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Nearest Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple: A Complete Travel Guide
Grishneshwar is the 12th and final Jyotirlinga on the pilgrimage circuit. Located in the village of Verul, it sits right next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves. The temple is famous not just for its spiritual power but also for its stunning red-stone architecture and the tradition where men must enter the sanctum bare-chested.
However, finding the right railway station can be tricky. Some maps might show “Ellora Road” or small halts, but relying on them can leave you stranded without a ride.
This guide clarifies exactly where to book your ticket, how to reach the temple comfortably, and what you need to know about the dress code.
The Best Railway Station: Aurangabad (AWB)
For 95% of travelers, Aurangabad is the best station to target.
Distance to Temple: ~30 km.
Time by Road: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Why pick it: It is a major city station. You will find 24/7 transport options (Uber, Ola, Private Taxis, Buses) right outside. It also has plenty of hotels if you plan to stay overnight.
Connectivity: Direct trains from Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Nagpur.
The “Hidden” Alternative: Lasur (LSR)
If you are coming from Mumbai or Nashik on specific trains (like Tapovan Express or Devagiri Express), you can get off at Lasur.
Distance to Temple: ~25 km.
Time by Road: 30–40 minutes.
Pros: It is technically closer than Aurangabad and saves you from city traffic.
Cons: It is a small station. You won’t find App-cabs (Uber/Ola) here. You will have to rely on local auto-rickshaws or pre-arranged taxis.
Major Junctions (For Long Distance)
If you can’t find a direct train to Aurangabad, book to these hubs:
Manmad Junction (MMR): ~100 km away. (Major hub for trains from North/East India).
Jalgaon Junction (JL): ~160 km away. (Good for travelers combining Ajanta Caves with Ellora).
Train Options: The Best Connections
Here are the most convenient trains to reach Aurangabad/Lasur.
| From City | Best Train | Travel Time | Arrival in Aurangabad |
| Mumbai | Jan Shatabdi (12071) | ~7 hrs | 07:45 PM |
| Mumbai | Devagiri Express (17057) | ~7.5 hrs | 04:20 AM |
| Pune | Pune-Nanded Exp (17629) | ~8 hrs | 05:20 AM |
| Hyderabad | Ajanta Express (17064) | ~11 hrs | 05:55 AM |
| New Delhi | Sachkhand Exp (12716) | ~20 hrs | 09:40 AM |
Pro Tip: The Vande Bharat Express (Mumbai-Jalna) also stops at Aurangabad, offering a premium travel experience.
Getting from Station to Temple: The “Last Mile”
Once you arrive at Aurangabad (AWB), here is how to reach Grishneshwar:
1. Private Taxi / App Cab
Uber/Ola: Available and reliable in Aurangabad.
Cost: ₹700 – ₹1,000 (One way drop).
Full Day Package: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 (Includes Grishneshwar, Ellora Caves, Bhadra Maruti, and Daulatabad Fort).
2. MSRTC Bus (State Transport)
Route: Take an auto from the Railway Station to the Central Bus Stand (CBS) (approx 6 km).
Bus Frequency: Buses heading to Kannad or Chalisgaon stop at Grishneshwar/Ellora. Frequency is every 30 mins.
Cost: ~₹40 – ₹60 per person.
3. Shared Taxi (Kali-Peeli)
Available near the Bus Stand. They charge per seat (~₹100) but wait until the car is full.
Crucial Temple Rules (Read Before You Go)
1. Men’s Dress Code
Upper Body: Men are strictly required to remove their shirts, t-shirts, and vests before entering the main sanctum (Garbhagriha). You enter bare-chested.
Lower Body: Trousers, Jeans, or Dhoti are fine. No shorts.
2. Women’s Dress Code
Saree or Salwar Kameez is preferred. Avoid western wear like short skirts or sleeveless tops.
3. Photography
Banned: Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the temple.
Locker: There are small shops outside where you can deposit your phone/shoes for a small fee (₹10–20).
4. VIP Darshan
There is usually no official “paid” VIP ticket, but the queue moves relatively fast compared to other Jyotirlingas. On Mondays, expect a wait of 1–2 hours.
Suggested Itinerary: The Heritage & Divine Trip
Day 1: Arrival & Caves
Arrive at Aurangabad. Check-in.
Drive to Ellora Caves (Closed on Tuesdays!). Explore the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16).
4:00 PM: Visit Grishneshwar Temple (just 1 km from caves).
Evening: Visit Bhadra Maruti Temple (only idol of sleeping Hanuman) nearby.
Day 2: Forts & Return
Morning: Visit Daulatabad Fort (on the way back to the city).
Afternoon: Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara (The Mini Taj Mahal).
Catch your return train/flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I walk from Ellora Caves to the Temple?
A: Yes. The temple is only about 1 km from the Ellora Caves entrance. It’s an easy 15-minute walk or a quick ₹20 auto ride.
Q: Is Ellora Road Station a real station?
A: There is often confusion about “Ellora Road,” but it is not a functional station for express trains. Do not book tickets here. Stick to Aurangabad (AWB) or Lasur (LSR).
Q: Best time to visit?
A: Winter (Oct–Feb) is best. Summer (March–May) is scorching hot, and walking barefoot in the temple courtyard becomes difficult.
Conclusion
Reaching Grishneshwar is easiest via Aurangabad (AWB) due to the excellent availability of taxis and hotels.
Just remember: Men must be bare-chested for entry, leave your phone in the car/locker, and verify that Ellora Caves are open (Closed on Tuesdays) if you plan to visit them too.
