Leave Kalyan before dawn to beat Mumbai traffic and reach Morgaon early — typical drive time ~2–2.5 hours depending on traffic. Early start maximizes morning temple darshan windows.
One of the most important Ashtavinayak temples (traditional start of the clockwise circuit); come early for quieter darshan and to see the historic temple architecture and priest rituals.
Best to have a packed breakfast from Kalyan or stop at a clean highway vegetarian dhaba near Morgaon for poha/idli/tea; saves time and avoids long restaurant detours.
Short drive from Morgaon to Theur to visit the Chintamani temple, famous for its legend and compact shrine; ideal to visit mid-morning when crowds are moderate.
Drive to Ranjangaon and visit the large Mahaganapati temple (important Ashtavinayak site with an expansive complex); plan about 45–60 minutes for darshan and circumambulation.
Stop for a sturdy vegetarian lunch near Ranjangaon or on the Pune highway; choose a clean dhaba or family restaurant (thali, sabzi, roti or rice) to refuel before afternoon driving.
Head to your Pune hotel for a short rest and to freshen up; staying in Pune gives good access to the next day’s early temple visits in the northern Pune region.
Dine at your Pune hotel or at a well-known Pune vegetarian restaurant (e.g., local thali/vegetarian multi-cuisine); plan an early night for next-day early start. (Check restaurant hours — most open until 10:30pm.)
Use the evening to confirm priest seva/timing at next day temples (Lenyadri, Ozar, Siddhatek) and confirm vehicle CNG refill locations for the next day.
Leave Pune before sunrise to reach the rock-cut Lenyadri caves early (Lenyadri often opens around 6:00–6:30am); early arrival reduces wait times at cave steps.
Lenyadri is a cave temple set high on the hillside — climb the steps to the cave shrine and admire the unique rock-cut architecture and scenic views; the climb takes effort so wear comfortable shoes.
Quick breakfast at a local clean hotel or carry light tiffin; options include typical Maharashtrian breakfast (upma/poha) before continuing north to Ozar.
Have lunch at a local dhaba near Siddhatek; simple vegetarian thali or local Maharashtrian meals are best here — restaurants are limited so plan for simple food.
Siddhatek’s hilltop Ganesh is noted for its powerful legend; afternoon visits are common but check temple’s afternoon open hours (many Ashtavinayak temples close midday and reopen ~4:00pm, so verify timing).
Many temples have split timings (morning to noon, then evening). If Siddhatek is closed at arrival, rest in the car or at a nearby lodge and return for evening darshan when it reopens (commonly ~4:00–5:00pm).
Drive to a nearby town (Ahmednagar or convenient lodging en route) and have dinner at your hotel or a reputable local restaurant; pick vegetarian options and check kitchen closing times (often 9:30–10:00pm).
Early morning drive southwest toward Pali (Ballaleshwar); aim to reach before mid-morning to avoid long queues. Drive times vary ~3–4 hours depending on exact start point.
Ballaleshwar at Pali is famed as the family priest of the Peshwas and is one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines; morning darshan is recommended for quicker movement through the temple.
Enjoy a late breakfast or brunch in Pali — local vegetarian eateries will serve bhakri/veggies or standard thali fare; keeps you energized for the final temple visit.
Visit Varadavinayak (the final temple on today’s route). As with other shrines, verify the daily opening schedule; many Ashtavinayak temples permit midday visits or have afternoon reopening — plan accordingly.
Stop for a late lunch on the highway back toward Kalyan; choose a clean, busy restaurant for better hygiene and faster service. Expect ~1 hour for lunch.
Celebrate completion of Ashtavinayak darshan with dinner at home or at a reliable Kalyan vegetarian restaurant; choose a relaxed place to rest after three full days.