Here is detailed travel guide to India's 12 Jyotirlingas.
1.
Somnath - Gujarat
2.
Mallikarjuna - Andhra Pradesh
3.
Mahakaleshwar - Madhya Pradesh
4.
Omkareshwar - Madhya Pradesh
5.
Kedarnath - Uttarakhand
6.
Bhimashankar - Maharashtra
7.
Kashi
Vishwanath - Uttar Pradesh
8.
Trimbakeshwar - Maharashtra
9.
Vaidyanath - Jharkhand
10.
Nageshwar - Gujarat
11.
Ramanathaswamy - Tamil Nadu
12.
Grishneshwar – Maharashtra
Best Plan to Cover All 12 Jyotirlingas
Ideally,
this trip will take about 3-4 weeks. Let’s break down a smart route to cover
all the 12 Jyotirlingas without wasting much time and energy on backtracking.
- Start
in Maharashtra: Begin
your journey in Maharashtra, where you can visit Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar,
and Grishneshwar – these temples are relatively close to each
other.
Bhimashankar 
Trimbakeshwar 
Grishneshwar - Head
to Madhya Pradesh:
Next, travel to Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar in Madhya
Pradesh. These central locations make for easy access by rail or road from
Maharashtra.
Mahakaleshwar 
Omkareshwar - Move
to Gujarat: Go
further west to Gujarat, where Somnath and Nageshwar await.
These two can be combined in one trip if planned right.
Somnath 
Nageshwar - North
India: Heading north,
plan a visit to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand and Kashi Vishwanath
in Varanasi. Both these places have a magical vibe, and Kedarnath
especially, with its scenic Himalayan backdrop, is worth the effort.
Kedarnath 
Kashi Vishwanath - Eastern
India: Swing over to Vaidyanath
in Jharkhand next. You may need to plan train or flight options depending
on your travel timing and comfort.
Vaidyanath - Southern
India: End your trip
with Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh and Ramanathaswamy in
Tamil Nadu, covering the beautiful South and its serene coastal locations.
Mallikarjuna 
Ramanathaswamy
When’s the Best Time to Travel all 12 Jyotirlingas in India?
The
ideal time to start this journey is from October to March, as the
weather is generally pleasant and you can avoid the heavy monsoon season, which
makes access to remote places like Kedarnath tricky.
Essential Items to Carry for 12 Jyotirlingas Journey
Here’s
a quick list to make your trip hassle-free:
- ID
Proofs: Required for
temple entry and hotel check-ins.
- Comfortable
Footwear: Some
temples involve long walks or even trekking.
- Warm
Clothing: Needed for
places like Kedarnath, where it’s chilly year-round.
- Reusable
Water Bottle: Many
temples don’t allow single-use plastics.
- Basic
Medicines and First Aid:
Useful especially if you’re new to long-distance travel.
- Offerings: Flowers, incense, or ghee – these
can be found locally but you can also bring your own if you prefer.
Things Not Allowed in Temples
Most
temples follow strict rules:
- Mobile
Phones and Cameras:
Locker facilities are usually available nearby.
- Leather
Goods: Wallets,
belts, and bags may need to be left outside.
- Footwear: Always leave outside or in
designated spots.
Temple Timings and Important Details
Each
temple has its own schedule, but here’s a general idea:
- Morning
Openings: Typically
around 4:00-5:00 AM, with special rituals early in the morning.
- Closing
Times: Usually around
9:00-10:00 PM, with a midday closure in some temples.
It’s
wise to check specific timings, especially for major temples like Kedarnath or
Kashi Vishwanath, as they can vary during festivals and auspicious occasions.
Accommodation and Budget Tips
India
offers a wide range of accommodations, and each Jyotirlinga destination has
options from budget to luxury:
- Budget: ₹800 - ₹1500 per night in local
guesthouses or dharmashalas.
- Mid-Range: ₹2000 - ₹4000 for 2-3 star hotels.
- Luxury: ₹5000+ for a more comfortable stay,
especially in bigger towns like Varanasi and Rameswaram.
If
you’re planning to visit during peak pilgrimage season or major Hindu
festivals, try to book your accommodations in advance, as these places get
packed quickly.
Food Options Near Jyotirlinga Temples
Food
is usually vegetarian near most Temples, catering to the requirements of
pilgrims. Expect simple yet tasty meals in dhabas or local eateries nearby.
Larger cities like Varanasi and Rameswaram also have a variety of dining
options ranging from street food to fine dining restaurants.
Travel Options to Cover All 12 Jyotirlingas
- Train: This is the most affordable and easiest way to
travel between distant Jyotirlingas, though you may need to be patient
with schedules. Planning in advance helps, especially on popular
pilgrimage routes.
- Flights: For covering long distances, like
from Gujarat to Uttarakhand or Jharkhand to Tamil Nadu, flights save
considerable time.
- Private
Cabs or Rental Car:
This is a convenient choice if traveling in a group or with family,
allowing you to explore nearby areas around each Jyotirlinga without
worrying about public transport.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Avoid
Crowds: Try to visit
temples early morning or late evening to avoid long lines.
- Dress
Appropriately: Some
temples, like Ramanathaswamy, have strict dress codes. Wearing traditional
outfit may be more respectful.
- Mind
the Festive Rush:
During festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Jyotirlinga temples are very crowded. If
you’re not keen on crowds, avoid these dates or plan well ahead.
- Local
Language: Basic
phrases in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu can be helpful when traveling
across various states.
This guide to all 12 Jyotirlingas provides the basics, but every traveler’s experience will be unique. Each temple has its own charm, history, and significance – making this journey through India’s spiritual destinations truly memorable.
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