Complete Ashtavinayak Darshan Itinerary: Discover the Eight Sacred Ganesha Temples of Maharashtra

Day 1: Western Cluster

Pune, Maharashtra on July 1, 2025

06:00am

Breakfast at Vohuman Cafe, Pune

Start your day with a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast including their famous Bun Maska and Chai. Vohuman Cafe opens from 6:00am.
INR150, 0h45m

07:00am

Visit Moreshwar Temple, Morgaon

The main temple of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage, dedicated to Ganesha worshipped here as Moreshwar, located about 65 km from Pune. It's a majestic temple with historic significance.
Free, 1h

09:00am

Visit Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek

Situated on the banks of the Bhima River, this temple is unique as the Ganesha idol faces east unlike other temples. It's about a 2-hour drive from Morgaon.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at hotel restaurant, near Siddhatek

Enjoy a simple Maharashtrian thali lunch with local delicacies like bhakri and varan. Most local dhabas serve fresh and authentic food.
INR250, 1h

02:00pm

Visit Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali

This temple houses the only standing Ganesh idol with his trunk turned to the right, located in Pali village, about 40 km from Siddhatek.
Free, 1h

04:30pm

Visit Varadavinayak Temple, Mahad

Located near Mahad, this temple is believed to bless devotees with boons (Varada means boon) and has a Ganesh idol made of solid stone.
Free, 1h

07:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Yash, Mahad

Enjoy a tasty dinner featuring Maharashtrian and North Indian dishes in this well-reviewed hotel restaurant open until 10:00pm.
INR500, 1h

Day 2: Northern & Eastern Temples

Maharashtra on July 2, 2025

06:30am

Breakfast at local eatery, Mahad

Start your day with steaming idlis and sambar along with filter coffee at a popular local spot open from 6:00am.
INR120, 0h45m

07:30am

Visit Chintamani Temple, Theur

This temple is known for fulfilling wishes and is located about 80 km from Mahad near Pune city. The temple opens early for morning darshan.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Visit Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri

Nestled on a hill, this temple is part of the Buddhist caves complex and is unique as it is located inside a cave. It is around 40 minutes from Theur.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lenyadri local dhaba

Savor some refreshing sol kadhi and bhakri with spicy curry at a local dhaba serving authentic fare.
INR200, 1h

02:00pm

Visit Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon

Famous for its colossal Ganesha idol, this temple is close to Pune and easily accessible. It has historical and religious significance.
Free, 1h

05:00pm

Return to Pune city

Drive back to Pune for overnight stay and rest after a fulfilling day of darshan and exploration.
Travel cost approx INR1000, 1h30m

08:00pm

Dinner at Shabree Restaurant, Pune

Experience authentic Maharashtrian cuisine including misal pav and puran poli at this iconic restaurant open till 10:30pm.
INR600, 1h

Day 3: Eastern & Completion

Maharashtra on July 3, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at hotel, Pune

Enjoy a hearty breakfast spread including poha and chai at your hotel before the final leg of your pilgrimage.
INR300, 1h

08:30am

Visit Vighnahar Temple, Ozar

Known for removing obstacles, this temple features a Ganesha idol uniquely facing west, located about 60 km north of Pune.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit Mahamaya Temple, Ranjangaon

Although not traditionally one of the Ashtavinayak temples, you can visit nearby for spiritual ambiance and local heritage.
Free, 1h

01:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant near Ozar

Relish freshly made thali meals featuring seasonal vegetables and dal, perfect after a spiritual morning.
INR250, 1h

03:00pm

Conclusion at Pune Ganapati Temple

End your Ashtavinayak darshan by visiting one of Pune's most revered Ganapati temples at Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati, renowned for its grandeur.
Free, 1h

05:00pm

Tea and Snacks at Cafe Goodluck, Pune

Relax with a cup of masala chai and famous bramhar pav bhaji before your journey onward.
INR150, 0h45m