Sawan 2026 travel guide: Best ways to reach India’s 12 Jyotirlingas

As the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) draws millions of devotees to Lord Shiva’s sacred shrines, pilgrim traffic is expected to surge across India’s 12 Jyotirlingas. With monsoon rains and large crowds likely to affect travel, planning your journey in advance can help ensure a smoother pilgrimage.

Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh

Located in Varanasi, the temple is well connected by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and Varanasi Junction railway station. From Godowlia Chowk, devotees must walk about 10–15 minutes through the temple’s security corridor.

Somnath, Gujarat

Situated at Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Somnath is accessible via Veraval Railway Station, around 7 km away, or Diu Airport, approximately 65 km from the temple.

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Pilgrims usually travel to Sonprayag via Haridwar or Rishikesh, take a shuttle to Gaurikund and then undertake the 16–18 km trek to the shrine. Helicopter services are also available, subject to weather conditions.

Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh

Located in Srisailam, the temple can be reached by road from Hyderabad or via Markapur Road Railway Station, followed by a road journey through the Nallamala hills.

Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra

Near Nashik, the shrine is connected through Nashik Road Railway Station, Ozar Airport and National Highway 160.

Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Located on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is best reached from Indore by road. Khandwa is the nearest major railway station.

Bhimashankar, Maharashtra

Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar is accessible from Pune and Mumbai by road and rail. Travellers should expect slower journeys during the monsoon due to fog and slippery roads.

Nageshwar, Gujarat

Near Dwarka, the temple is connected by Dwarka Railway Station and Jamnagar Airport, with taxis and buses available for the onward journey.

Ramanathaswamy, Tamil Nadu

The famous Rameswaram temple can be reached via Madurai Airport, Rameswaram Railway Station or by road across the iconic Pamban Bridge.

Grishneshwar, Maharashtra

Located near the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, the temple is easily accessible from Aurangabad by air, rail and road. During Sawan, darshan timings are often extended to accommodate pilgrims.

Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Situated in Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is well connected by rail and road. Indore Airport, around 55 km away, is the nearest airport. Devotees planning to attend the popular Bhasma Aarti should arrive well in advance due to heavy crowds.

Baidyanath (Vaidyanath), Jharkhand

Located in Deoghar, Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is one of the most visited shrines during Sawan, especially by Kanwariyas. The temple is accessible via Deoghar Airport, Jasidih Junction railway station and well-connected road networks.

With lakhs of devotees expected to visit these sacred shrines during Sawan, checking weather forecasts, booking transport and accommodation early, and following local advisories can make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.