12 Jyotirlinga Road Trip Itinerary: Spiritual Journey Through India's Sacred Temples

Day 1: Somnath and Dwarka

Somnath and Dwarka, Gujarat, India on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Somnath

Start your day with a traditional Gujarati breakfast including thepla and shaak, served fresh at a hotel near Somnath temple.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple Visit

Explore the ancient and revered Somnath temple, known for its stunning coastal location and rich mythology. Ideal for spiritual immersion and architectural appreciation.
INR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Dwarka

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Dwarka, enjoying the vibrant landscapes of Gujarat en route.
INR0, 3h0m

3:30pm

Dwarkadhish Temple Visit

Visit the famous Dwarkadhish temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, a vibrant site buzzing with pilgrims and rich history.
INR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Krishna Bhavan

Enjoy authentic Gujarati thali and local delicacies at Krishna Bhavan, a well-known restaurant near Dwarka temple.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Bhavnath and Aundha Nagnath

Patan, Gujarat to Aundha, Maharashtra, India on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Local Eatery in Dwarka

Enjoy a quick and tasty local breakfast of fafda and jalebi.
INR150, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Bhavnath Temple

Travel approximately 2.5 hours from Dwarka to Bhavnath temple near Junagadh, Gujarat, a serene pilgrimage spot with spiritual ambiance.
INR0, 2h30m

11:00am

Bhavnath Temple Visit

Experience the peaceful surroundings of this historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled near Girnar mountains.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Girnar Hills Resort

Savor a traditional Gujarati lunch offering a variety of vegetarian dishes with fresh local ingredients.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Aundha Nagnath

Embark on a 5-hour drive heading southeast towards Aundha Nagnath temple in Maharashtra.
INR0, 5h0m

7:00pm

Visit Aundha Nagnath Temple

Evening visit to Aundha Nagnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas with notable Maratha architecture.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel near Aundha

Enjoy Maharashtrian cuisine including misal pav and vada pav at a local hotel.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 3: Grishneshwar and Trimbakeshwar

Aurangabad to Nashik, Maharashtra, India on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Aundha

Start your day with a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast of poha and chai.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Grishneshwar Temple

Take a 3.5-hour drive north to Grishneshwar temple near Aurangabad, one of the last Jyotirlingas on your route in Maharashtra.
INR0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Grishneshwar Temple Visit

Explore the ancient Grishneshwar temple, notable for its intricate carvings and mythological significance.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Annapurna Aurangabad

Enjoy flavorful traditional food with a mix of Maharashtrian and North Indian dishes.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Trimbakeshwar Temple

Head 2.5 hours towards Trimbakeshwar near Nashik, famous for its three-faced Shiva lingam.
INR0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Trimbakeshwar Temple Visit

Visit the picturesque Trimbakeshwar temple, surrounded by hills and sacred rivers, open until 8pm, ideal for peaceful evening darshan.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Panchavati Gaurav Restaurant

End the day with delicious Maharashtrian cuisine including thalipeeth and puran poli.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Bhimashankar and Omkareshwar

Nashik to Omkareshwar, Maharashtra to Madhya Pradesh, India on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Nashik

Have a light breakfast featuring idli and sambhar, preparing for the day's travel.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Bhimashankar Temple

Travel 2.5-hours south to Bhimashankar temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas nestled in Sahyadri hills.
INR0, 2h30m

11:00am

Bhimashankar Temple Visit and Nature Walk

Visit the temple and enjoy a leisurely walk in the surrounding forest, spotting the famous Indian Giant Squirrel.
INR0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Experience authentic Maharashtrian village cuisine at a roadside dhaba near Bhimashankar.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Omkareshwar

Drive approximately 6 hours northeast towards Omkareshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh.
INR0, 6h0m

8:00pm

Dinner and Overnight at Omkareshwar

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant offering simple but nutritious meals before resting for early temple visit.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 5: Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar

Omkareshwar to Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India on May 22, 2025

6:30am

Early Morning Omkareshwar Temple Visit

Witness the morning aarti and spiritual atmosphere at Omkareshwar temple, one of the holiest Jyotirlingas, open from early morning.
INR0, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Jyotirlinga Restaurant

Enjoy freshly prepared parathas and chai at a nearby eatery catering to pilgrims.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain

Travel 3 hours northeast to Ujjain, home to the Mahakaleshwar temple renowned for its Bhasma Aarti.
INR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Mahakaleshwar Temple Visit

Explore the temple and its unique rituals, a powerful spiritual experience at one of the most ancient Jyotirlingas.
INR0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Shri Mahakaleshwar Bhojanalaya

Eat traditional Malwa-style vegetarian dishes, famous for their dal bafla and local sweets.
INR300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Rest or explore local markets

Spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping for religious souvenirs and handicrafts in Ujjain’s bustling markets.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Classic

End the day with a selection of North Indian and local Malwa cuisine served in a comfortable setting.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 6: Kedarnath Journey Start

Ujjain to Kedarnath Base, Uttarakhand, India on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Have a quick breakfast including fruits and parathas before a long travel day towards Kedarnath.
INR200, 1h0m

7:00am

Drive to Haridwar

Embark on a 9-10 hour scenic drive towards Haridwar, a major gateway en route to Kedarnath.
INR0, 10h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Hotel in Haridwar

Rest and enjoy a wholesome dinner including local Uttarakhandi dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 7: Kedarnath Temple Visit

Haridwar to Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India on May 24, 2025

5:00am

Drive to Gaurikund

Early morning travel to Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek; approximately 4-5 hours by road.
INR0, 5h0m

10:00am

Kedarnath Trek Start

Begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath temple, a holy pilgrimage with breathtaking mountain views. Trek duration is approx 6-7 hours.
INR0, 7h0m

5:00pm

Kedarnath Temple Visit

Visit the majestic and holy Kedarnath temple, nestled in the Himalayas, open until evening for darshan.
INR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Overnight Stay near Kedarnath

Rest at guest houses or lodges near the temple to recuperate after the trek.
INR2500, Overnight

Day 8: Descend and Travel to Varanasi

Kedarnath to Varanasi, India on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Descend from Kedarnath Trek

Return to Gaurikund by trek, approximately 6-7 hours.
INR0, 7h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gaurikund

Refuel with simple vegetarian meals at local eateries before traveling onward.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Haridwar then flight/train to Varanasi

Return to Haridwar and board an evening flight or train to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities with spiritual significance.
INR2500, 6h0m

8:00pm

Dinner in Varanasi

Enjoy a light dinner featuring vegetarian Banarasi specialties near the Ganges.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 9: Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Varanasi

Start your morning with a hearty North Indian breakfast including kachori sabzi and chai.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple

Visit one of the most famous Jyotirlingas set on the banks of the holy Ganga river, a must-see for spiritual travelers.
INR0, 2h0m

11:00am

Boat Ride on Ganges

Enjoy a serene boat ride along the ghats, witnessing ancient rituals and temples along the riverbanks.
INR300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Keshari Restaurant

Taste authentic Banarasi cuisine including lassi and chaat specials.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Sarnath

Short trip to nearby Sarnath, an important Buddhist site where Buddha gave his first sermon.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a quiet dinner with vegetarian dishes after a day full of exploration.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 10: Rameshwaram Departure

Varanasi to Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India on May 27, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel

Have a quick breakfast before taking a flight or train to Rameshwaram, the southernmost Jyotirlinga on your spiritual road trip.
INR3500, 7h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba in Rameshwaram

Taste South Indian specialties like dosa and coconut chutney on arrival.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the magnificent temple known for its longest corridor and sacred water tanks, open till evening for darshan.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along the beach

Relax with an evening walk on Rameshwaram beach and soak in the scenic views.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Gateway

Enjoy fresh seafood or vegetarian delights in a calm setting as you conclude your journey.
INR500, 1h0m