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Jyotirlinga Darshan Pilgrimage

Trip Overview

The Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra is a transformative spiritual pilgrimage across India, leading devotees through twelve sacred shrines where Lord Shiva’s divine energy manifests as radiant jyotirlingas. Rooted in the Shiva Purana and extolled in the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram, this journey symbolizes the seeker’s transcendence beyond samsara, dissolving ego and karmic bonds through devotion. Each jyotirlinga, from Somnath to Rameshwaram, holds unique mythological and metaphysical significance, offering spiritual purification and divine realization. Organized by Karnali Excursions, this meticulously curated 26-day journey spans eight states immersing pilgrims in India’s cultural and spiritual essence of 11 out of 12 Jyotirlingas. As the sacred hymn proclaims, remembering these jyotirlingas eradicates sins, and visiting them bestows divine grace, making this pilgrimage not just a journey but an awakening into Shiva-consciousness and ultimate liberation. As the sacred hymn forwards, Saptajanmakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ smaraṇena vinaśyati. (Śatarudra Saṁhitā, Ch.42/2-4). Saurāṣṭre Somnāthaṃ ca Śrīśaile Mallikārjunam |Ujjayinyāṃ Mahākālam Omkāram Amaleśvaram ||

This ancient chant, echoing through centuries, infuses the journey with profound spiritual energy, awakening the divine within.

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Total Duration
23 Nights / 24 Days
diffculty
Grading
Easy – Moderate
trek style
Tour Style
Delhi
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Suggested Season
Oct – Mar
accomodation
Accomodation
Tourist Standard Hotels

Trip Highlights

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    Pilgrimage to 11 Sacred Dwadasha Jyotirlingas: Visit 11 out of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas, the radiant embodiments of Lord Shiva, spread across eight Indian states. Each shrine offers a unique spiritual experience, filling your soul with peace, purity, and divine energy.
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    Special Destinations Beyond the Jyotirlingas:
    • Ram Janma Bhoomi & Guptesar Ghat (Samadhi Sthal): Explore the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama and the revered site of Guptesar Ghat, resonating with divine vibrations.
    • Bodhgaya: Visit the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, a symbol of peace, wisdom, and spiritual awakening.
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    Authentic Indian Cultural Diversity: Experience the vibrant mosaic of Indian cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, and traditions as you travel across the length and breadth of the country.
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    Travel Across 8 States: Journey seamlessly through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh via buses, airplanes, and trains, blending comfort and convenience.
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    Darshan of Other Iconic Attractions: Alongside the Jyotirlingas, visit other revered sites such as:
    • Meenakshi Temple: Admire the architectural splendor of this Dravidian masterpiece dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
    • Gangasagar: Witness the confluence of the sacred Ganges River with the Bay of Bengal, a site believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
    • Belur Math: Experience the tranquility of the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, symbolizing harmony and spirituality.
    • Four Out of Seven Puri Pilgrimages: Explore four of India’s sacred Puri sites, offering a glimpse into the timeless spiritual heritage of the land.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Delhi – A Warm Welcome
  • Arrival in Delhi
  • Hotel Transfer and Hotel Check-in
Day 2
Delhi to Varanasi
  • Flight from Delhi to Varanasi
  • Experiencing the Ganga Aarti by boat, a celestial spectacle that epitomizes devotion
  • Immersing yourself in the spiritual vibrancy of the ancient city
    Distance: 670 km
    Flight Duration: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay in Varanashi
Day 3
Kashi Vishwanath Darshan and Journey to Ayodhya via Prayagraj
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan, a Jyotirlinga steeped in profound spiritual significance
  • Annapurna Devi Mandir and Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir Darshan
  • Drive to Ayodhya with a Spiritual Stop at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam
    Distance: Around 220 km
    Travel Time: 4 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Ayodhya
Day 4
Exploring Ayodhya and Return to Varanasi
  • Ram Janmabhoomi: Experience the divinity of Lord Ram’s birthplace and offer prayers at the grand Ram Mandir
  • Hanuman Garhi: Seek blessings from Lord Hanuman, the protector of Ayodhya
  • Guptar Ghat: Reflect on Lord Ram’s final journey and immerse in the sacred ambiance of the Sarayu River
  • Ram and Lakshman Ghat: Relive the stories of Lord Ram’s life along the serene ghats
  • Drive back to Varanasi
    Distance: Around 220 km (Ayodhya to Varanashi)
    Travel Time: 4 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Varanashi
Day 5
Journey to Bodh Gaya
  • Drive from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya, reflecting on the transition from devotion to enlightenment
  • Arrival in Bodh Gaya, the spiritual epicenter of Buddhism
  • Evening meditation under the Bodhi Tree (site of Buddha’s enlightenment)
    Distance: Around 300 km (Varanashi to Bodh Gaya)
    Travel Time: 7 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Bodhgaya
Day 6
Pinda Daan in Gaya & Exploration in Bodhgaya
  • Pind Daan & Vishnupad Temple Darshan in Gaya
  • Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree Meditation
  • Visiting the International Monasteries
    Distance: Around 15 km
    Travel Time: 30 Minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Bodhgaya
Day 7
Journey from Bodh Gaya to Vaidhyanath (Baijanath)
  • Drive from Bodhgaya to Baijnath
    Distance: Around 250 km
    Travel Time: 3 Hours 30 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Baijanath
Day 8
From Vaihyanath (Baijnath) to the Cultural Heart of Kolkata
  • Morning Darshan at Baijnath Jyotirlinga
  • Train Journey to Kolkata
  • Evening Arrival in Kolkata
    Distance: Around 329 km
    Travel Time: 5 Hours by Train
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kolkata
Day 9
A Sacred Sojourn to Ganga Sagar
  • Holy Bath at Ganga Sagar
  • Darshan at Kapil Muni Ashram
    Optional Visits to Belur Math & Dakshineswar Kali Temple
    Distance: Around 120 km (One Way)
    Travel Time: 4 Hours by Bus (One Way)
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kolkata
Day 10
Journey to Jagannath Puri
  • Flight from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar
  • Road Journey to Puri
  • Darshan at Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra Temples
  • Participation in temple rituals, chanting, and spiritual offerings
  • Experiencing the Divine Mystery of the Nila Chakra
  • Return to Bhubaneswar for Rest and Spiritual Reflection
    Distance: Around 380 km (Kolkata to Bhubaneshwor)
    Flight Time: 1 Hour 15 minutes
    Distance: 65 km (One Way) (Bhubanaeshwor to Jagannath Puri)
    Time: 1 Hour 15 minutes (One Way)
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Bhubaneshwor
Day 11
From Bhubaneswar to Srisailam
  • Darshan at Lingaraj Mahadev – Witnessing the ancient spiritual grandeur of Odisha
  • Flight from Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad – Transitioning across sacred lands
  • Darshan of the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Linga
  • Abhisheka at the temple invoking Shiva’s boundless blessings
  • Witnessing the unique blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as both Lingaraj and Harihara
  • Arrival at Srisailam – Immersing in the divine energy of Lord Mallikarjuna
    Distance: Around 850 km (Bhubaneshwor to Haiderabad)
    Flight Time: 1 Hour 35 minutes
    Distance: 230 km (One Way) (Haiderabad to Srisailam)
    Time: 5 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Srisailam
Day 12
Srisailam Darshan – A Divine Encounter with Lord Mallikarjuna
  • Early morning Darshan at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga—one of the most powerful Shiva temples in India.
  • Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Jyotirlinga with holy water, milk, and flowers, invoking Shiva’s grace
  • Darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna in the sanctum sanctorum, where the divine energy radiates powerfully
  • Offering special prayers to Goddess Bhramaramba, the presiding Shakti of the temple
  • Immersing in the age-old legends of Lord Kartikeya’s penance and his parents’ visit, which sanctified this holy land
  • Special prayers at Bhramaramba Shakti Peetha
  • Exploring Patala Ganga, Sakshi Ganapati, Phaladhara Panchadhara  and Adi Shankaracharya’s meditation site
  • Scenic return journey through the Nallamala Hills to Hyderabad
    Distance: Around 326 km (Srisailam to Mallikarjun)
    Drive Time: 6 Hours 30 minutes
    Srisailam to Haiderabad Distance: 230 km (One Way)
    Time: Time: 5 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Hyderabad
Day 13
Journey to the Sacred Shores of Rameswaram
  • Afternoon flight from Hyderabad to Madurai
  • Scenic drive to Rameswaram
  • Visit the Ram Setu Karai
  • Reflections on the divine significance of Rameswaram in the epic Ramayana
    Distance: Around 838 km (Hyderabad to Madurai)
    Flight Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
    Drive Distance: 170 km (Madurai to Rameshwaram)
    Time: 4 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Rameshwaram
Day 14
The Sacred Pilgrimage of Rameswaram and Journey to Madurai
  • Early morning Darshan at Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga
  • Visit to Dhanushkodi
  • Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple
  • Scenic drive from Rameswaram to Madurai, soaking in the beauty of Tamil Nadu
  • Evening Darshan at Meenakshi Temple, Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (an
    incarnation of Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva)
    Distance: 170 km (Rameshwaram to Madurai)
    Time: Time: 4 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Madurai
Day 15
From the Sacred City of Madurai to the Spiritual Heart of Maharashtra – Mumbai & Pune
  • Morning flight from Madurai to Mumbai
  • Drive from Mumbai to Pune
  • Opportunity to visit Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
    Distance: 1165 km (Madurai to Mumbai)
    Flight Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
    Distance: 150 km (Mumbai to Pune)
    Time: 3 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Pune
Day 16
Pilgrimage to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – The Abode of Shiva in the Sahyadris
  • Drive through the Western Ghats
  • Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Darshan, experiencing thedivine presence of Lord Shiva
  • Exploration of Bhimashankar’s sacred surroundings, including Kamalaja Devi Temple and Gupt Bhimashankar
  • Return to Pune
    Distance: 123 km (One Way) (Pune to Bhimashankar Temple)
    Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes (One Way)
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Pune
Day 17
Pilgrimage to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, and the Timeless Wonders of Ellora
  • Sacred Darshan at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
  • Participation in Abhishekam & Maha Aarti
  • Exploration of the magnificent Ellora Caves, Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
  • Exploration of the Hindu, Buddhist & Jain Caves
    Distance: 211 km (Pune to Aurangabad)
    Time: 4-5 Hours
    Distance: 30 km (Aurangabad to Grishneshwar)
    Time: 50 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aurangabad
Day 18
Trimbakeshwar Darshan – The Sacred Source of the Godavari
  • Sacred Darshan at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
  • Abhishekam and Pujas
  • Holy dip at Kushavarta Kund
  • Exploration of Panchavati, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa (Cave), Kapaleshwar Temple, Ram Kund
    Distance: 197 km km (Aurangabad to Nashik)
    Time: 4 Hours
    Distance: 30 km (Traimbakeshwar to Panchavati)
    Time: 55 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Nashik
Day 19
Journey from Mumbai to Indore
  • Sacred Darshan at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
  • Abhishekam and Pujas
  • Holy dip at Kushavarta Kund
  • Exploration of Panchavati, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa (Cave), Kapaleshwar Temple, Ram Kund
    Distance: 197 km km (Aurangabad to Nashik)
    Time: 4 Hours
    Distance: 30 km (Traimbakeshwar to Panchavati)
    Time: 55 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Nashik
Day 20
Mahakal & Omkareshwar Darshan – A Journey Beyond Time
  • Bhasma Aarti & Darshan at Mahakaleshwar
    Journey to Omkareshwar
  • Darshan at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
  • Return to Indore
    Distance: 56 km (Indore to Mahakaleshwar)
    Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
    Distance: 78 km (Indore to Omkareshwar)
    Time: 2 Hours 30 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Indore
Day 21
Indore – Ahmedabad – Somnath—A Sacred Journey to the First Jyotirlinga
  • Flight from Indore to Ahmedabad
  • Drive through Gujarat
    Distance: 334 km (Indore to Ahmedabad)
    Time: 1 Hour
    Distance: 415 km (Ahmedabad to Somnath)
    Time: 7 Hours 30 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Somnath
Day 22
Somnath to Dwarka – A Journey from the First Jyotirlinga to the Kingdom of Krishna
  • Morning Puja & Darshan at Somnath Jyotirlinga
  • Drive from Somnath to Dwarka
  • Evening visit to Dwarka, the island kingdom of Lord Krishna
    Distance: 235 km (Somnath to Dwarka)
    Time: 4 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Dwarka
Day 23
Dwarka – Nageshwar – Dwarka
  • Early morning Darshan of Dwarkadhish (Krishna)
  • A sacred journey to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
  • Powerful Abhishekam and prayers at the Jyotirlinga
  • Shrine of Krishna – The place where Shri Krishna resided and ruled over Dwarka
  • Sudama Setu – A bridge named after Krishna’s childhood friend, Sudama, symbolizing eternal friendship and devotion
  • Matsya Avatar Temple – A sacred spot believed to be associated with Vishnu’s Matsya (fish) incarnation
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Dwarka
Day 24
Dwarka – Ahmedabad—The Final Journey
  • A heartfelt farewell to Dwarka, the divine kingdom of Krishna.
  • An 8-hour reflective drive through the sacred land of Gujarat.
  • Final prayers, gratitude, and spiritual discussions among fellow yatris.
  • Official conclusion of the pilgrimage in Ahmedabad, carrying divine realization home.
  • Dwarka to Ahmedabad Distance: 470 km
  • Time: 8 Hours
Tour Cost
  • Package Price: US$ 5999 per person (on a twin-sharing basis)
  • Single Supplementary: US$ 1699 (for single occupancy accommodation)
Cost includes:
  • All ground transfers including airport pickup and drops by private tourist buses. Hotel accommodation on a sharing basis inclusive of pure vegetarian meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All domestic flights and 2t/3t A/c train tickets as per itinerary.
  • Travel duffel bag
  • Service of professional Karnali team leader and support crew.
  • All guided sightseeing and Darshan
  • Domestic flight tickets as specified in the itinerary.
  • Comprehensive First Aid Medical Kit.
Cost does not includes:
  • International flight fares from/to your home country
  • India Visa.
  • Expenses of a personal nature, e. g. bar bills, bottled drinks, Internet, telephone, laundry, etc.
  • Puja, Dakshina, and Darshan cost in temples.
  • Travel and Medical insurance.
  • Any other costs not mentioned in the cost include section but may incur due to unforeseen circumstances.
Request Detail Itinerary

Resources

  • Essential Information
  • Recommended Readings

Ready to make this journey your own?

  • location
    Budhanilkanta 44600, Nepal
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    +977 9851035496
  • mail
    Karnaliexcursions@gmail.com
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