Sacred India Circuit: A 27-Day Spiritual Tour - 26 Nights / 27 Days

1N Mumbai 2N Dwarka 1N Somnath 1N Hyderabad 1N Srisailam 1N Madurai 1N Rameswaram 3N Indore 1N Pune 1N Nasik 1N Shirdi 1N Ellora 2N Varanasi 1N Bodhgaya 1N Deoghar 2N Delhi 1N Haridwar 2N Guptkashi 1N Kedarnath 1N Rishikesh

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

This 27-day all-inclusive pilgrimage circuit is one of India’s most extensive sacred journeys brought to you by Cholan Tours. This package covers the country’s major Jyotirlinga shrines and spiritual destinations while ensuring comfort, smooth connectivity, and well-paced travel.

Beginning in Mumbai, the itinerary moves west into Gujarat, south to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, then north into Madhya Pradesh, finally ending with the revered Himalayan pilgrimage of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

It is crafted for travellers who wish to explore India’s most powerful Shiva temples while also experiencing important Vaishnavite, Shakti, and Buddhist sites along the way.

Your journey opens in Mumbai before going to Jamnagar and driving to Dwarka, the sacred kingdom of Lord Krishna. Dwarka Darshan includes Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple, Gomti Ghat, and Bet Dwarka Island. Nearby lies the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of Lord Shiva’s most venerated shrines.

You then proceed to Somnath, home to one of the twelve original Jyotirlingas. Visits to Bhalka Tirth and the sacred confluence at Triveni Sangam enrich this portion of the journey.

From Gujarat, you will go to Hyderabad for a full-day excursion to the Mallikarjuna Temple at Srisailam, one of the Pancharama and Jyotirlinga temples. After returning to Hyderabad, the itinerary continues to Madurai and then Rameswaram, where the Ramanatha Swamy Temple is famous for its long corridors and Agni Theertham.

The circuit then ascends northward. From Madurai, you go to Indore to visit Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, a major Jyotirlinga featuring the unique Bhasma Aarti performed at dawn. The next day is dedicated to Omkareshwar, which is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas.

Next, you go to Pune to visit Bhimashankar, the forested Jyotirlinga shrine located in the Sahyadri ranges. The pilgrimage continues to Nashik for Trimbakeshwar, Shirdi for Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, Shani Shingnapur, and Grishneshwar Temple near Ellora.

From Aurangabad, you go to Varanasi for Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of India’s holiest Jyotirlingas. You can also visit Sarnath, the ghats, Kal Bhairav, Visalakshi, and Annapoorani temples. The itinerary continues to Bodhgaya, where it visits the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree, before driving to Deoghar for the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga.

Your journey concludes with the Himalayan pilgrimage to Kedarnath. After staying in Haridwar and witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, you proceed to Guptkashi and finally trek or ride up to Kedarnath. The temple is open only from late April to early November.

This itinerary is a complete spiritual odyssey that spans India’s geography, culture, and traditions, offering one of the most comprehensive pilgrimage experiences available.

Itinerary

This itinerary highlights Dwarka, Somnath, Srisailam, Rameswaram, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Shirdi, Grishneshwar, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Deoghar, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, and Delhi, blending plains, coasts, forests, and the Himalayas.

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai−

On your arrival at Mumbai airport, you will be welcomed by our tour executive and then transferred to the hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai - Jamnagar - Dwarka (3 hours)+

Morning, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Jamnagar. On your arrival at Jamnagar Airport, you will be received by your driver. Later, drive to Dwarka and check into your hotel.

Day 3: Dwarka+

After breakfast, visit the Dwarkadheesh Temple (Jagat Mandir) with the presiding deity of Shri Krishna known as Dwarkadheesh. Then visit the Rukmani Temple.

The visit to Dwarka is not complete without a visit to Bet Dwarka, an island at a distance of 30 km. Off the coast of Okha port, at Bet, there are temples of Vishnu (in the form of 'Matsya'), Radha, Lakshmi, Satyabhama, Jambuvanti and Devaki. A ferry ride from Dwarka to the island of Bet near Okha makes a pleasant outing.

Nageshwar Mandir (one of the twelve Jytorilinga shrines) is a temple situated towards Okha dedicated to Lord Shiva in an underground chamber. Then visit Gomati Village, Gomati Talav and Gomati Mandir.

Day 4: Dwarka - Somnath (5 hours)+

Early morning, start your drive to visit the Somnath Temple, which is a famous pilgrimage place for the followers of both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit the Bhalka Tirth, one of the Panch Dwarka.

Then visit the most important temple and main highlight in Somnath is the Kailash temple (one among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines), which is famous for imposing architecture, a 50-meter high tower, intricate carvings and a number of holy idols and images. After performing the evening Aarti, relax at the hotel.

Day 5: Somnath - Rajkot (4 to 5 hours) - Hyderabad - Srisailam+

Early morning, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Hyderabad. On arrival at Hyderabad airport, you will be met and then transferred to the hotel.

Day 6: Hyderabad - Srisailam (5 hours)+

Post breakfast, start your drive to Srisailam. Visit Mallikarjuna Temple and later check in at the hotel.

Day 7: Srisailam - Hyderabad (5 hours) - Madurai+

Early morning, start your drive to Hyderabad Airport to board the flight to Madurai. On arrival at Madurai, check in at the hotel and relax.

Day 8: Madurai - Rameswaram (3.5 hours one way)+

Morning drive to Rameswaram. At Rameswaram, visit Agni Theertham, Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Ramar Padham and later visit Dhanushkodi.

Day 9: Rameswaram - Madurai (3.5 hours) - Indore+

Morning drive to Madurai Airport to board the connecting flight to Indore.

Note: If you would like to visit Meenakshi Temple, Thiruparankundram, and Pazhamudhir Cholai Temples, you will require an extra night at Madurai.

Day 10: Indore - Day Trip to Ujjain (2 hours)+

This morning, drive to Ujjain to visit Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple and Kali Mata Temple. You may also wish to visit Shri Ram Ghat, located on the banks of the Kshipra River. This ghat is the key site during Kumbh Mela. Evening return to Indore.

Day 11: Indore - Day Trip to Omkareshwar (3 hours one way)+

This day is scheduled for the day trip to Omkareshwar to visit Omkareshwar Temple and Mamleshwar Temple.

Day 12: Indore - Pune+

Morning, board the flight to Pune. On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 13: Pune - Bhimashankar (3 hours) - Nasik (5 hours)+

Start your drive not later than 7 AM and drive to Bhimashankar. Once you complete your darshan at the temple, drive to Nasik. Check in at the hotel and relax.

Day 14: Nasik - Shirdi (3 hours)+

Morning visit Trimbakeshwar Temple and drive to Shirdi. Evening visit Sai Baba Mandir.

Day 15: Shirdi - Shani Shingnapur (2 hours) & Grishneshwar (2 hours) - Ellora+

This day visit Shani Shingnapur and Grishneshwar temple and stay overnight at Ellora.

Note: If you would like to visit the Ajanta caves, you will have to spend an extra night at Aurangabad.

Day 16: Aurangabad - Varanasi+

Morning, you will be transferred to the airport to board the connecting flight to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and then transferred to the hotel.

Evening watch the Aarti ceremony on the River Ganges. Later visit Kalbhairav Temple.

Day 17: Varanasi+

This day visit Kasi Viswanath Temple, Annapoorani Temple and Kasi Visalakshi Temple. You will also enjoy the boat ride on the River Ganges and visit various ghats. If you wish, you may visit Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon.

Day 18: Varanasi - Bodhgaya (6 hours)+

Start your day early and drive to Bodhgaya. Visit Vishnu Pad Temple and Falguni River. If you are interested, you could visit the Mahabodhi Tree, where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment. Overnight stay at Bodh Gaya.

Day 19: Bodhgaya - Deoghar (7 hours)+

Morning drive to Deoghar. In the evening, get the darshan of Lord Vaidhyanath.

Day 20: Deoghar - Delhi+

Today you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi, you will be met and then transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration.

Day 21: Delhi - Haridwar (6 hours)+

Morning, start your drive to Haridwar. Upon reaching Haridwar, check into your hotel and take some time to freshen up. In the evening, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambience as you witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where oil lamps and chants illuminate the riverbanks.

Day 22: Haridwar - Guptkashi+

Morning begins your drive towards Guptkashi. The drive to Guptkashi takes you through picturesque mountain roads, lush forests, and charming villages. As you drive along, you can make stops at Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers converge to form the Ganges.

Upon arrival in Guptkashi, check in at your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, you can explore the town's main attractions, such as the Kedarnath Temple replica, which is located here, offering a sense of spiritual peace. You can also visit the Ardhanareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of this peaceful town.

Day 23: Guptkashi - Kedarnath+

Before sunrise, start the journey from Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Drive to Sonprayag. Here, you have to hire a local jeep that will take you to Gaurikund, the starting point for the Kedarnath trek.

The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath spans approximately 20 kilometres. You have the option to complete the trek on foot or by hiring a horse. The route offers stunning mountain views, dense forests, and a spiritual ambience as it ascends to Kedarnath, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.

Upon reaching Kedarnath, check in to your accommodation, freshen up, and later proceed to visit the Kedarnath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple stands amidst the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters.

Day 24: Kedarnath - Guptkashi+

Begin the day with an early morning visit to the Kedarnath Temple to experience the morning Darshan of this sacred place. After spending time at the temple, return to the hotel for breakfast, then check out and prepare for the trek back down to Gaurikund.

The descent from Kedarnath to Gaurikund covers a distance of around 20 kilometres, which you can choose to complete either on foot or by hiring a horse. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and forests that characterise this holy route.

Upon reaching Gaurikund, hire a local jeep to travel to Sonprayag, where you will meet your vehicle for the transfer back to Guptkashi.

Day 25: Guptkashi - Rishikesh+

Post breakfast, drive to Rishikesh. Visit Ram Jhula, Swargashram, Gita Bhawan, Paramarth Niketan Ashram, Lakshman Temple and Janki Setu.

Note: If you prefer to visit Badrinath, then you will need three additional days.

Day 26: Rishikesh - Delhi (7 hours)+

This day, leisurely drive to Delhi. On arrival, check in at the hotel located near the airport, as it will be convenient for you to get transferred to the airport tomorrow.

Day 27: Delhi Departure+

Based on your international flight departure time, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for your onward journey.

FAQs on Sacred India Circuit: A 27-Day Spiritual Tour Package

What is the best time to undertake this 27-day Jyotirlinga circuit?

The ideal time is October to March, when temperatures are pleasant throughout most regions. Kedarnath requires travel during its open season, typically late April-early November. Avoid monsoon months for smoother travel and better temple accessibility.

How physically demanding is this itinerary?

Most destinations are comfortably accessible by car or flight. The only physically demanding section is Kedarnath, requiring a 20 km trek or pony/palki. A helicopter is optional, but it depends on the weather and availability.

Are temple queues long at major Jyotirlingas?

Yes, especially at Somnath, Mahakaleshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Ramanathaswamy, and Kedarnath. Early-morning darshans reduce waiting time. Special darshan tickets are available at some temples, depending on local regulations and seasonal crowd patterns.

What type of accommodations are provided during the trip?

Comfortable hotels are available in all major cities. Remote locations like Kedarnath offer only basic dormitory-style accommodation. Srisailam also has limited hotel quality, so day trips are planned to avoid overnight stays there.

Are flights between destinations reliable?

Some connections, like Deoghar and Madurai sectors, require two flights and may have limited schedules. The itinerary is designed with buffer time to reduce risks from delays, ensuring temple visits remain unaffected.

What should I pack for this multi-state itinerary?

Carry modest temple-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers for Himalayan regions, rain protection, necessary medicines, and photocopies of IDs. Lightweight clothing works for southern temples and plains destinations.

Is photography allowed inside the temples?

Most temples do not allow photography inside the sanctum areas. Some permit photography in outer courtyards. Always follow temple-specific guidelines and respect religious rules, especially at Jyotirlinga shrines.

Are special rituals or pujas included?

General darshan is included; special pujas can be arranged on request but depend on temple regulations, priest availability, and time constraints. Some rituals, like Mahakaleshwar’s Bhasma Aarti, require advance booking.

How safe is travel across these destinations?

All destinations are well-established pilgrimage and tourist centres. Your itinerary uses private transport and vetted hotels, providing safety and comfort. Basic precautions with belongings and crowd awareness are advisable.

Can elderly travellers undertake this itinerary?

Yes, except the Kedarnath trek, which demands stamina. Elderly pilgrims often opt for helicopter services. The rest of the trip uses vehicles and flights with manageable walking levels.