7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary to Maharashtra Jyotirlingas

Wednesday, August 30: Arrival in Aurangabad

In the morning, arrive in Aurangabad and check into your hotel. Afternoon, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, a stunning mausoleum resembling Taj Mahal. Explore Panchakki, an ancient watermill with a beautiful garden. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling streets of Aurangabad and savor local street food.

• Bibi Ka Maqbara: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Panchakki: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
• Local Street Food: Estimated Cost: INR 200-500, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Thursday, August 31: Ellora Caves

Start your day early and head to the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves. Marvel at the intricate rock-cut cave temples representing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Afternoon, visit Daulatabad Fort, a magnificent hilltop fortress. In the evening, return to Aurangabad and explore the vibrant markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.

• Ellora Caves: Estimated Cost: INR 600 (foreigners), INR 40 (Indians), Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Daulatabad Fort: Estimated Cost: INR 100 (foreigners), INR 10 (Indians), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Shopping in Aurangabad: Estimated Cost: INR 500-1000, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Friday, September 1: Shirdi

Take an early morning bus to Shirdi, a sacred town famous for the Sai Baba Temple. Spend the morning exploring the temple complex and attending the aarti ceremony. Afternoon, visit Dwarkamai Mosque and the nearby Gurusthan. In the evening, experience the peaceful atmosphere of Sai Tirth, a spiritual park.

• Sai Baba Temple: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Dwarkamai Mosque: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Gurusthan: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Sai Tirth: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Saturday, September 2: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and Aurangabad

Start your day by visiting Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. Afterward, return to Aurangabad and explore the magnificent Aurangabad Caves, a complex of rock-cut Buddhist temples. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian dinner at a local restaurant.

• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Aurangabad Caves: Estimated Cost: INR 250 (foreigners), INR 10 (Indians), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Dinner at a local restaurant: Estimated Cost: INR 300-500, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Sunday, September 3: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Travel to Bhimashankar, a serene town housing the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. Begin with a trek through the beautiful Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary to reach the temple. After offering prayers, explore the surrounding natural beauty. In the evening, enjoy a vegetarian meal at a local eatery.

• Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Trekking in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated Cost: INR 200-300, Time spent: 4-5 hours
• Vegetarian meal at a local eatery: Estimated Cost: INR 200-300, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Monday, September 4: Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Take an early morning bus to Trimbakeshwar, home to the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga. Visit the temple and attend the morning aarti. Afterward, explore the nearby Brahmagiri Hill and take a refreshing dip in the holy Kushavarta Kund. In the evening, try local delicacies at a nearby restaurant.

• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Brahmagiri Hill: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Kushavarta Kund: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Dinner at a nearby restaurant: Estimated Cost: INR 300-500, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and Departure

Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga once again for a spiritual experience. Afterward, check out from your hotel and depart from Aurangabad, carrying unforgettable memories of the Maharashtra Jyotirlingas.

• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Estimated Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Departure from Aurangabad: Estimated Cost: N/A, Time spent: N/A

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For budget travelers looking for off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting Ajanta Caves near Aurangabad, which are ancient rock-cut caves with stunning Buddhist artwork. Another local favorite is the Khuldabad Dargah, a sacred tomb complex known for its peaceful ambiance. Both these attractions offer unique experiences without breaking the bank.

For hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.