Jejuri’s temple to Khandoba, a folk deity closely associated with the Deccan region’s pastoral and warrior communities, is reached by a long flight of stone steps, and pilgrims mark visits and celebrations by scattering bhandara (turmeric powder) into the air, leaving much of the temple courtyard tinted yellow. Jejuri sits at an elevation of 729 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include turmeric clouds swirling inside the Khandoba temple sanctum, panoramic Pune valley view from the hilltop steps, and ancient Kadamba-style stone carvings on temple pillars. It falls within Pune, Pune district, and Maharashtra, India.
State: Maharashtra
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Hours
January, November, December, February
Yes, modest clothing is expected—cover shoulders and knees, and remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Men traditionally remove their shirts and wear a dhoti or lungi, but as a visitor, a simple kurta or full-sleeve shirt is acceptable; women can wear a saree or salwar kameez, and scarves are handy for covering your head.
The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant for walking. The main festival, the Khandoba fair, occurs in late November or early December, and it can be very crowded with large crowds, so expect warm days and chilly evenings, and plan for long queues at the temple.
There are several small eateries near the temple base serving Maharashtrian thalis, poha, and tea, but they are basic and may not have seating for large groups. Restrooms are available at the temple complex and at the bus stand, but they can be crowded; it’s wise to carry your own water, snacks, and wet wipes, and plan for a shorter visit if you have health concerns.
You can take a direct state transport bus from Pune’s Swargate depot, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, or hire a private taxi for a more comfortable door-to-door ride. The town is hilly, and the temple sits on a hill with about 200 steps, so seniors with mobility issues should arrange for a palanquin or doli carried by porters, which is available at the base.
Besides the main Khandoba temple, you can visit the smaller shrines on the hill, see the famous turmeric powder throwing ritual (bhandara) during festival time, and explore the old bazaar for local brass items and jaggery. The view of the surrounding hills and valleys from the temple top is spectacular, perfect for a slow, restful afternoon.