4-Day Cultural and Spiritual Journey through Kolhapur, Akalkot, Tuljapur, and Pandharpur

Day 1: Kolhapur Temples and Heritage

Kolhapur, India on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Rajputana

Enjoy traditional Maharashtrian breakfast like poha and misal pav, preparing you for a day of exploration.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Mahalakshmi Temple

Visit this 7th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, a great example of Hemadpanthi architecture and a spiritual highlight of Kolhapur.
INR20, 1h30m

11:30am

New Palace Museum

Explore the royal heritage showcased through artifacts and exhibits from Kolhapur’s Maratha dynasty era.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Shalini

Feast on authentic Kolhapuri cuisine, including spicy mutton curry and tambada rassa, providing rich local flavors.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Rankala Lake

Relax by the scenic Rankala Lake, a popular spot for evening strolls and boating.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Shopping at Jyotiba Temple Market

Browse local handicrafts and traditional Kolhapuri chappals, ideal for souvenirs.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Padma

Enjoy a diverse menu featuring South Indian and Maharashtrian specialties with excellent ambiance.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Spiritual Day in Akalkot

Akalkot, India on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Kolhapur to Akalkot

Start early with a 3-hour drive northeast to Akalkot, known for its spiritual heritage.
INR1000 (private taxi), 3h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at a local eatery

Sample Maharashtrian breakfast dishes like sabudana khichdi before visiting the temple.
INR150, 0h45m

10:45am

Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple

Visit the famous temple dedicated to Swami Samarth, a revered saint; attend the morning aarti to experience local devotion.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Akalkot local restaurant

Enjoy simple, home-cooked style Maharashtrian thali reflecting the local flavors.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Akalkot Fort ruins

Discover the historical fort surroundings near the temple and learn about local history.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisure time in Akalkot town

Walk around the town, interact with locals and visit markets.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Akalkot Pride

Enjoy local and vegetarian specialties before resting for the next day’s journey.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Tuljapur Sacred Sites

Tuljapur, India on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Akalkot to Tuljapur

Drive about 1.5 hours east to Tuljapur, renowned for the Tulja Bhavani Temple, a significant pilgrimage destination.
INR600 (private taxi), 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at local dhaba

Try fresh local dishes like sabudana vada and chai near the temple area.
INR150, 0h45m

9:45am

Tulja Bhavani Temple

Visit one of Maharashtra’s 51 Shakti Peethas, famed for the goddess Tulja Bhavani; explore the temple and its spiritual surroundings.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Swagat

Sample Maharashtrian lunch delicacies with a quiet, peaceful atmosphere perfect for a midday break.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Martand Foundation and Museum

Discover local art and history, enhancing your understanding of Tuljapur’s cultural heritage.
INR50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rest and leisure time

Enjoy some free time to relax or shop locally for religious souvenirs.
Varies, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sai Residency

Delight in local vegetarian dishes, including bhaat and varan, to conclude your Tuljapur visit.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Pilgrimage to Pandharpur

Pandharpur, India on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Tuljapur to Pandharpur

Start early for a 2-hour drive southwest to Pandharpur, famous for the Vithoba temple and vibrant devotional atmosphere.
INR700 (private taxi), 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Krishna

Enjoy fresh local cuisine with breakfast options like puri bhaji before the temple visit.
INR250, 0h45m

10:15am

Vithoba Temple Visit

Visit the iconic pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vitthal; witness the spiritual fervor and morning rituals.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Suruchi

Savor traditional Maharashtrian thali meals featuring jowar bhakri and spicy chutneys.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk along Chandrabhaga River

Relax in the tranquil surroundings of the riverbank, a peaceful complement to your pilgrimage experience.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shopping for pilgrim souvenirs

Browse local markets for religious artifacts and handcrafted goods to take home.
Varies, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening aarti ceremony

Attend the famous evening aarti at Vithoba temple, a memorable spiritual experience.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sai Sadan

Conclude your trip with hearty, flavorful Maharashtrian dishes in a comfortable setting.
INR400, 1h0m