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6-Day Self-Drive Jyotirlinga & Caves Loop from Borivali via Trimbakeshwar — Nashik (overnight) — Shirdi — Shani Shingnapur — Grishneshwar & Ellora — Bhimashankar — Pune (Dagdusheth) — Return to Borivali

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Day 1: Trimbakeshwar & Nashik

Borivali → Trimbakeshwar → Nashik, India on October 25, 2025

6:00am

Depart Borivali (self-drive)

Leave early from Borivali to avoid traffic and reach Trimbakeshwar mid-morning; the drive is ~150–180 km depending on route and takes about 3–3.5 hours.
INR0, 3h30m

9:30am

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga visit

Historic Jyotirlinga temple set at the foot of Brahmagiri hill; visit the main sanctum and take darshan — temple generally open from early morning (≈6:00) and stays open through the evening (confirm day-of).
INR50, 1h0m

10:45am

Breakfast — A small local restaurant in Trimbak / Nashik roadside

Simple Maharashtrian breakfast like misal pav or poha; good to refuel before city sightseeing — many eateries around Trimbak and on the road to Nashik open by 8:00–9:00.
INR150, 45m

12:00pm

Drive to Nashik city & check-in

Short drive to central Nashik (approx 30–45 minutes). Check in to hotel and freshen up before afternoon sightseeing.
INR3500, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch — Hotel Panchavati Gaurav or Hotel Sadhana

Enjoy a Maharashtrian thali or North-Indian meals; popular, central options with clean sit-down service and local flavors.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kalaram Temple & Ramkund (Panchavati area)

Historic Kalaram Temple (black stone) and the sacred Ghats/Ramkund where pilgrims perform rituals; walkable, peaceful and close to other Nashik temples, open typically from 5:00–22:00.
INR0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Optional: Sula Vineyards (if interested) or wine-tasting (open ~11:00–18:00)

Well-known vineyard just outside Nashik; tasting and short vineyard walk are popular, but check advance slots and timings — tasting slots fill fast on weekends.
INR700, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Barbeque & Thali options in Nashik

Relaxed dinner near hotel; many multi-cuisine restaurants open late around 22:00. Keep receipts for budgeting.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30pm

Overnight stay in Nashik (hotel)

Mid-range hotel in Nashik (A/C, parking for your car). Nashik stay is required per your instruction.
INR3500, 10h30m

Day 2: Shirdi & Shani Shingnapur

Nashik → Shirdi → Shani Shingnapur → Shirdi/Ahmednagar, India on October 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Breakfast at the hotel in Nashik; depart after breakfast for Shirdi (drive ~2.5–3 hours).
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Arrive Shirdi — Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir

Main attraction of Shirdi: famous Sai Baba temple with continuous aarti; temple timings typically start early and run through the day — darshan queues vary, plan 1–2 hours for comfortable darshan.
INR100, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Hotel or local restaurant (Raghavendra Bhojanalay or similar)

Simple, clean vegetarian food close to the temple area; convenient and quick so you can continue to other temples.
INR250, 45m

3:00pm

Drive to Shani Shingnapur (approx 65–80 km; 1.5–2 hours)

Famous open-air temple dedicated to Shani, unique for houses without doors in the village; the shrine generally allows visitors 6:30–21:00 but check for puja timings and crowd levels.
INR50, 2h0m

5:30pm

Visit Shani Shingnapur Temple & village

Observe the unique customs of Shani Shingnapur and take darshan; evening timings allow for a calm visit before sunset.
INR0, 45m

7:00pm

Drive back to Shirdi / Nearby hotel (short drive)

Return to Shirdi/Ahmednagar region for an overnight to avoid late-night driving; check-in and rest.
INR2500, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Local thali or hotel restaurant

Relaxed dinner at the hotel or nearby restaurant; keep it light after a day of temple visits.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 3: Grishneshwar & Ellora (Aurangabad)

Shirdi/Ahmednagar → Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga → Ellora Caves → Aurangabad, India on October 27, 2025

6:00am

Early depart to Grishneshwar / Ellora (Aurangabad area)

Start early for the ~3–3.5 hour drive to Aurangabad area so you can reach Grishneshwar by temple opening time and Ellora soon after.
INR0, 3h30m

9:30am

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga visit (Verul)

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas located close to Ellora; the temple is usually open from early morning to evening — darshan takes about 30–45 minutes.
INR50, 45m

10:30am

Ellora Caves (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain; UNESCO site)

World-famous rock-cut caves (open typically 9:00–17:30). Plan 2–3 hours to see the major caves, especially Cave 16 (Kailasa), which is nearest to Grishneshwar.
INR50, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Aurangabad restaurant

Local cuisine or multi-cuisine restaurant in Aurangabad city; good place to rest and refuel after cave walks.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional: Bibi Ka Maqbara or local Aurangabad sights

If time remains, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara (often called mini-Taj) or local bazaars; many sites close by late afternoon.
INR100, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in & dinner in Aurangabad (overnight)

Stay in a comfortable Aurangabad hotel with secure parking; dinner nearby.
INR3000, 10h0m

Day 4: Bhimashankar & Pune

Aurangabad → Bhimashankar → Pune, India on October 28, 2025

6:00am

Early start to Bhimashankar (long drive)

Leave Aurangabad early for Bhimashankar; expect a long drive (~4–5 hours). Starting early keeps arrival before afternoon and avoids night driving.
INR0, 4h30m

11:00am

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga visit & sanctuary walk

Sacred Jyotirlinga located in a wildlife sanctuary with scenic treks and viewpoints; temple open early and visits/trails typically available until late afternoon — ideal for a 1–2 hour darshan + short nature walk.
INR50, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Local dhabha / restaurant near Bhimashankar

Simple, hearty food before the drive to Pune. Options are limited near the forest so plan accordingly.
INR250, 45m

3:00pm

Drive to Pune city (approx 2.5–3 hours)

Head down to Pune; aim to reach before early evening to relax and avoid late-night driving in city traffic.
INR0, 3h0m

6:30pm

Check-in & evening refresh in Pune

Hotel check-in in central Pune; prepare for next day’s Dagdusheth visit or enjoy an evening stroll in Koregaon Park / FC Road.
INR3500, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Pune multi-cuisine restaurant

Dine at a recommended Pune restaurant (Koregaon Park or MG Road area) offering varied cuisines.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 5: Dagdusheth & Pune to Lonavala

Pune (Dagdusheth) → Lonavala (optional stop), India on October 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & depart to Dagdusheth Ganapati

Have breakfast and head to Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple in Pune; the temple opens early (around 5:00) and remains open till late evening and is ideal for morning darshan to avoid crowds.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30am

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple visit

Historic and highly revered Ganapati shrine in Pune — short darshan and photo op in the temple precincts; nearby flower markets and sweet shops make good quick stops.
INR0, 45m

10:00am

Brunch — Pune (local favorite café or Maharashtrian snacks)

Try local specialties like misal pav, vada pav or a Pune café brunch before setting off back toward Mumbai/Lonavala.
INR300, 1h0m

11:30am

Drive toward Lonavala (optional) or start Mumbai return

Option A: Break the return drive with an overnight in Lonavala (scenic, short drive ~1.5–2h) — Option B: Drive back toward Borivali directly (3.5–4.5h) to finish the trip the same day. Choose based on energy levels. Aim to finish driving well before 20:00.
INR0, 1h45m

3:30pm

If staying in Lonavala: check-in & light sightseeing (Lion's Point / Bhushi Dam / Lohagad base)

Short leisurely stops in Lonavala to enjoy the hill-station vibe; these spots are open daylight hours and are good for photos and a light walk.
INR500, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner & overnight (Lonavala or if returned, Borivali/Mumbai)

If you opted Lonavala overnight, enjoy local chikki / dinner and rest. If you chose to return to Borivali today, arrive and check-in at home/hotel before 20:00.
INR3000, 10h0m

Day 6: Return to Borivali (finish)

Lonavala → Borivali / Final return to Borivali, India on October 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & check-out (if in Lonavala)

Early breakfast and a short local walk (optional) before the final short drive back toward Borivali.
INR300, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive to Borivali (arrive before 17:00 ideally)

Short drive from Lonavala to Borivali ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic; if starting from Pune and returning directly, leave early to ensure arrival before 20:00.
INR0, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch en route/arrival — local cafe in Borivali

Finish trip with lunch at home or a local restaurant in Borivali. Unpack, relax and end the pilgrimage/road-trip safely.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Trip wrap-up & car return/parking

Refuel, park the car securely, review expenses and photos, and rest.
INR0, 1h0m
0
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