Scenic Road Trip from Somnath to Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, and Trimbakeshwar via Vadodara

Day 1: Somnath to Vadodara

Somnath to Vadodara, India on April 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Somnath Beachside Café

Start your day with a light breakfast of traditional Gujarati snacks and tea with a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea.
INR200, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive from Somnath to Vadodara

Embark on an approximately 7-hour scenic road trip covering around 430 km passing through the Saurashtra region to Vadodara.
Cost of fuel approx INR2000, 7 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Mandap, Vadodara

Enjoy a delicious Gujarati Thali which offers a variety of local dishes in this highly-rated restaurant in Vadodara.
INR400, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace

Tour Laxmi Vilas Palace, the grand residence of the royal family of Vadodara, known for its impressive architecture and rich history.
INR150, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Green House

Dine on a mix of continental and Indian dishes in a charming garden setting to unwind after the long day of travel.
INR500, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Vadodara to Grishneshwar Shrine

Vadodara to Ellora, Maharashtra, India on April 16, 2025

6:30AM

Early breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick and energizing breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included with stay, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Drive from Vadodara to Grishneshwar (Near Ellora Caves)

Travel approximately 380 km southeast by road heading towards Aurangabad district, home to the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple.
Fuel approx INR1800, 7 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Aurangabad - Highway Dhaba

Enjoy wholesome Maharashtrian cuisine at a popular dhaba en route close to Ellora caves.
INR300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Explore this revered Hindu temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its spiritual significance and beautiful architecture.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Ellora Caves (Optional)

If time permits, explore the Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage site depicting rock-cut temples and monasteries from different religions.
INR40, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel in Aurangabad

Enjoy a comforting meal with local specialties like Kolhapuri chicken or a vegetarian thali.
INR500, 1 hour

Day 3: Grishneshwar to Trimbakeshwar

Aurangabad to Trimbak, Maharashtra, India on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a wholesome breakfast including local fruits and parathas to keep you energized for the drive.
Included, 30 minutes

7:30AM

Drive from Aurangabad to Trimbakeshwar

Travel approximately 250 km southwards to reach the famous Trimbakeshwar Temple near Nashik, another of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines.
Fuel approx INR1200, 5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nashik Local Restaurant

Relish Maharashtrian cuisine with the famous Misal Pav or Vada Pav in a local setting.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Visit the sacred Trimbakeshwar temple famous for its three lingams symbolizing Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and its beautiful surroundings.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore local markets around Trimbak

Shop for religious souvenirs such as rudraksha beads and local handicrafts in the bustling market.
Varies by purchase, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy traditional home-cooked Maharashtrian dishes and relax after the day’s sightseeing.
INR400, 1 hour

Day 4: Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar

Trimbak to Bhimashankar, Maharashtra, India on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a light breakfast including fruits and tea for the road ahead.
Included, 30 minutes

7:30AM

Drive from Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar

Travel approximately 90 km south-east through scenic countryside to Bhimashankar, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines surrounded by forested hills.
Fuel approx INR400, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple and Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and enjoy a nature walk in the surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary known for its biodiversity.
Temple Free, Sanctuary Entry approx INR50, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Local Eatery near Bhimashankar

Savor a simple Maharashtrian meal with fresh vegetables and chapati in a local dhaba.
INR250, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Bhimashankar Hills

Spend some quiet time enjoying the tranquil hill views and cool mountain air before heading back.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Forest Lodge or nearby Guesthouse

Enjoy a wholesome home-style dinner featuring local ingredients to end the day comfortably.
INR400, 1 hour

Day 5: Return Journey to Somnath

Bhimashankar to Somnath, India on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Have a hearty breakfast to prepare for the long drive back to Somnath.
Included, 30 minutes

7:30AM

Drive from Bhimashankar to Somnath

Embark on the approximately 850 km drive back southwest to Somnath, closing the road trip loop.
Fuel approx INR3500, 14 hours with breaks

2:00PM

Lunch Break en route near Surat

Stop at a highway restaurant to refuel with lunch featuring local Gujarati or South Indian dishes.
INR350, 1 hour

8:30PM

Arrive in Somnath; Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring coastal Kathiawadi seafood specialties at your hotel or nearby restaurant after the long journey.
INR500, 1 hour