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Maharashtra is the only state in India that houses three Jyotirlingas — three of the twelve most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva — within its borders. Trimbakeshwar near Nashik. Grishneshwar near Aurangabad. Bhimashankar near Pune. For any Shiva devotee, visiting all three in a single Maharashtra pilgrimage circuit is a dream that is entirely achievable in 2–3 days. But here is the problem most pilgrims face: when they search for the distance from Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar to Bhimashankar, they get conflicting numbers, no clear route sequence, and zero guidance on which order makes geographic sense. Should you go Trimbakeshwar first or Bhimashankar? Which road connects them? Is a one-day tour even possible? This guide answers every one of those questions. You will find the exact Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar distance, the Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar distance, the Grishneshwar to Bhimashankar distance, both circuit sequences compared, step-by-step route details, travel time by road, cab fares, and the ideal 3-day Maharashtra Jyotirlinga itinerary — all in one place.
The 3 Maharashtra Jyotirlingas: Locations & Quick Facts
Before mapping the distances, here is a quick overview of each of the three Maharashtra Jyotirlingas — their precise locations, Jyotirlinga number among the twelve, and what makes each unique.
6th Jyotirlinga | Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Trimbak town, Nashik district, Maharashtra Nearest Cities: Nashik (28 km) | Mumbai (170 km) | Pune (155 km) Altitude: 950 m above sea level Sacred River: Source of the sacred Godavari River Unique Factor: The only Jyotirlinga with THREE faces — representing Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva (the Trimurti). Source of the Godavari, India's second-longest river. Kumbh Mela is held at Nashik every 12 years. Access: Road from Nashik (40 mins) — no railway station in Trimbak
12th Jyotirlinga | Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Verul village (Ellora), Aurangabad district, Maharashtra Nearest Cities: Aurangabad (29 km) | Mumbai (335 km) | Nashik (165 km) Altitude: 626 m above sea level Sacred River: Shivna River (nearby) Unique Factor: The LAST of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Located 1 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves. Renovated by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar (Maratha era). The temple complex was rebuilt entirely in the 18th century. Access: Road from Aurangabad (45 mins) — nearest station Aurangabad
8th Jyotirlinga | Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Location: Bhimashankar, Sahyadri Range, Pune district, Maharashtra Nearest Cities: Pune (110 km) | Mumbai (200 km) | Nashik (185 km) Altitude: 1,050 m above sea level Sacred River: Source of the Bhima River (tributary of Krishna) Unique Factor: Located within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary — home to the Giant Indian Squirrel (Shekaru). The temple sits deep in the Sahyadri Ghats and is surrounded by dense forest. Fog-draped in monsoon season. Access: Winding Ghats road from Pune (3–3.5 hrs)
Complete Distance Chart: All 3 Temple Pairs
Here is the complete distance reference for every possible pairing of the three Maharashtra Jyotirlingas — whether you are planning a circuit or a direct temple-to-temple trip.
| Route | Road Distance | Travel Time (by car) | Via / Highway | Best Mode |
| Trimbakeshwar → Grishneshwar | ~165 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | NH 160 (Nashik–Aurangabad) | Car / Cab |
| Grishneshwar → Trimbakeshwar | ~165 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | NH 160 (Reverse) | Car / Cab |
| Trimbakeshwar → Bhimashankar | ~110 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | NH 160 / SH 35 (Nashik–Pune Ghats) | Car / Cab |
| Bhimashankar → Trimbakeshwar | ~185 km | 3.5 – 4 hrs | Via Pune–Nashik Expressway (NH 61) | Car / Cab |
| Grishneshwar → Bhimashankar | ~280 km | 4.5 – 5 hrs | Via Pune (NH 52 + NH 48) | Car / Cab |
| Bhimashankar → Grishneshwar | ~280 km | 4.5 – 5 hrs | Via Pune + NH 52 (Reverse) | Car / Cab |
| FULL CIRCUIT: Trimbakeshwar → Grishneshwar → Bhimashankar | ~445 km | 8 – 9 hrs (driving only) | NH 160 + NH 52 + NH 48 | 2–3 day road trip |
| FULL CIRCUIT: Trimbakeshwar → Bhimashankar → Grishneshwar | ~390 km | 7 – 8 hrs (driving only) | SH 35 + NH 48 + NH 52 | 2–3 day road trip (shorter route) |
Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar Distance by Road
The distance from Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is approximately 165 km by road via the Nashik–Aurangabad Highway (NH 160). This is a well-maintained, four-lane highway through the Nashik wine country and Godavari valley — one of the most scenic drives in Maharashtra.
- Trimbakeshwar Temple 0 km | Start Depart from Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik district. Take the local road from Trimbak town toward Nashik city (28 km, ~40 minutes).
- Nashik City / Bypass 28 km | 40 mins Enter Nashik city or take the Nashik bypass. Head east on NH 160 (Nashik–Aurangabad National Highway). This 4-lane divided highway is fast and smooth for the majority of the route.
- Sinnar / Malegaon Bypass 60 km | 1 hr Pass through or bypass the Sinnar junction. Continue on NH 160 toward Aurangabad. The road passes through semi-arid Deccan plateau landscape with views of the Sahyadri foothills to the west.
- Aurangabad City / Bypass 145 km | 2 hrs 15 mins Enter Aurangabad district. Take the Aurangabad bypass or pass through the city. Follow signs for Ellora Caves (Verul), which is the same road to Grishneshwar. Aurangabad is the ideal overnight stay city for this leg.
- Grishneshwar Temple, Verul 165 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs Arrive at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Verul village, 29 km from Aurangabad city. The Ellora Caves UNESCO site is just 1 km away and can be visited before or after the Grishneshwar darshan.
Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar: Travel Options
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
| Car / Cab (Private) | 165 km | 2.5–3 hrs | 2,500–4,000 (one way) | Best option — direct NH 160 highway |
| Bus (MSRTC) | 165 km | 3.5–4 hrs | 120–180 per person | Nashik → Aurangabad buses every 30–45 mins |
| Self-Drive | 165 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Fuel ~350–450 | Scenic NH 160 drive |
| Train (indirect) | Via Manmad or Ahmednagar | 5–6 hrs total | 200–500 | Not recommended — road is faster |
Tip: The Nashik to Aurangabad (NH 160) stretch is part of the famous Maharashtra wine trail — passing through Sula Vineyards and Nasik's grape belt. If you are on a road trip (not strict pilgrimage), this section offers scenic stops. Aurangabad also makes the ideal base for visiting both Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and the Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage) and Ajanta Caves (2.5 hrs from Aurangabad).
Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar Distance by Road
The distance from Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is approximately 110 km by road — the shortest leg of the 3-temple Maharashtra circuit. However, do not let the short distance mislead you. The road climbs through the Sahyadri Western Ghats, with narrow winding Ghat sections that require careful driving. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for this leg.
Step-by-Step Route: Trimbakeshwar → Bhimashankar
- Trimbakeshwar Temple 0 km | Start Depart from Trimbakeshwar Temple. Head back toward Nashik city via the Trimbak–Nashik road (28 km, ~40 minutes). This is the only way out of Trimbak town toward most destinations.
- Nashik → Pune Highway (NH 160 / NH 61) 28 km | 40 mins From Nashik, take the Nashik–Pune Expressway (Mumbai-Nashik Expressway, NH 61) or the older Nashik–Pune road toward Igatpuri direction. This is a well-maintained 4-lane highway.
- Igatpuri / Ghoti Junction 60 km | 1 hr Continue south from Nashik through Igatpuri or Ghoti junction. Here the road begins to climb into the Sahyadri range. Follow the state highway (SH 35) toward Rajgurunagar / Khed direction.
- Rajgurunagar / Khed 85 km | 1 hr 40 mins Pass through Rajgurunagar or Khed — the last major town before Bhimashankar. Stock up on petrol and refreshments here. The road from Khed to Bhimashankar becomes a winding, scenic Ghat road through dense forest.
- Bhimashankar Temple ~110 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs Arrive at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, deep in the Sahyadri Wildlife Sanctuary at 1,050 m altitude. The final 25 km from Khed to Bhimashankar is through the forest reserve — drive slowly and watch for wildlife, especially the Giant Indian Squirrel.
Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar: Travel Options
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
| Car / Cab (Private) | ~110 km | 2.5–3 hrs | 2,000–3,200 (one way) | Recommended — book cab with Ghat experience |
| Shared Taxi (via Nashik–Pune) | ~110 km | 3.5 hrs | 300–600 per person | Nashik to Rajgurunagar + local jeep to temple |
| Bus (MSRTC) | ~110 km | 3.5–4 hrs | 80–150 per person | Limited service — check at Nashik CBS |
| Self-Drive | ~110 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Fuel ~250–350 | Take a car with good ground clearance for Ghats |
Important Road Warning — Bhimashankar Ghat Section: The last 25–30 km from Khed/Rajgurunagar to Bhimashankar passes through a narrow, winding Ghat road inside the wildlife sanctuary. This section is NOT suitable for: large vehicles / buses, overloaded trucks, or inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with Ghat roads. During monsoon (July–September), this road may have landslip risk or waterlogging. Always check current road conditions before travel.
Grishneshwar to Bhimashankar Distance by Road
The distance from Grishneshwar (Aurangabad) to Bhimashankar is the longest leg of the Maharashtra Jyotirlinga circuit at approximately 280 km. The route goes via Pune — passing through some of Maharashtra's most historically and culturally rich landscape including Ahmednagar and the Deccan plateau. Allow 4.5 to 5 hours by car.
| Segment | Distance | Duration | Road / Highway |
| Grishneshwar (Verul) → Aurangabad city | 29 km | 45 mins | State Road to Aurangabad |
| Aurangabad → Ahmednagar | 120 km | 2 hrs | NH 552 (Aurangabad–Pune) |
| Ahmednagar → Pune | 120 km | 2 hrs | NH 753 / NH 61 (Ahmednagar–Pune) |
| Pune → Bhimashankar | ~110 km | 2.5–3 hrs | NH 48 + SH (Ghats via Manchar/Rajgurunagar) |
| TOTAL: Grishneshwar → Bhimashankar | ~280 km | 5.5–6 hrs (incl. stops) | Via Aurangabad + Pune |
Grishneshwar to Bhimashankar Distance by Road
The distance from Grishneshwar (Aurangabad) to Bhimashankar is the longest leg of the Maharashtra Jyotirlinga circuit at approximately 280 km. The route goes via Pune — passing through some of Maharashtra's most historically and culturally rich landscape including Ahmednagar and the Deccan plateau. Allow 4.5 to 5 hours by car.
| Segment | Distance | Duration | Road / Highway |
| Grishneshwar (Verul) → Aurangabad city | 29 km | 45 mins | State Road to Aurangabad |
| Aurangabad → Ahmednagar | 120 km | 2 hrs | NH 552 (Aurangabad–Pune) |
| Ahmednagar → Pune | 120 km | 2 hrs | NH 753 / NH 61 (Ahmednagar–Pune) |
| Pune → Bhimashankar | ~110 km | 2.5–3 hrs | NH 48 + SH (Ghats via Manchar/Rajgurunagar) |
| TOTAL: Grishneshwar → Bhimashankar | ~280 km | 5.5–6 hrs (incl. stops) | Via Aurangabad + Pune |
Smart Tip: If travelling Grishneshwar → Bhimashankar, break the journey in Pune for a night. Pune has excellent accommodation, restaurants, and is well-connected by air and rail from all major Indian cities. The next morning, depart from Pune to Bhimashankar (110 km, 2.5–3 hrs) fresh and energised for the temple visit
Distance from Major Cities to Each Jyotirlinga
Planning to start your circuit from a major city? Here are the distances from Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik to all three Maharashtra Jyotirlingas.
| City | To Trimbakeshwar | To Bhimashankar | To Grishneshwar |
| Mumbai | ~170 km (3 hrs via NH 160) | ~200 km (4 hrs via NH 48) | ~335 km (5.5 hrs via Nashik / Pune) |
| Pune | ~155 km (3 hrs via Nashik) | ~110 km (2.5–3 hrs Ghats) | ~240 km (4.5 hrs via NH 552) |
| Nashik | ~28 km (40 mins) | ~185 km (3.5 hrs via Pune) | ~165 km (2.5 hrs via NH 160) |
| Aurangabad | ~165 km (2.5–3 hrs via NH 160) | ~280 km (5.5 hrs via Pune) | ~29 km (45 mins) |
| Hyderabad | ~525 km (9 hrs) | ~580 km (10 hrs) | ~425 km (7 hrs via Nanded) |
| Delhi | ~1,430 km (Train to Nashik) | ~1,500 km (Train to Pune) | ~1,350 km (Train to Aurangabad) |
Practical Travel Tips for the Maharashtra 3 Jyotirlinga Circuit
- Book a cab with Ghat experience for Bhimashankar: The road to Bhimashankar passes through narrow, winding Western Ghat roads. Always book a cab driver who is experienced with Ghat driving. Avoid large vehicles — maximum vehicle size is restricted on the Bhimashankar forest road.
- Start Bhimashankar leg before 8:00 AM: Bhimashankar is the highest temple on this circuit (1,050 m) and gets foggy by afternoon. An early start ensures clear visibility on the Ghat road and allows you to complete the darshan and wildlife walk before noon.
- Combine Grishneshwar with Ellora Caves: Grishneshwar Temple is just 1 km from the Ellora Caves complex. Visiting both on the same day is the smartest way to use your Aurangabad stop. The Kailasa Temple at Ellora is architecturally one of the most stunning Shiva shrines in the world — a perfect spiritual complement to Grishneshwar darshan.
- Trimbakeshwar darshan — avoid Shravan Mondays and festival days: Trimbakeshwar receives enormous crowds during Shravan month (July–August Mondays) and during Kumbh Mela. Darshan wait times can exceed 4–5 hours on such days. Plan your visit for a Tuesday–Thursday in October–March for the smoothest experience.
- Carry valid ID at all temple checkposts: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has a forest checkpost entry. Carry valid government photo ID for all passengers. Entry fees apply for the sanctuary. Camera and mobile photography are permitted in the sanctuary but NOT inside the temple sanctum.
- Book Aurangabad accommodation well in advance: Aurangabad is a popular tourist base for Ellora and Ajanta Caves. Good hotels fill up fast, especially on weekends and school holiday seasons. Book your Aurangabad stay at least 2 weeks in advance for a comfortable experience.
- Dress code at all 3 temples: All three Jyotirlinga temples require modest dress. Men: dhoti or formal trousers with upper cloth/kurta. Women: saree or salwar-kameez. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum at all three temples.
Final Thoughts: 445 km of Sacred Maharashtra
The distance from Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar to Bhimashankar — approximately 445 km across the western arc of Maharashtra — is more than a road trip. It is a pilgrimage through three of India's most ancient and sacred Shiva shrines, each embedded in a landscape of extraordinary natural and cultural beauty. Trimbakeshwar where the Godavari is born. Grishneshwar beside the rock-cut wonders of Ellora. Bhimashankar deep in the forested Sahyadri hills where the Bhima River begins its journey. Three Jyotirlingas. Three distinct landscapes. Three spiritual experiences that complement and complete each other. Plan 3 days. Book your cab in advance. Start from Nashik. And let Maharashtra's sacred triangle reveal itself to you — one temple, one road, one darshan at a time