Complete Guide to IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra: Itinerary, Cost & Booking (Updated 2025)

For many followers of Lord Shiva, visiting the seven Jyotirlinga temples is one of the most important spiritual journeys in life. These temples are spread across different parts of India, and travelling to all of them can take a lot of planning. The IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra 2025 makes this easier by bringing all seven temples into one organised trip.

This special tour, run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, takes pilgrims to the holy temples of Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Somnath, Nageshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, and Grishneshwar. The entire journey is done through the Jyotirlinga Yatra Special Train, which provides travel, food, stay, and local transfers – all in one package.

What makes the IRCTC Jyotirlinga package special is that travellers can focus on their prayers and spiritual experience without worrying about travel or stay arrangements. From riverside shrines in Madhya Pradesh to coastal temples in Gujarat and ancient stone temples in Maharashtra, the 7 Jyotirlinga Yatra lets devotees see the spiritual diversity of India in one single journey.

Why Choose the IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra?

The IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra offers devotees the opportunity to visit seven of the most revered Shiva shrines in one well-organised pilgrimage. It is run via the specially designated Jyotirlinga Yatra Special Train under the “Bharat Gaurav” rail-tourism scheme.

Here are some key advantages:

Structured schedule: All major stops are pre-planned, reducing the hassle of independent bookings.
Budget clarity: Costs are published for different travel classes, helping pilgrims plan accordingly.

Combination of rail, road transfers & accommodation: A mix of rail journey via the special train and bus/coach transfers at destinations.
All-included meals (vegetarian), insurance, and tour escorts: The 2025 package mentions vegetarian meals, travel insurance, and tour manager services.

Spiritual value: Visiting seven Jyotirlinga shrines offers an experience steeped in traditional worship and cultural significance.

Given these, the seven Jyotirlinga darshan by IRCTC becomes an appealing option for those wanting a devotional yet convenient pilgrimage.

IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra for 7 jyotirlingas

Picture Credits: Killian Pham via Unsplash

What Are the Seven Jyotirlingas Covered?

In this 7 Jyotirlinga Yatra package, the following shrines are included:

Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, MP)
Nageshwar (Gujarat)
Somnath (Gujarat)
Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)
Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)
Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

Additionally, some itineraries include a visit to the Dwarkadhish Temple and the nearby Bet Dwarka (both in Gujarat) as a supplement to the core seven.

These temples are distributed across central and western India, giving the trip a wide geographic sweep and a sense of pilgrimage across regions.

2025 Itinerary Overview of the IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra

Below is a typical itinerary for the 2025 offering of the IRCTC Jyotirlinga package. (Please note: exact boarding points, dates or sequence might vary slightly depending on departure station, regional rail connectivity or final IRCTC schedule.)

Day by Day Outline

Day 1: Departure from the boarding station (for example, Yog Nagri Rishikesh Railway Station in Uttarakhand) in the early morning. Participants board the specially designated Jyotirlinga Yatra Special Train.

Day 2 to Day 3: Arrival at the first major temple, Omkareshwar. Followed by a local transfer to Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain.
Day 4 to Day 5: Move westwards to Somnath (which may also include Dwarkadhish & Nageshwar en route) in Gujarat.
Day 6 to Day 7: After Gujarat, the train heads towards Maharashtra. Visit Trimbakeshwar, then Bhimashankar.
Day 8 to Day 9: Visit Grishneshwar near Aurangabad, then transfers/road journeys between temples and coaches.
Day 10 to Day 11: Return leg begins; train retraces or uses a different rail corridor via central India back to the starting point.

Day 12 (or Day 13 depending on variant): Arrival at home station, disembarkation, and end of the journey.
According to several sources, one variant is 11-nights/12-days; another is 12-nights/13-days.

Boarding & De-boarding Points

The journey allows multiple boarding stations so that participants from different regions can join. For example, boarding stations for the June/July variant included Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Lalitpur.
For the November 2025 variant starting at Rishikesh, boarding options include Haridwar, Lucknow, and other major junctions.

Duration

One key release mentions: 11 nights / 12 days starting 18 November 2025.
Another version shows 12 nights / 13 days for a June-July departure.

Cost & Travel Classes for 2025

When examining the financial aspect of the IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra, the 2025 package offers three broad classes of travel, each with different fares and comfort levels.

Travel Class	Typical Fare (per adult)	Remarks
Economy (Sleeper / SL)	Rs. 24,100 onward (Nov 2025 variant)	Basic accommodation, sleeper class train compartments, shared rooms in budget hotels.
Standard (3AC)	Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 40,890 per person	3-tier AC rail travel, better hotel rooms, and more comfort.
Comfort (2AC)	Rs. 53,260 – Rs. 54,390 per person	2-tier AC train coaches, premium accommodation, enhanced travel experience.

Important Notes:

These prices are inclusive of the train journey, meals (vegetarian), accommodation, transfers, insurance, and taxes.
Temple entry fees, special darshan charges, and personal expenses like laundry or bottled water are not included.

IRCTC and Indian Railways are giving up to approximately 33 % concession for these rail tourism excursions under Bharat Gaurav.

Cost-breaking Suggestions

Booking early tends to secure better fares and a preferred travel class.
Travel in a group may also help share costs in hotel stays or transfers.
Be mindful of optional upgrades or add-ons (e.g., VIP darshan), which may cost extra.
Whereas the basic cost covers “Meals & Stay”, extra sightseeing activities or temple special offerings may require an additional budget.

How to Book the IRCTC Jyotirlinga Package

The process for booking the IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra is designed to be user-friendly, but it requires timely action since seats are limited.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

Visit the official IRCTC tourism website: [“Jyotirlinga tour packages” section]
Select the specific package code (e.g., “NZBG66” or “NZBG59”, etc) for the 7 Jyotirlinga Yatra as displayed for 2025.
Choose your boarding station (depending on your local origin).
Choose your travel class (Economy / Standard / Comfort).
Fill in passenger details, check the date, and pay the deposit or full amount as specified.
Get confirmation of your booking and note the rules (cancellation policy, health/vaccination requirements).
- For example, the 2025 release mandated valid identity proof and a vaccination certificate.
Keep track of any instructions from IRCTC regarding pre-tour meetings, luggage, arrival time at the boarding station, etc.

Key Booking Tips

Make sure you book well in advance: These trains are in high demand, and seats get filled quickly.
Confirm the inclusion list (meals, stay, transfers) and the exclusion list (temple entry, extras) before making payment.
Ensure you meet the health requirements (identity proof, possible vaccination or test depending on guidelines).
Choose your travel class wisely, factoring in budget vs comfort.

Check the cancellation and refund policy; often partial refund may apply up to a certain date before departure.

Destination Highlights: What to Expect at Each Jyotirlinga

To enrich the understanding of the pilgrimage, here is a brief, unique highlight of each shrine included in the 7 Jyotirlinga Yatra.

1. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

The shrine of Omkareshwar stands on an island in the Narmada River, shaped in the symbol “Om”. What sets this apart is the island-temple setting, which gives a feeling of being surrounded by sacred water on multiple sides. Pilgrims often perform the circumambulation of the island path and take a moment of quiet by the riverbank before entering the temple.

Picture Credits: Saurabh Solanki via Unsplash

2. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, MP)

One of the very few Jyotirlingas where the deity is placed facing south (Dakshinamukha). What many don’t highlight: the temple’s association with ancient astronomy, and the city of Ujjain being one of India’s four meridian zero longitudinal reference points in old Indian astronomy. Pilgrims thus connect worship to a kind of cosmic reference.

3. Nageshwar (Gujarat)

This shrine is near Dwarka and is known for its subtle link to marine mythology. Some local traditions say that the linga was discovered underwater and then raised to land. Its proximity to the Gujarat coast adds a unique flavour of sea-air and salt-laden breezes, rather different from inland temples.

4. Somnath (Gujarat)

Perhaps the most iconic of the circuit, Somnath stands where the moon (Soma) is said to have lost its luster and worshipped Lord Shiva to regain it. What many visitors remark but lesser articles emphasise is the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea waves crashing near the temple precincts, an interplay of sea and sacred architecture.

Picture Credits: Vishu Kadvatar via Unsplash

5. Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)

Set near Nashik in the Sahyadri foothills, Trimbakeshwar is unique for housing three lingas in one sanctum representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. A point lesser-covered: the nearby holy source of the Godavari river (Bramha Ghat) lies a short drive away, and visitors sometimes combine a river-bank dip before the temple visit.

6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)

Located in a more forest-fringe zone near Pune, Bhimashankar offers a combination of pilgrimage plus a mild mountain-valley flavour. Its distinctiveness: the lingam here is said to be ‘svayambhu’ (self-manifested). The environment gives a sense of being away from the main city-temple complexes, which many pilgrims appreciate.

7. Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

Near Aurangabad and close to the Ellora caves, Grishneshwar is the smallest of the five Maharashtra Jyotirlingas. A unique point is that some visitors use this opportunity, after the temple darshan, to combine a short visit to the rock-cut heritage nearby, thus blending architecture and devotion in one trip.

grishneshwar jyotirlinga temple - IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra

Booking & Travel Tips for the Pilgrim

Pack light but smart: Carry essentials such as identity proof, a comfortable pair of shoes for temple walking, a light jacket (some sites are cooler), and any medication you may need.
Be respectful of temple customs: Most Jyotirlinga sites require modest dress (often covering shoulders and knees), removal of footwear, and adherence to “darshan line” protocols.
Time your photography: Some temples restrict photography in the sanctum sanctorum, but courtyards or outer zones may permit it. Be mindful of signs.
Use the free time between temple visits: Many itineraries have some coach or train travel segments; use this time to reflect or rest.
Mind the weather in each region: Though the tour spans central & western India, travel between states may involve shifting climate zones. For example, the Gujarat coastal areas will have different temperatures/humidity from the Sahyadri foothills.
Engage with local traditions: Each site has its own local legend, priestly customs, or festival timing. If one has a chance, ask for a brief explanation from the temple staff.
Health & hygiene: Since inclusion covers meals and stay, one still needs to be cautious about water, gradual food introduction, and sufficient rest.
Keep optional costs in mind: While the package covers major costs, things like “special darshan”, souvenir purchases, local temple offerings, or photography permits may cost extra.

The Best Time to Book & Travel

Best time to visit the IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra

The train pilgrimage is scheduled in November 2025 (starting 18 Nov) and also has a variant in June/July.
November tends to be more comfortable for travel, especially in western India and Maharashtra; summers can be hot and humid in Gujarat or MP.
Avoid extreme monsoon months if possible, though many of the shrines have indoor sanctums, the travel segments may be affected by the weather.

Booking window

As soon as the schedule is released (see IRCTC announcements), book the preferred class. Seats in Comfort/Standard fill quickly.
Monitor IRCTC’s official website under “Jyotirlinga tour packages”.
Ensure your chosen boarding station fits your home city or travel convenience.

Why This Pilgrimage Feels Different

While many pilgrimage articles list the temple names and basic logistics, this guide emphasises lesser-highlighted elements:

The interplay of rail-coach combination travel across four Indian states (Uttarakhand/Uttar Pradesh start region, MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra).
The mixing of coastal temple (Somnath/Nageshwar) with hill-fringe temple (Bhimashankar) and river-island temple (Omkareshwar) offers varied settings within one package.
The heritage context of some sites: Ujjain’s astronomical history at Mahakaleshwar, Trimbakeshwar’s three-linga sanctum, and Grishneshwar’s proximity to Ellora caves.
The convenience of a “train + stay + meals” bundled approach allows devotees to focus on the spiritual dimension rather than logistics.

The IRCTC Jyotirlinga Yatra for 2025 offers a structured, meaningful, and accessible way to undertake a pilgrimage to seven of India’s most sacred Shiva temples. With a clear itinerary, transparent costs across travel classes, and an inclusive booking process, it serves both first-time pilgrims and seasoned travellers seeking a devotional journey. The mix of locations, from river island temples to coastal shrines, from valley forests to ancient pilgrimage cities, adds depth and variety to the experience.

If one is looking for a pilgrimage that balances devotion, comfort, and coherence, then this seven Jyotirlinga darshan by IRCTC is a strong choice.

Author Credits: Ruben Saha

Team StayVista

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