Complete Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage: A Spiritual Journey from Madurai and Back

Day 1: Madurai to Rameswaram

Madurai to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Enjoy traditional Tamil breakfast like idlis and dosas to energize for the day. Open from 6:00am to 10:30pm.
INR100, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel Madurai to Rameswaram

A 3.5-hour drive (170 km) along scenic routes leading to the sacred town of Rameswaram.
INR1500 (taxi fare approx.), 3h30m

12:00pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the famous Jyotirlinga temple, renowned for its longest corridor and sacred significance. Open 5:30am to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Hotel GRT Rameswaram

Relish South Indian thali and fresh seafood at this popular hotel restaurant. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm for lunch.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Dhanushkodi Beach and Devipattinam

Visit the calm beaches and ancient ruins nearby, perfect for an afternoon stroll and spiritual reflection.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Friend's Place Restaurant

Try local Tamil and seafood specialities in a modest, popular eatery. Open till 9:30pm.
INR400, 1h

Day 2: Rameswaram to Varanasi

Rameswaram to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on June 25, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Light breakfast at hotel before heading to the airport or train station. Options include idli and tea.
INR200, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Madurai Airport

Travel back to Madurai (approx. 3.5 hour drive) to catch flight/train to Varanasi.
INR1500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Flight to Varanasi

A flight from Madurai to Varanasi via connecting city (approx. 5-7 hours total journey including layover).
INR5000+, 6h

6:00pm

Check in and Rest

Check into hotel near the Ganges for rest and preparation for temple visits next day.
INR2500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy wholesome, vegetarian international and Indian dishes in Varanasi's old city. Open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h

Day 3: Varanasi Kashi Jyotirlinga

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on June 26, 2025

6:00am

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the mesmerizing morning aarti on the Ganges, a spiritual ritual. Starts at sunrise until 7:30am.
Free, 1h

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Lassi Shop

Try famous sweet and salty lassis and light snacks, opening from early morning until late night.
INR150, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, this temple is an iconic spiritual site in Varanasi. Open 4:00am to 11:00pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Walk Through Old City

Explore the narrow lanes, shops, and spiritual ambiance of Varanasi's ancient quarters.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Keshari Restaurant

Traditional North Indian thali with vegetarian dishes, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Sarnath

Short drive to Sarnath, significant Buddhist heritage site where Buddha gave his first sermon. Open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
INR80, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Taj Ganges Hotel

Dine with a view of the Ganges and enjoy refined Indian and international cuisine. Open 7:00am to 11:00pm.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 4: Varanasi to Ujjain

Varanasi to Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on June 27, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure. Choose from Indian and continental options.
INR400, 0h45m

7:30am

Travel Varanasi to Ujjain (train/flight and road)

Best to take a morning flight from Varanasi to Indore with onward taxi to Ujjain - total 5 to 6 hours travel.
INR4000, 6h

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Ujjain

Lunch at Ojhala Restaurant serving North Indian vegetarian cuisine. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

One of the most revered Jyotirlingas, housed in a striking temple complex. Open 4:00am to 11:00pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Evening walk by Shipra River

Relax and soak in the spiritual vibes from the ghats on the river bank.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Shree Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Indian dishes with a homely ambiance. Open till 10:00pm.
INR500, 1h

Day 5: Ujjain to Omkareshwar

Ujjain to Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
INR400, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Omkareshwar

Approximately a 3-hour scenic drive (90 km) to Omkareshwar, another Jyotirlinga site on the Narmada river.
INR1000, 3h

11:30am

Visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

This temple is located on Mandhata Island, shaped like the Hindu symbol 'Om'. Open 6:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Simple local cuisine with vegetarian options near the temple complex.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Boat ride on Narmada River

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride around Mandhata Island for spiritual and scenic views.
INR200, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Aarti at temple

Participate in or watch the beautiful evening Aarti ceremony at the Omkareshwar temple.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Sample traditional Madhya Pradesh vegetarian dishes.
INR600, 1h

Day 6: Omkareshwar to Maheshwar

Omkareshwar to Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with breakfast before the drive to Maheshwar.
INR400, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Maheshwar

A 2-hour drive (60 km) to Maheshwar, a historic city on the banks of the Narmada river.
INR900, 2h

10:30am

Visit Ahilya Fort and Temple

Explore the fort complex and the famous ancient Jyotirlinga temple within it. Open 6:00am to 8:00pm.
INR100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Maheshwar Riverside Restaurant

Enjoy freshly prepared local vegetarian food overlooking the river.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Maheshwar Handloom Weaving

Visit iconic handloom weaving centres to see Maheshwari silk sarees production first hand.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax evening at river ghats

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and sunset views along the ghats of the Narmada.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Narmada River View

Dine with a view while tasting local cuisine in a comfortable setting.
INR700, 1h

Day 7: Maheshwar to Trimbakeshwar

Maheshwar to Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra on June 30, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast and early start

Have breakfast and begin a long drive towards Maharashtra (approximately 8-9 hours, 550 km).
INR500, 1h

7:00am

Road journey to Trimbakeshwar

Drive through scenic landscapes, crossing into Maharashtra and approaching the Trimbakeshwar temple area.
INR4000 (taxi fare approx.), 9h

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check in at guesthouse near the temple for overnight stay and rest.
INR2500, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, set in a scenic locale near the Brahmagiri hills. Open 6:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Taste Maharashtrian thali and snacks at a nearby eatery.
INR500, 1h

Day 8: Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar

Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar, Maharashtra on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast before traveling onward to Bhimashankar.
INR300, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Bhimashankar

A 3-4 hour drive (120 km) through Western Ghats to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple.
INR1200, 3h30m

11:30am

Visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple and Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the temple complex and low-key wildlife sanctuary area. Temple open daylong.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at local diners

Enjoy Maharashtrian cuisine with local ingredients in a rustic hill setting.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Short hikes around sanctuary

For nature enthusiasts, short hikes offering views and fresh air are available.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Drive to Pune (optional overnight)

If preferred, drive 110 km to Pune city for hotel stay and more options.
INR1500, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pune (if staying)

Sample Pune urban cuisine in a well-rated restaurant like Vaishali on Fergusson Road.
INR700, 1h

Day 9: Bhimashankar to Grishneshwar

Bhimashankar to Grishneshwar, Maharashtra on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Pune or Bhimashankar guesthouse

Breakfast with Maharashtrian specialities like Poha and Misal Pav.
INR400, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Grishneshwar

Approximately 5-6 hour drive (300 km) to Grishneshwar, the last Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra near Ellora Caves.
INR3500, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch near Grishneshwar

Eat at a local eatery serving Maharashtrian and North Indian vegetarian dishes.
INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Explore the beautiful temple adjacent to the world-famous Ellora Caves. Open 5:30am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Ellora Caves (optional)

World Heritage caves with rock-cut temples and art, open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR600, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Sample local cuisine at hotel or nearby restaurants serving traditional dishes.
INR600, 1h

Day 10: Grishneshwar to Aundha Nagnath

Grishneshwar to Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast with local favourites to prepare for the journey.
INR400, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Aundha Nagnath

A 5-hour drive (250 km) to Aundha Nagnath temple, an ancient Jyotirlinga site.
INR3000, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch in Aundha Town

Local Maharashtrian vegetarian food near the temple area.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Explore the temple complex known for its ancient architecture and spiritual importance. Open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at temple grounds

Spend peaceful moments absorbing the spiritual atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Try local snacks and traditional Marathi dishes at a nearby restaurant.
INR400, 1h

Day 11: Aundha Nagnath to Kedarnath

Travel from Maharashtra to Kedarnath, Uttarakhand on July 4, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Start the day early with a substantial breakfast for the long journey ahead.
INR400, 0h45m

7:00am

Travel to Airport for Flight to Dehradun

Long travel to nearest major airport (Mumbai or Pune) to catch flight to Dehradun airport near Kedarnath base.
INR3000, 3h

11:00am

Flight to Dehradun

Approx. 3.5 hour flight journey with possible connections.
INR7000, 4h

3:30pm

Drive to Sonprayag/Guptkashi

Road travel (approx. 8 hours) approaching the foothills of Kedarnath region.
INR3500, 8h

7:30pm

Dinner and Rest at Sonprayag

Simple nutritious meal and rest before starting trek next day.
INR500, 1h

Day 12: Kedarnath Trek and Temple

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand on July 5, 2025

5:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early light breakfast before starting the trek.
INR300, 0h30m

6:00am

Trek to Kedarnath Temple

Trek approx. 16 km uphill (6-7 hours) through scenic Himalayas to the famous Jyotirlinga temple.
Free, 6h30m

1:00pm

Visit Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Pilgrimage to one of the holiest Jyotirlinga shrines set among high mountains. Temple open 4:30am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Overnight stay in Kedarnath

Stay in guesthouses or ashrams near temple for spiritual immersion.
INR3000, overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Simple vegetarian meal with locally sourced ingredients.
INR500, 1h

Day 13: Kedarnath Return to Jharkhand

Travel from Kedarnath to Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar, Jharkhand on July 6, 2025

5:00am

Breakfast and descend

Early breakfast and start descent of 16 km back to Sonprayag for onward travel.
INR300, 7h

12:00pm

Drive to Dehradun Airport

Drive back to Dehradun for flight to Ranchi or directly Deoghar if possible.
INR3500, 8h

9:00pm

Overnight accommodation near Dehradun airport

Rest for next morning flight.
INR2500, overnight

Day 14: Baidyanath Dham Visit

Deoghar, Jharkhand on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Ranchi/Deoghar

Morning flight or train to Deoghar where Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is situated.
INR3000, 2h

10:00am

Visit Baidyanath Dham Jyotirlinga Temple

One of twelve Jyotirlingas, famous for grand architecture and religious festivals. Open 4:00am to 10:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Surya Restaurant

Enjoy hearty local Jharkhand vegetarian and North Indian dishes.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Explore local markets

Browse religious souvenirs and traditional handicrafts in Deoghar bazaars.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Rest at hotel

Relax before next travel segment.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Dinner featuring local and Indian cuisine in comfort.
INR600, 1h

Day 15: Deoghar to Somnath

Deoghar, Jharkhand to Somnath, Gujarat on July 8, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Breakfast before a long travel day.
INR400, 0h30m

7:00am

Travel to Ranchi Airport

Drive from Deoghar to Ranchi airport, approx 4-5 hours.
INR3000, 4h

1:00pm

Flight from Ranchi to Rajkot

Connecting flights via Mumbai or Delhi to Rajkot, near Somnath. Approx total 7 hours flight time including layovers.
INR10000, 7h

8:00pm

Drive to Somnath

Approximate 1-hour drive (40 km) to Somnath.
INR1500, 1h

9:00pm

Check-in and Dinner

Dinner at Hotel Somnath where traditional Gujarati thali is served, open till 10:30pm.
INR700, 1h

Day 16: Somnath Jyotirlinga Visit

Somnath, Gujarat on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Gujarati breakfast with local dishes such as thepla and fafda.
INR400, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Visit the magnificent temple by the Arabian Sea. The temple is open from 5:00am to 10:00pm.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Explore the nearby Prabhas Patan Museum and Beach

Discover local history and relax at the beach close to the temple.
INR100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Somnath Restaurant

Light lunch with Indian and Gujarati cuisine options.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Rest and local shopping

Relax and shop for souvenirs and religious items in the local market.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Madhuban Restaurant

Dine on authentic Gujarati thalis and snacks. Open till 9:30pm.
INR500, 1h

Day 17: Somnath to Madurai

Somnath, Gujarat to Madurai, Tamil Nadu on July 10, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before early travel to airport.
INR400, 0h30m

7:00am

Travel to Rajkot Airport

Drive to Rajkot airport for flight back to Madurai, approx 1-hour drive.
INR1500, 1h

10:00am

Flight Rajkot to Madurai

Afternoon flight with connection via major hubs (Mumbai/Chennai). Approx 6-8 hours total including layover.
INR12000, 7h

6:00pm

Arrival and Check-in Madurai

Return to Madurai and check into hotel after completing the full Jyotirlinga pilgrimage circuit.
INR3000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Finish your journey with a traditional South Indian meal at this well-known restaurant in Madurai.
INR300, 1h