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7-Day North Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh Pilgrimage: Trimbakeshwar, Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur, Ajanta-Ellora & Ujjain Mahakaleshwar

Viewed by 134 travelers

Day 1: Trimbakeshwar Darshan

Trimbakeshwar (Nashik), India on March 8, 2026

6:00am

Arrive at Trimbakeshwar Temple

Historic Jyotirlinga temple set at the source of the Godavari; essential for morning aarti and peaceful darshan. Check temple timings: daily 4:00am–12:00pm & 4:00pm–9:00pm (verify locally).
INR0, 2h0m

8:30am

Visarjan & Panchavati walk

Short walk to nearby ghats and holy spots around the Brahmagiri hills for ritual immersion and views of the source of the Godavari.
INR0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sai Krupa / Local dhaba

Simple Maharashtrian breakfast—poha, misal or idli—to fuel the day; affordable and close to the temple.
INR200, 0h45m

10:30am

Visit Kushavarta & Brahmagiri

See Kushavarta (the source tank) and explore Brahmagiri hills nearby for panoramic views and mythology-rich spots.
INR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Drive to Shirdi

Travel by road to Shirdi (approx 90–120 km, 2.5–3.5h depending on traffic); aim to arrive mid-afternoon.
INR1200, 3h0m

3:30pm

Hotel check-in & rest

Check into a Shirdi hotel and rest briefly before evening darshan; many hotels offer luggage storage and assistance with temple timings.
INR1500, 1h0m

4:30pm

Sai Baba Temple (Evening Darshan)

Participate in late afternoon/evening darshan and arti at Shri Sai Baba Sansthan (timings vary; last arti often around 8–9pm).
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Ramvangs / Hotel Sai Leela

Vegetarian thali or local Maharashtrian dishes; convenient near the temple and open late for pilgrims.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 2: Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur

Shirdi → Shani Shingnapur, India on March 9, 2026

6:00am

Early Sai Baba Temple visit (optional)

For quieter darshan and to catch morning rituals; temple opens early (check Sansthan site for exact times).
INR0, 1h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Upahar / Hotel

Light breakfast—upma, idli or poha—before departing to Shani Shingnapur; many eateries open early for pilgrims.
INR200, 0h45m

9:30am

Drive to Shani Shingnapur

Road journey ~65–80 km (1.5–2h) to the unique open shrine village famous for the Shani deity and the village’s tradition of no doors.
INR800, 2h0m

11:30am

Shani Shingnapur Temple & Village Walk

Visit the open-air Shani temple and observe local customs; explore the village to see houses without doors and the small museum. Temple generally open from early morning to evening (confirm locally).
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Mess or Garden Restaurant

Hearty Maharashtrian vegetarian meal—thali or regional specialties—near the temple area.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Aurangabad (base for Ajanta/Ellora)

Longer road transfer ~150–170 km, 3–3.5 hours; arrive in late afternoon, check into Aurangabad hotel.
INR1500, 3h30m

6:30pm

Hotel check-in & rest

Relax and prepare for next day’s cave explorations; hotels in Aurangabad offer early starts and tour arrangements.
INR2000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Barbeque Ville / The Grapevine / Local Thali

Choose a comfortable dinner—many hotels and restaurants offer both Indian and international options; verify opening hours (most open till 10pm).
INR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Ajanta Caves Day

Ajanta (near Aurangabad), India on March 10, 2026

5:00am

Depart hotel for Ajanta

Early start for the 100–110 km drive to Ajanta Caves (approx 2–2.5h); arrive at opening to avoid crowds and midday heat. Ajanta opening hours: typically 9:00am–5:30pm (confirm local schedule and first entry times).
INR1800, 2h30m

8:00am

Breakfast en route / Packed breakfast

Eat a quick breakfast at a highway restaurant or packed meal to maximize time at the site.
INR200, 0h30m

9:00am

Ajanta Caves visit

UNESCO rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments famous for exquisite frescoes and sculptures dating from 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE; essential for art and history lovers. Allow 3–4 hours to see major caves; entrance fee applies (check current rates).
INR600, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ajanta cafeteria / nearby restaurant

Simple lunch at site cafeteria or nearby dhaba before returning to Aurangabad; options limited so carry snacks if preferred.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive back to Aurangabad

Return journey 2–2.5 hours; relax at hotel on arrival and prepare for Ellora next day.
INR1800, 2h30m

6:00pm

Evening at Bibi Ka Maqbara / Aurangabad Bazaars

Optional visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara (open till dusk) and shopping for Paithani sarees or local sweets in the market.
INR100, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Chingari / Greenr Cafe

Choose from local or multi-cuisine restaurants; many open until 10–11pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 4: Ellora & Daulatabad

Ellora & Aurangabad, India on March 11, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Full breakfast to prepare for a day exploring Ellora and nearby forts; hotels open early for guests.
INR300, 0h45m

9:00am

Ellora Caves visit

World Heritage site with 34 rock-cut temples including the monumental Kailasa Temple (Cave 16); open typically 9:00am–5:30pm. Spend 3–4 hours to appreciate major caves.
INR600, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch near Ellora / Aurangabad

Local restaurant offering thali or set meals; refuel before visiting Daulatabad Fort.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Daulatabad Fort visit

Explore the imposing medieval fort (Devagiri) with panoramic views; fort open during daylight hours—wear comfortable shoes for climbs.
INR50, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Aurangabad & rest

Relax at hotel or stroll local markets; prepare for travel to Ujjain next day.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel / Bypass restaurants

Final Aurangabad dinner—try local sweets like Kesar pedha or Shrikhand if available.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 5: Travel to Ujjain

Aurangabad → Ujjain, India on March 12, 2026

6:00am

Depart for Ujjain (by road/train)

Long travel day to Ujjain (~330–380 km, 6–8h by road depending on route; trains also available—book in advance).
INR2500, 7h0m

1:30pm

Lunch en route / at Indore if stopping

Stop for a substantial lunch on the way—Indore has excellent restaurants if routing permits.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Arrive Ujjain & hotel check-in

Settle into hotel near Mahakaleshwar for easy access to temple gates; rest before evening rituals.
INR1800, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening visit to Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga offers Bhasma Aarti in the early morning, but evening darshan and aartis are also significant—confirm timings with temple (temple open typically early morning to late evening).
INR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel / Local restaurant (Mangal Bhawan area)

Try local Malwa cuisine or simple vegetarian thali close to the temple area; many pilgrim-friendly eateries open late.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 6: Ujjain Darshan

Ujjain, India on March 13, 2026

4:00am

Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar

Attend the famed Bhasma Aarti (subject to ticketing and pre-arrival rules); arrive early and confirm booking because access is limited and timings are strict (typically pre-dawn).
INR0, 2h0m

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel / Local eatery

Morning breakfast—poha, jalebi or kachori common in Ujjain—available from early hours.
INR200, 0h45m

8:30am

Walk along Shipra Ghats & Ram Ghat

Explore the ghats where pilgrims congregate; pleasant morning atmosphere and photo opportunities near the river.
INR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit other temples: Harsiddhi & Kal Bhairav

Harsiddhi temple is known for its hill-top shrine and views; Kal Bhairav is a unique local deity temple—both within the city and accessible during the day.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Classic Restaurant / Manohar Dairy

Try local thali or Malwa specialties; many options near the temple area cater to pilgrims.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Vedh Shala (Observatory) or Bhartrihari Caves

Optional cultural stop: Vedh Shala (if open) for astronomy history or a short excursion to Bhartrihari Caves on the outskirts.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Aarti at Ram Ghat

Join evening aarti at the ghats for a serene concluding ritual; timing usually around sunset—check local schedule.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel / Local Eatery

Final dinner in Ujjain; sample more Malwa sweets or a comforting vegetarian meal.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 7: Departure Day

Ujjain / onward travel, India on March 14, 2026

7:30am

Optional final darshan at Mahakaleshwar

Quick morning darshan if time allows before departure; temple opens early but plan around travel schedule.
INR0, 0h45m

9:00am

Breakfast & hotel check-out

Pack and check out; arrange onward travel to Indore, train station, or airport as needed.
INR200, 1h0m

10:30am

Travel onward

Depart Ujjain by train/road/flight to your next destination or home; Indore (INR airport/train connections) is nearest major hub (~55 km).
INR1500, Varies
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