Akkalkot, Tuljapur and Pandharpur are three of the most visited temple towns in Maharashtra, and all three sit within driving distance of Solapur. Many families from Solapur, and many pilgrims who arrive in Solapur by train, try to cover them in a single trip. This guide explains how far each temple is, which order makes sense, when the crowds are heaviest and how to plan the journey by cab.
Quick answer: can you visit all three temples in one day?
It is possible, but it makes for a very long day. Akkalkot and Tuljapur are both close to Solapur, while Pandharpur lies in a different direction. A comfortable plan for most families is Tuljapur and Akkalkot on one day, and Pandharpur on a separate day. If you only have one day, start very early and keep darshan expectations flexible, because queue times at each temple can vary a lot.
| Temple town | Main temple | Approx. road distance from Solapur |
|---|---|---|
| Akkalkot | Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple | About 40 km |
| Tuljapur | Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple | About 45 km |
| Pandharpur | Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple | About 75 to 80 km |
Distances are approximate and depend on your exact pickup point in Solapur and the route taken.
The best route order for your temple trip
Option 1: Tuljapur and Akkalkot in one day, Pandharpur on another day
This is the most relaxed plan. Tuljapur lies to the north-east of Solapur and Akkalkot to the south-east, and the two towns are roughly 65 km apart by road. A circuit of Solapur, Tuljapur, Akkalkot and back to Solapur keeps the driving manageable and leaves time for darshan at both temples. Pandharpur, to the west of Solapur, then gets its own day, which is useful because Vitthal darshan queues can be long.
Option 2: All three temples in one long day
If your schedule allows only one day, plan an early start and a late return. Because Pandharpur is in the opposite direction from Tuljapur and Akkalkot, the total driving distance for all three in one day is considerably higher than for the two-temple circuit. This option suits small groups of adults more than families with children or senior citizens.
Option 3: A two-day trip with an overnight stay
Families travelling with elderly relatives often prefer to spread the trip over two days, with an overnight stay in Solapur or Pandharpur. This leaves time for unhurried darshan and rest between temples.
Whichever option you choose, share your plan with your cab operator in advance so the vehicle, timing and any waiting time can be agreed before you set out.
Akkalkot: Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj darshan
Akkalkot is closely associated with Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj, and the Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple is the main destination for most visitors. Many devotees also visit the Samadhi Math, another important site linked to Swami Samarth. Akkalkot is the closest of the three towns to Solapur, which makes it easy to fit into any itinerary.
Planning tip: check the latest darshan schedule before you leave, and ask your driver about a drop-off point near the temple, as vehicle access and parking near the temple can be restricted on busy days.
Need a cab for this leg? See our Solapur to Akkalkot cab service.
Tuljapur: Shri Tulja Bhavani darshan
Tuljapur is home to the Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple, one of the Shakti Peethas and the family deity of many households across Maharashtra. The temple draws devotees all year, and the town hosts its biggest crowds during the annual Navratri festival in September or October.
Planning tip: if you are travelling during Navratri, expect heavy crowds and traffic around the temple, start early and allow extra time for darshan. Check the temple trust’s official announcements for festival arrangements.
Pandharpur: Shri Vitthal Rukmini darshan
Pandharpur, on the banks of the Chandrabhaga (Bhima) river, is the home of Shri Vitthal and Rukmini and the destination of the famous wari pilgrimage. Its two biggest days are Ashadhi Ekadashi in June or July and Kartiki Ekadashi in October or November. In 2026, Kartiki Ekadashi falls on 20 to 21 November according to the Hindu calendar, so expect large crowds around those dates and confirm the observance date announced by the temple committee.
Planning tip: on Ekadashi and wari days, roads into Pandharpur can be extremely busy. If darshan matters more to you than the festival atmosphere, consider travelling on an ordinary day.
Cab, bus or your own car?
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| State transport bus | Solo travellers on a budget visiting one temple | Covering two or three temples in a day means changing buses and waiting between routes |
| Your own car | Drivers who know the routes | Parking near the temples is limited on busy days, and the driver misses out on rest between darshans |
| Private cab with driver | Families, senior citizens and multi-temple trips | Book in advance during festivals, and confirm the fare, tolls and waiting charges before the trip |
For a multi-temple trip, a private cab is usually the most practical choice: one vehicle takes you from your doorstep in Solapur to each temple and back, on your schedule.
How much does a temple trip from Solapur cost by cab?
Outstation cabs are usually priced per kilometre. At Shri Travels, sedan rates start at ₹12/km and SUV rates start at ₹14/km, with toll and parking charges extra. Your total fare depends on:
- The total distance of your route, including the return to Solapur
- The vehicle you choose (sedan for up to 4 passengers, SUV for larger families)
- Tolls and parking on the route
- Minimum billing distance and any waiting or driver charges, which you should confirm when booking
The simplest way to get an exact figure is to share your planned temples, travel date, pickup point and passenger count, and ask for a complete quotation before you confirm.
Tips for travelling with senior citizens and families
- Avoid festival peaks if long queues will be difficult for elderly family members.
- Choose an SUV if you are travelling with more than four people or carrying puja items and luggage.
- Plan rest breaks between temples, especially on a one-day trip covering more than one town.
- Carry water and light snacks, as darshan queues can take longer than expected.
- Agree on a meeting point with your driver near each temple before you go in.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Akkalkot from Solapur?
Akkalkot is about 40 km by road from Solapur.
How far is Tuljapur from Solapur?
Tuljapur is about 45 km by road from Solapur.
How far is Pandharpur from Solapur?
Pandharpur is about 75 to 80 km by road from Solapur, depending on your pickup point and route.
Can I visit Akkalkot and Tuljapur on the same day?
Yes. Both towns are close to Solapur and roughly 65 km apart, so a same-day circuit from Solapur is practical for most travellers.
What is the best time to visit these temples?
Ordinary weekdays are usually the least crowded. Festival periods such as Navratri at Tuljapur and Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi at Pandharpur bring very large crowds, so plan extra time if you travel then.
Is a cab better than a bus for a multi-temple trip?
For families and senior citizens visiting two or three temples, a private cab saves time and effort because you do not need to change buses or wait between routes.
How do I book a cab for this trip from Solapur?
Call or WhatsApp Shri Travels at +91 84214 44440 with your travel date, pickup location, passenger count and the temples you want to visit. We will share vehicle options and a complete quotation.
Plan your temple trip with Shri Travels
Shri Travels arranges sedans and SUVs from Solapur for Akkalkot, Tuljapur, Pandharpur and other temple trips. Tell us your plan and we will help you choose the right route and vehicle. You can also browse our temple packages.