This 6 Days / 5 Nights tour package will take you to the famous Jyotirlingas Temples in Maharashtra. This tour package covers destinations like Bhimashankar, Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur, Grishneshwar, Trimbakeshwar, and Mumbai. With this tour, you can ensure yourself a comfortable and hassle-free visit to the holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Upon arrival at the Mumbai Airport/Railway Station, get transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
Post-check-in at the hotel, get freshen up and then set out to explore Mumbai. Firstly, you will visit the GATEWAY OF INDIA. Located on the southern part of the city, the Gateway offers a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. In addition to the view, this magnificent structure was constructed in yellow basalt stone. Furthermore, its Indo-Saracenic style architecture, intricate latticework and 26 meters high archway which is joined with four turrets make this attraction a popular among history buffs, tourists and photographers.
Visit the MARINE DRIVE, also famed as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’, the place caters to the need of all kind of travelers. The 3.6-km long boulevard consists of a C-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast. A promenade runs parallel to the road. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the beach when it lights up at night.
From there, you will be taken to COLABA CAUSEWAY MARKET, a bustling area which is packed with retro-bars, street stalls, markets and many more. This place is popular for crystals, jewellery, handicrafts, brass items, clothing, books, and incense. This is the one place which always seems like a carnival all year round.
Thereafter visit SHREE MAHALAKSHMI TEMPLE dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth.
Then take the blessings of Lord Ganesha at one of Mumbai’s holiest places, SHREE SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE, one of the richest temples in India with the inner roof of its sanctum being plated with gold.
In the evening, visit JUHU BEACH. The beach is famous for its long stretch and a variety of street foods. Later, come back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast in the morning, you will drive towards Bhimashankar which is located 223 km away from Mumbai. After breakfast in the morning, you will drive towards Bhimashankar which is located 223 km away from Mumbai.
The BHIMASHANKAR TEMPLE one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingam’ shrines of Lord Shiva in India and is situated at height of 3250 feet. This place is surrounded by hills and covered with thick green rainforests. Upon arrival on Bhimashankar, check-in at the hotel. After that, visit the Bhimashankar Temple, one of the attractive and well-known religious places in Maharashtra as well as in India. There is a legend behind the name Bhimashankar. It is also the source of the River Bhima which merges with Krishna River near Raichur. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, this temple is a modest yet graceful shrine. This place shows the excellent skills of the Vishwakarma sculptors of the bygone era. Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler made endowments to this temple to facilitate worship services.
After Temple visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast early in the morning; explore BHIMASHANKAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY which is rich in floral and faunal diversity. This sanctuary is a paradise with sparkling waterfalls, lush hills, and dense forests. It is a part of the Western Ghats where you will see a variety of animals, birds, plants, and insects. Malabar Giant Squirrel, a rare animal locally called as ‘Shekaru’, can also be found in deep dark woods of the sanctuary. It is also considered one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Later move towards your next destination, SHIRDI which is around 183 km away from Bhimashankar. This place is known as the former home of revered spiritual leader Sai Baba. This city is also called as Sai Nagar and tourists come here especially to take the blessings of Sai Baba.
After reaching Shirdi, get ready to visit the Samadhi Mandir. The body of the famous holy saint Sai Baba rests in peace in this temple. This place also has the collection of all the articles which was used by the holy saint and they are displayed in a special showroom. Next, you will visit SHRI SAI BABA SANSTHAN TEMPLE. It is the holy abode of Shri Sai Baba. This massive complex consists of Gurusthan, Khandoba Temple, Chavadi, Samadhi Mandir, Lendi Garden, Dwarka Mai and many more temples. Stay overnight at the Shirdi hotel and relax.
After breakfast, proceed to SHANI SHINGNAPUR which is a Jeet Devasthan (alive temple). It is well-known for the magical and powerful Lord Shani who is believed to reside in a black stone till date. The trust of people in the lord is so strong that none of the houses in the village has doors and locks. It is because people believe that Lord Shani always protects their valuables from thieves. The enthusiasm and vehemence of the devotees rise to the next level on every Saturday, Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti and Amavasya. Later, you will leave for Aurangabad which is located at a distance of 80 km.
The 4th of your Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra tour starts with a journey to GRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE which is about 30 km away from Aurangabad. This place is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is a popular destination for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Rani Ahilya Bai reconstructed this temple during the Mughal period. This temple exudes matchless divine aura. This temple is also known as Grushmeshwara, Kusumeshwarar, and Ghushmeshwara. The hall of this shrine is located in the center and contains 24 pillars which tell various stories of Lord Shiva. It also has the carvings of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu within the premises.
Also visit the ELLORA CAVES (at a distance of 1 km from Grishneshwar) a UNESCO World Heritage Site from about 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions, namely – Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
Later return to Aurangabad hotel for an overnight stay
After breakfast, you will leave for NASHIK which is a religious Hindu city and host the Kumbh Mela after every 12 years. It is home to various exotic temples, waterfalls, forts, and vineyards. Upon reaching, check-in at the hotel. After resting for a while, you can begin your short sightseeing tour of Nashik. Walk along the GODAVARI GHATS observing several important Hindu rituals being performed. Continue on through the lively market by the Ghats which sells everything from vegetables to lentils, dried seafood to cow dung cakes and many things in between. Also visit PANCHVATI situated on the left banks of Godavari River. It is said that Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus Panchavati has gained holy importance.
Later, you will drive to TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE which is an ancient Hindu temple and counted as one of the most important Jyotirlingas out of the twelve. This temple is perched on the foot of Brahmagiri hills. This temple also mentions the power of Mrityunjaya Mantra that bestows immortality and longevity. Peshwa Nana Saheb, the Maratha Ruler built this temple in the 18th-century. The historic shrine stands as a perfect epitome of classic architectural style. The Jyotirlinga has three faces symbolizing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahesh. KUSHAVARTA KUND is the symbolic origin of the River Godavari and considered as sacred Hindu bathing place.
Return to Nashik hotel for an overnight stay
In the morning, after breakfast drive from Nashik to Mumbai railway station/airport to catch the train/flight for your onward journey.
PLEAE NOTE:
If you wish you can add two more Shiv Temple in tour Programme considered Jyotirlingas in Mahartastra AUNDHA NAGNATH and PARLI VAIDYANATH Jyotirlinga combining with three other called Panch Jyotirlinga of Maharashtra
AUNDHA NAGNATH JYOTIRLINGA: The Aundha Nagnath Temple was built during the time (13th century) of the Yadava dynasty. The temple, which is the 8th among the 12 Jyotirlingas, is one of the beautiful architectural sites in the country. The shrine is also associated with Varkari Saints like Namadev, Visoba Khechara and Jnaneshwar who are said to have spent many years creating bhajans in this temple.
PARLI VAIDYANATH: An ancient Shiva temple Vaidyanath Temple is built out of stone on a small hill and is surrounded by a wall that protects it from all sides. It is assumed that the temple is about 300 years old.
