For those who believe in Lord Shiva participating in all 12-day Jyotirlingas within India is a lifetime spiritual journey. These holy shrines, which are scattered throughout the country are symbolic of a variety of images of Lord Shiva and are of great importance to the religious practice of. Many pilgrims travel to them over several years, it’s also possible to arrange a single-way tour which includes all 12 Jyotirlingas in one journey when you are able to plan your itinerary, with the proper timing and logistics.
We’ll create a fully-proofed plan that encompasses all Jyotirlingas in one seamless experience. We’ll discuss the most effective routes, travel methods, length duration, costs and hotel stays and homestays recommendations along with practical tips – so that you can focus on the amazing journey and not have to worry about about logistics.
The 12 Jyotirlingas List (North to South Route Reference)
- Somnath – Gujarat
- Nageshwar – Gujarat
- Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
- Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
- Grishneshwar – Maharashtra
- Aundha Nagnath – Maharashtra
- Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
- Kashi Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh
- Baidyanath – Jharkhand
- Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh
- Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu
Why a One-Way Trip Works Best
A single-track path means that there is no need to retrace your steps and saves cash and time. The concept is to begin at one end and finish at a new point and cover every Jyotirlinga in the order that is sequential. It also incorporates air travel, rail and the road travel to make the journey easy.
Step-by-Step Foolproof Route Plan
The tour starts in Somnath, Gujarat (westernmost Jyotirlinga) and end in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu (southernmost Jyotirlinga).
Day 1-2: Somnath, Gujarat

- Nearest Airport:Â Diu Airport (65 km), Rajkot Airport (200 km)
- The route Take a flight to Diu/Rajkot – – Road to Somnath
- Darshan Time:Â 1 – 2 hours
- Stay:Â Somnath has several budget to deluxe dharamshalas and hotels (Rs1,000-Rs3,000/night).
- TIP:Â Evening aarti at Somnath Temple is a must.
Day 3: Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat

- Distance Somnath — Nageshwar through Dwarka (~230 km 5 hours)
- Extra:Â Visit Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Stay:Â Dwarka (Rs1,000-Rs2,500/night)
Day 4-5: Bhimashankar, Maharashtra

- Directions:Â Dwarka – Rajkot – – Flight from Pune and then Road through Bhimashankar (~110 km 3 hours)
- Stay:Â Near temple lodges (Rs800-Rs2,000/night)
- NOTE:Â Temple is in the forest reserve. Beautiful trekking routes accessible.
Day 6: Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
- Distance:Â Bhimashankar – Trimbak via Nashik (~240 km, 6 hours)
- Stay:Â Nashik hotels/dharamshalas (Rs1,200-Rs2,500/night)
Day 7: Grishneshwar & Ellora Caves
- Distance Nashik — Grishneshwar through Aurangabad (~190 km 4 hours)
- Plus:Â Ellora Caves are one kilometer from the temple.
- Stay:Â Aurangabad (Rs1,000-Rs3,000/night)
Day 8: Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra
- Distance:Â Aurangabad – Aundha (~210 km, 5 hours)
- Stay:Â Nanded or Aundha (Rs800-Rs2,000/night)
Day 9-10: Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- The route:Â Aundha – Nanded Airport – Flight to Indore – Road to Ujjain (~55 km)
- Stay:Â Ujjain (Rs1,000-Rs2,500/night)
- Special:Â Attend Bhasma Aarti (pre-book).
Day 11: Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- Distance Ujjain to Omkareshwar (~140 miles, 3.5 hours)
- Stay:Â Omkareshwar/Narmada riverside lodges.
Day 12-13: Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh
- Route:Â Omkareshwar – Indore – Flight to Varanasi
- Stay:Â Varanasi (Rs1,000-Rs3,000/night)
- Extra:Â Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Day 14: Baidyanath, Jharkhand
- The route:Â Varanasi from Deoghar through flights (Patna/Ranchi) plus the road (~250 kilometers from Patna)
- Stay:Â Deoghar hotels/dharamshalas (Rs800-Rs2,000/night)
Day 15-16: Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh
- Track:Â Deoghar – Ranchi/Kolkata – – Flight to Hyderabad Train/road towards Srisailam (~215 kilometers)
- Stay:Â Srisailam guesthouses (Rs800-Rs2,500/night)
Day 17-18: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
- The route:Â Hyderabad – Madurai (flight) — Rameshwaram (~170 km via road)
- Stay:Â Rameshwaram hotels (Rs1,000-Rs3,000/night)
- Particular:Â Sea bath and puja ritual marking the conclusion of Jyotirlinga Yatra.
Full itinerary to visit 12 Jyotirlinga
| Day | Jyotirlinga | Location | Travel Mode | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Somnath | Gujarat | Air + Road | – |
| 3 | Nageshwar | Gujarat | Road | 230 km |
| 4-5 | Bhimashankar | Maharashtra | Air + Road | 110 km |
| 6 | Trimbakeshwar | Maharashtra | Road | 240 km |
| 7 | Grishneshwar | Maharashtra | Road | 190 km |
| 8 | Aundha Nagnath | Maharashtra | Road | 210 km |
| 9-10 | Mahakaleshwar | Madhya Pradesh | Air + Road | 55 km |
| 11 | Omkareshwar | Madhya Pradesh | Road | 140 km |
| 12-13 | Kashi Vishwanath | Uttar Pradesh | Air | – |
| 14 | Baidyanath | Jharkhand | Air + Road | 250 km |
| 15-16 | Mallikarjuna | Andhra Pradesh | Air + Road | 215 km |
| 17-18 | Rameshwaram | Tamil Nadu | Air + Road | 170 km |
How many days do you require to travel 12 Jyotirlinga?
- The total duration is 18. (can be extended to 20-22 rest days)
- Main Travel Methods:Â Combination of flights trains, road transfer.
- Recommendation:Â Make reservations for every flight at least 3 months in advance. Indian Railways for overnight short segments.
How much does 12 Jyotirlinga tour package cost?
| Expense Head | Approx. Cost (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Flights (8-9 segments) | 45,000-55,000 |
| Trains/Road Transport | 10,000-12,000 |
| Stay (Rs1,500 avg x 17 nights) | 25,500 |
| Meals (Rs500/day x 18 days) | 9,000 |
| Temple Offerings, Entry, Tips | 5,000 |
| Total | 94,500-1,06,500 |
Tips for a Smooth Yatra
- Plan for Weather:Â Beware of monsoon’s peak during temples with steep slopes (June-Sept).
- Health Preparation:Â Some temples require moderate treks (Bhimashankar, Kedarnath if you extend your trip).
- Temple Times:Â Many Jyotirlingas have special aartis for morning or evening. Check in advance.
- Be Near to Temples This will save time during the early darshans.
- Keep ID Proof handy:Â Some locations require Aadhaar to enter.
- Light packing:Â Use a small backpack or trolley; and laundry facilities are readily available in numerous dharamshalas.
Cultural and Spiritual Value
Every Jyotirlinga is unique in its story, architecture and even a ritual. As an example:
- Somnath It is 12th and first one. It is connected to Chandra (Moon God) legend.
- Kashi Vishwanath has been believed to give moksha to those who seek it.
- Rameshwaram is linked to Lord Rama’s return to Lanka and the erection of the Shiva Lingam.
Combining them increases the spiritual connection, and also gives an overview of India’s varied cultural heritage.

Conclusion
The ability to cover each of the twelve Jyotirlingas in one journey is very feasible with proper planning. Starting at Somnath located in Gujarat and finishing in Rameshwaram within Tamil Nadu ensures a smooth single-route that will save time and cash. Through blending rail, air and road travel in a strategic manner and efficiently, you can complete the journey in the period of 18-20 days.
Beyond the logistics, this journey is an intense spiritual experience by combining the physical adventure with an inner commitment. The variety of places and cultures that you will encounter will make this one the most memorable trips in your lifetime. This guide will help you have an reliable method that all you require is faith, good shoes and a heart prepared to be embraced by the divinity.
Everything looks good
humbly thanking you Sir- for sharing the details , making it possible to plan for yatras – RAMAN-KL, MALAYSIA
Aundh- nagnath and Parli- Vaidyanath temples are very old and famous shiva temples in Maharashtra but not among 12 jyothirlingas.
Maharashtra has only 3 jyothirlingas at Bhimashankar near pune, Triambakeshwar-nashik and Grushneshwar near Ellora caves