Jejuri is a small town in Purandar taluka of Pune district, and almost everything in it points up one hill. On top stands the Khandoba temple, built like a hill fort and approached by a long climb of stone steps lined with arches and lamp pillars. Khandoba, also called Malhari Martand, is the family deity of a very large number of Maharashtrian households, which is why the temple draws people from far beyond Pune district.
The town's nickname, Sonyachi Jejuri, or golden Jejuri, comes from the turmeric devotees throw during the Bhandara festival, especially on Somvati Amavasya, a new-moon day that falls on a Monday. The air, the steps and the pilgrims' clothes turn yellow. On an ordinary weekday the scene is much quieter: families climbing slowly, vendors selling offerings, and views over the plain from the temple wall.
Jejuri works best as a half-day or a full day out of Pune, not a long holiday. The temple, the steps and one or two nearby places fill a day comfortably. Day trips from here include the hill forts of Purandar and Malhargad, the Sangameshwar temple at Saswad and Morgaon, home of the Mayureshwar Ganesha temple.
For older travellers, the honest question is the climb. There is a long flight of steps, shade is limited and festival days are crowded. Choose an early weekday, go slowly, and ask locally about the options available for those who cannot manage the steps. Check current arrangements and temple timings before you travel, because they can change.
Before you plan
Jejuri at a glance
- Best months
- October to February is the most…October to February is the most comfortable. March to May is hot, and June to September brings monsoon rain, which makes the hill green but the steps slippery.
- Ideal trip length
- A half-day to a full day from PuneA half-day to a full day from Pune; add a second day only if you want Saswad, Purandar or Morgaon
- Airport
- Pune International AirportPune International Airport (PNQ), about 55 km away by road; allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic
- Railway station
- JejuriJejuri (JJR) on the Pune–Miraj line, Central Railway; check which trains stop there before relying on rail
- Getting around
- The temple hill is on footThe temple hill is on foot; for Saswad, Purandar and Morgaon, hire a car and driver from Pune or a local taxi. MSRTC buses also serve Jejuri.
- Daily budget
- Modest for a day trip: transport…Modest for a day trip: transport from Pune is the main cost; temple offerings, food and a taxi for day trips vary widely
- Senior comfort
- Challenging: nearly 200 steps to the…Challenging: nearly 200 steps to the main temple, with limited shade, and heavy crowds on festival days. Go early on a weekday and pace the climb.
- Language
- Marathi locallyMarathi locally; Hindi is widely understood, and English is understood mainly at larger hotels in Pune
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Jejuri: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Jejuri itinerary
One good day
1 day in Jejuri
Leave Pune early so you reach Jejuri before the heat. Begin the climb up the northern steps, pausing at the arches and the lamp pillars, and notice the shrines along the way, including those of Hegadi Pradhan and Banai. Take your time in the courtyard, see the brass tortoise and the sanctum, and look at the church bell given to the temple in the Peshwa period. Have lunch in the town and rest, then stop at Saswad's Sangameshwar temple on the way back to Pune if energy allows.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Jejuri
Arrive in the morning, climb the steps early, and spend time in the temple courtyard and shrines. In the afternoon, walk the town and its offering stalls, and rest. If it is a festival day, watch the turmeric offerings from a safe edge of the crowd instead of the thick of it.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Jejuri
Climb early, give the temple a slow morning and rest through the afternoon. Return to the hill for the evening light if your knees allow, or watch the lamps from below.
Day-by-day plan →
