Maharashtra has more pilgrimage destinations per square kilometre than almost any other state — Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peethas, the Ashtavinayak circuit, and saints' samadhis. Pune sits at the centre of it all, making it the perfect base for temple road trips. Here are five routes our drivers cover most frequently, with practical details for each.
1. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Distance: 185 km from Pune via Ahmednagar on NH 60
Drive time: 3.5–4 hours one way
Cab fare: Sedan from ₹3,999 one way
Shirdi is the most popular single-day pilgrimage from Pune. The Samadhi Mandir has darshan available from 5 AM to 10 PM. Thursday is the busiest day — expect longer queues. Most passengers leave Pune by 5 AM for morning darshan and return by evening.
The highway via Ahmednagar is well-maintained. Our drivers suggest stopping at Ranjangaon Ganpati on the way — it is one of the Ashtavinayak temples and only a 10-minute detour.
Book: Pune to Shirdi cab
2. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Distance: 110 km from Pune via Manchar
Drive time: 2.5–3 hours (ghat road in the last 20 km)
Cab fare: Sedan from ₹2,499 one way
One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, Bhimashankar sits deep in the Sahyadri hills. The temple opens at 5 AM — serious devotees reach by first darshan. The ghat road from Khed is narrow and winding; avoid monsoon weekends when it gets crowded and slippery.
The surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Indian Giant Squirrel. If you have time, the short walk through the forest after darshan is worth it.
Book: Pune to Bhimashankar cab
3. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Distance: 210 km from Pune via Nashik on NH 60
Drive time: 4–4.5 hours one way
Cab fare: Sedan from ₹4,999 one way
Trimbakeshwar near Nashik is one of the most important Jyotirlingas — it is also the origin of the Godavari river. The temple is known for Kaal Sarp Puja and Narayan Nagbali rituals, which draw families from across India. Rituals start early morning; plan an overnight stay in Trimbak or Nashik if you are doing puja.
The Pune–Nashik highway (NH 60) is a smooth four-lane drive. Trimbakeshwar is 28 km further from Nashik city.
Book: Pune to Trimbakeshwar cab
4. Ashtavinayak Circuit (8 Ganpati Temples)
Total distance: ~600 km circuit covering all 8 temples
Duration: Minimum 2 days recommended
Cab fare: From ₹5,999 for 2 days (sedan, all-inclusive)
The Ashtavinayak are eight ancient Ganpati temples spread across Pune and Raigad districts. The traditional order starts at Morgaon (Mayureshwar) and ends at Ranjangaon. Most families cover 4 temples per day in a planned circuit.
Temples: Morgaon, Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar, Ranjangaon. Each has a distinct form of Ganesha and its own legend.
Our drivers know the optimised route that minimises backtracking — the standard tourist sequence wastes 50+ km. Let us plan your itinerary.
Book: Ashtavinayak circuit cab
5. Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
Distance: 230 km from Pune via Satara on NH 48
Drive time: 4.5–5 hours one way
Cab fare: Sedan from ₹3,999 one way
The Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) temple in Kolhapur is one of the Shakti Peethas — considered immensely powerful for darshan. The NH 48 via Satara is a smooth highway drive. Most families do an overnight trip to combine darshan with Kolhapuri food, Rankala Lake, and optionally Panhala Fort (20 km from the city).
Friday and Navratri see the longest queues. Early morning darshan (7–8 AM) is calmest.
Book: Pune to Kolhapur cab
Planning Tips for Pilgrimage Trips
- Book the night before for early morning departures (most temples reward early arrival)
- Carry light cotton clothes — many temples require specific dress codes
- For overnight trips, let us know so we allocate a driver comfortable with waiting
- Combine nearby temples: Shirdi + Shani Shingnapur, Trimbakeshwar + Nashik Kumbh area
Book Your Pilgrimage Cab
Book online or call +91 73854 75784. Tell us your temple destination, travel dates, and group size — we will suggest the best vehicle and itinerary.
