12 Jyotirlinga India

Planning a 23-day itinerary to visit the 12 Jyotirlingas in India sounds like an incredible spiritual journey. The Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and each has its own unique significance and charm. Let’s make this trip memorable for your Australian guest!

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

• Morning: Arrive in Mumbai. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Visit the famous Gateway of India and take a stroll along Marine Drive.
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some authentic Indian cuisine.

Day 2: Mumbai to Trimbak (Trimbak Jyotirlinga)

• Morning: Depart for Trimbak (approx. 2 hours by car).
• Afternoon: Visit the Trimbak Jyotirlinga temple, known for its beautiful architecture.
• Evening: Explore the surrounding area and enjoy a peaceful evening by the Godavari River.

Day 3: Trimbak to Nashik

• Morning: Head to Nashik (approx. 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Visit the Kumbh Mela site and the Panchavati area, where you can see the sacred Godavari River.
• Evening: Relax at a local vineyard and enjoy some wine tasting.

Day 4: Nashik to Aurangabad

• Morning: Depart for Aurangabad (approx. 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple, the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• Evening: Explore the nearby Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 5: Aurangabad to Ujjain

• Morning: Travel to Ujjain (approx. 8 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and rest.
• Evening: Visit the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple for the evening Aarti.

Day 6: Ujjain

• Morning: Explore the city, visiting other temples and the famous Kshipra River.
• Afternoon: Visit the Sandipani Ashram, where Lord Krishna is said to have studied.
• Evening: Enjoy local street food and shopping.

Day 7: Ujjain to Omkareshwar

• Morning: Depart for Omkareshwar (approx. 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple, located on an island in the Narmada River.
• Evening: Take a boat ride around the island and enjoy the sunset.

Day 8: Omkareshwar to Mandhata

• Morning: Visit the Mandhata Island and explore the temples.
• Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the serene environment.
• Evening: Return to Omkareshwar for the night.

Day 9: Omkareshwar to Varanasi

• Morning: Travel to Varanasi (approx. 12 hours by train or overnight bus).
• Afternoon: Arrive and check into your hotel.
• Evening: Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Day 10: Varanasi

• Morning: Take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges.
• Afternoon: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga temple.
• Evening: Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi and try local delicacies.

Day 11: Varanasi to Gaya

• Morning: Depart for Gaya (approx. 5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Vishnupad Temple, which is also significant for Hindus.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy the local culture.

Day 12: Gaya to Patna

• Morning: Travel to Patna (approx. 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Patna Museum and Golghar.
• Evening: Enjoy a local dinner.

Day 13: Patna to Deoghar

• Morning: Depart for Deoghar (approx. 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple.
• Evening: Explore the local market and try some sweets.

Day 14: Deoghar to Kolkata

• Morning: Travel to Kolkata (approx. 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and rest.
• Evening: Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Day 15: Kolkata to Bhimashankar

• Morning: Fly to Pune and then travel to Bhimashankar (approx. 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple.
• Evening: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.

Day 16: Bhimashankar to Pune

• Morning: Depart for Pune (approx. 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple.
• Evening: Explore the local food scene.

Day 17: Pune to Nashik

• Morning: Travel back to Nashik (approx. 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Sula Vineyards for a wine tour.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy the vineyard views.

Day 18: Nashik to Aundha Nagnath

• Morning: Depart for Aundha Nagnath (approx. 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga temple.
• Evening: Explore the local area.

Day 19: Aundha Nagnath to Solapur

• Morning: Travel to Solapur (approx. 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Siddheshwar Temple.
• Evening: Enjoy local cuisine.

Day 20: Solapur to Kashi Vishwanath

• Morning: Depart for Kashi Vishwanath (approx. 8 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple again if desired.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy the Ganges.

Day 21: Kashi Vishwanath to Srisailam

• Morning: Travel to Srisailam (approx. 12 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and rest.
• Evening: Visit the Srisailam temple.

Day 22: Srisailam to Hyderabad

• Morning: Depart for Hyderabad (approx. 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the famous Charminar and local markets.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with Hyderabadi Biryani.

Day 23: Departure from Hyderabad

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Depart for the airport for your flight back home.

Tips for the Journey:

• Travel: Consider hiring a private car for convenience, especially for longer distances.
• Food: Encourage trying local cuisines at each stop; Indian food varies greatly by region!
• Culture: Engage with locals and learn about their customs and traditions.
• Health: Stay hydrated and be cautious with street food if your guest has a sensitive stomach.

This itinerary balances spiritual visits with cultural experiences, ensuring a rich and fulfilling journey through India’s sacred sites. Enjoy the trip!