Maharashtra Jyotirlinga with Ajanta Caves & Ellora Caves
Duration
Tour Type
Duration : 03 Nights/04 Days
Destination Covered: Mumbai – Bhimashankar – Shirdi – Shani Shingnapur – Ellora Caves-Ajanta Caves– Grishneshwar – Trimbakeshwar – Mumbai
Combining a visit to Maharashtra’s Jyotirlinga temples with the Ajanta and Ellora Caves provides a fascinating journey through both religious and architectural wonders. Here’s an itinerary that includes these significant sites:
- Trimbakeshwar Temple: Start your journey by visiting Trimbakeshwar Temple, located near Nashik. This ancient temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s situated at the source of the Godavari River and holds great religious significance.
- Grishneshwar Temple: Proceed to Grishneshwar Temple, near Ellora Caves. This temple is another important Jyotirlinga shrine and is known for its beautiful architecture and religious importance. It’s believed to be the last or 12th Jyotirlinga on the earth.
- Ajanta Caves: After visiting the Jyotirlinga temples, head to Ajanta Caves, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These Buddhist caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and are renowned for their exquisite rock-cut sculptures and murals depicting Buddhist religious art and narratives. Spend a day exploring these ancient marvels and soaking in the artistic and spiritual ambiance.
- Ellora Caves: Next, explore the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Aurangabad. These caves comprise Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries, representing a harmonious blend of different religious traditions. The Kailash Temple, a remarkable monolithic structure dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the highlight of Ellora.
- Optional: Visit Aurangabad: If time permits, you can also explore Aurangabad city, which is known for its historical significance and architectural heritage. Don’t miss the Bibi Ka Maqbara, a mausoleum built in the memory of Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife, which resembles the Taj Mahal.
- Return to Mumbai/Pune: Conclude your journey by returning to Mumbai or Pune, depending on your departure point, and reflect on the spiritual and cultural insights gained from this enriching pilgrimage.
This itinerary allows you to experience the spiritual aura of the Jyotirlinga temples while also marveling at the architectural splendor of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, considering factors such as travel logistics, accommodation, and local transportation. Additionally, it’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before undertaking your journey.
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
This morning, you take a transfer to your next destination, Bhimashankar. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is known to have one of the 12 highly sacred Jyotirlingas in India. The star attraction of this place is the sacred Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga which is considered to be one of holiest Jyotirlinga out of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Shiva's. The temple is set amid the backdrop of greenery. After having your breakfast, start driving towards Bhimashankar, which is around 220 kms from Mumbai. On reaching Bhimashankar, check-in to the hotel. Visit the Bhimashankar Temple and seek blessings of Lord Shiva. In the evening, you can visit Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the natural beauty of the place. Later, return to the hotel for dinner. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Munch your breakfast early in the morning and then leave for Shirdi. Shirdi is located at a distance of around 183 kms from Bhimashankar. Shirdi is a small town which is well-known across the world for the saint Sai Baba. Shirdi is an important pilgrimage site and people from all over visit this place to seek the blessings of Sai Baba. On reaching Shirdi, visit Samadhi Mandir, Khandoba Temple and Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Complex. Later, drive towards Shani Shingnapur which is 65 km from Shirdi. The place is believed to be the home of Lord Shaneshwara who is known to be the personification of the planet Saturn. Visit the temple and pay homage to Lord Shanidev. Later, proceeded to Ellora a visit to Grishneshwar Temple. Grishneshwar Jyotilinga is also home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple here is architecturally beautiful which is likely to leave you spellbound. The divine bliss you experience here is worth chersihing. in the evening proceed to Aurangabad, at a distance of 80 km. Overnight stay in hotel at Aurangabad
The Ajanta Caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, is one of India’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The caves have 29 Buddhist cave temples built in the 2nd century B.C.
The caves represent both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. The Ajanta Caves thus have the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India. In addition, the caves have paintings and sculptures which represent Indian art.
The fascinating mausoleum Bibi-ka-Maqbara was built in 1679 and is a tomb dedicated to Aurangzeb’s chief wife, Rabia-ud-Daurani. Its architecture, design and even the white-ness of the marble used to build it, bears a striking resemblance to the world famous Taj Mahal.
Early morning drive towards Trimbakeshwar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a famous attraction and a number of devotees visit every year. Later, return back to the Mumbai and drop at the Mumbai airport.
