Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar to Bhimashankar Distance: Complete 3 Maharashtra Jyotirlinga Circuit Guide
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
