dedicated to Goddess Marikamba — historically important and centrally located in Sirsi. Visit for darshan and to experience local religious life; temple usually open morning hours (approx 6:00–12:00).
Drive the Siradi Ghat stretch on NH/SH — steep forested ghat with viewpoints; good for photographs and short nature stops. Allow buffer for slow-moving vehicles and check weather before starting.
Stop at a well-reviewed highway restaurant or Kamat Upachar for a clean, fast vegetarian meal — ideal for long drives north. Confirm opening around midday (most open 11:00–15:00).
Pune has many reliable eateries; Vaishali (FC Road) is a popular light-dinner option, or use your hotel restaurant for convenience and rest after a long day.
Grab a quick early breakfast at the hotel or a trusted local spot to leave for Bhimashankar. The Bhimashankar temple is best reached early to avoid crowds.
Scenic uphill drive to the Bhimashankar temple amidst Western Ghats; road can be winding — drive carefully. Expect ~2.5–3 hours from Pune depending on traffic.
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas set in dense forest — core pilgrimage site with natural surroundings and trekking options. Temple darshan generally available morning (approx 6:00–12:30); priority darshan or queues vary by season.
If time and energy permit, take a short 30–60 minute nature walk to a nearby viewpoint or the small trekking trails around Bhimashankar to experience the Western Ghats flora and fauna.
Have a filling Marathi thali or hotel buffet near the temple area; many small restaurants serve simple homestyle food. Check lunchtime hours (generally 12:00–15:00).
Return to Pune for comfortable overnight stay; use evening to rest or explore Pune’s quiet areas. Alternatively, stay in a guesthouse near Bhimashankar if you prefer less driving.
Choose a relaxed dinner — Pune has good Maharashtrian, South Indian and multi-cuisine choices. Confirm closing times (many places open till 10:30–11:00pm).
Nashik offers good multi-cuisine and local Maharashtrian options; near Trimbakeshwar side choose simple thali restaurants for quick service before temple visit.
Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, located ~30 km from Nashik; temple timings typically 6:00–12:30 & 15:00–21:00. Afternoon/evening aarti and second darshan window available; plan for darshan and circumambulation.
Grishneshwar is the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas on this route; temple is next to Ellora Caves and usually open morning and evening (approx 06:00–12:30 & 16:00–20:00). Plan darshan in the afternoon/evening slot to avoid midday heat.
Ellora Caves (a UNESCO site) are adjacent to Grishneshwar — if you finish temple darshan early, a short visit to main caves is possible; check Ellora timings (generally 9:00–17:30 but seasonal variations occur).
Leisurely breakfast — use today as buffer for any temple queue delays or to rest. Good day to explore Aurangabad bazaars if you need gifts or puja items.
Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara (the 'Taj of the Deccan') or shop for prayer materials and paan at local markets. Opening times typically 9:00–17:30 for monuments.
Choose to return by road (long drive across Maharashtra/Karnataka) or end pilgrimage here and use Aurangabad/Mumbai for onward flights/trains. Driving back to Sirsi is a long journey and may need two days with planned stops (Kolhapur/Belagavi).
Final breakfast before travel — if driving, check vehicle, fuel and resting time; if flying or taking train, allow extra time for check-in and transfers.
Complete your return leg — recommended to split long drives into segments (Aurangabad → Kolhapur → Belagavi → Sirsi). Alternatively, board a train/flight from Aurangabad or transit via Pune/Mumbai for faster return.