Image Source of Shirdi Sai Baba @ tripadvisor
Shirdi, a small town in Maharashtra, holds a spiritual pull unlike any other place in India. The name Shirdi is inseparably linked with Sai Baba of Shirdi, the revered saint whose life, miracles, and message of universal love continue to draw millions every year. But beyond the temple bells and fragrant incense, Shirdi and its surroundings offer a much deeper travel story, which is a blend of faith, local flavours, unique traditions, and soulful journeys.
How to Reach Shirdi
By Air: The town has its own airport, Shirdi International Airport (SAG) with direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and other metros. The airport is around 14 kms from the main temple. Pre-paid taxis, local cabs, or auto-rickshaws are available for a smooth transfer.
By Train: The Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station puts you within 4 kms of the main Sai Baba temple and is linked to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. For more frequency, the Manmad Junction and Kopargaon stations are 60 kms and 15 kms away, respectively.
By Road: The Mumbai to Shirdi distance clocks in at about 240 kms (via NH 160), making it a 5-6 hour drive; an accessible and popular road-trip route from the city. State transport and private buses run regularly from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad.
The Heart of Shirdi: The Legacy of Sai Baba
At the core of the town stands the Sai Baba Temple, regarded as one of the holiest sites in India and the focal point of Shirdi. Pilgrims come from across the globe to pay their respects at the Samadhi Mandir, the very spot where Sai Baba’s mortal remains are enshrined. The temple complex also houses Dwarkamai (the mosque where Baba lived), Chavadi (where he would rest), the ever-burning sacred dhuni (fire), and Lendi Gardens, a quiet, green retreat for quiet moments of reflection.
Tips for Visitors:
- The best time for darshan is early morning or late in the evening, while weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- The temple closes briefly in the afternoon and late at night; check the aarti schedule for a memorable experience.
- Dress modestly and footwear needs to be deposited at the designated counters.
Where to Stay: Hotels Near the Temple
Staying close to the temple is easiest for early aarti, darshan, and seamless exploration of Shirdi.
- Sun-N-Sand Shirdi: A premium option just a short walk from the temple. Offers plush rooms, swimming pool, spa, and excellent dining.
- St. Lauren – The Spiritual Resort: Resort-style comfort with spacious rooms, peaceful gardens, and a relaxing vibe.
- Hotel Sai Leela, Hotel Sai Jashan, and Sai Miracle Inn: Mid-range options with friendly service, in-house restaurants, and temple proximity.
Budget travellers and solo devotees will find plenty of guesthouses, dharamshalas, and homestays within close proximity to the temple. Most hotels and resorts offer shuttle transfers for temple visits. Do book in advance during festival dates.
Places to Visit Near Shirdi: Beyond the Temple
Shani Shingnapur: About 70–75 kms from Shirdi, this village is famous not only for the powerful Shani Dev temple but also for its astonishing tradition; homes here have no doors. The idol of Lord Shani sits on an open-air platform, with rituals that include Tel Abhishek (showering the idol with oil) and prayers for peace and protection. Saturdays and new moon days are busy, but the place has an aura that’s best experienced in quiet weekday mornings.
Sai Heritage Village: A unique theme park and picnic spot that recreates key moments from Sai Baba’s life with lifelike statues and informative displays. It’s perfect for family visits, especially with kids.
Gurusthan, Lendi Baug, and Khandoba Mandir: Each of these places holds significance in Sai Baba’s life. Visit these spots for calm walks, meditation, or to trace his everyday journeys around the town.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves: A recommended detour for those with extra time (about 150 kms from Shirdi), these UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase ancient artistry, Buddhist and Hindu cave shrines, and a staggering blend of architecture and spirituality.
Bhandardara: A scenic hill station just over 100 kms away, known for Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, and cascading waterfalls. A great plan and place for nature enthusiasts, especially during the pre-monsoon months May and June as it shines bright at night with fireflies.
Best Time to Visit Shirdi
Shirdi welcomes devotees year-round, but October to March is the most pleasant, with cool evenings, comfortable days, and manageable crowds. Summers (April–June) can be quite hot, while monsoon (July–September) brings lushness but also humidity and occasional travel delays. Avoid festival days like Ram Navami and Guru Purnima if you wish to escape the biggest crowds.
Local Travelling and OЫeat Experiences
Auto-rickshaws and taxis make getting around town simple. Buses and cabs can be booked for nearby trips (like Shani Shingnapur, Nashik, or Bhandardara). For the spiritually inclined, attending the akhand Bhajan or walking the lanes that Sai Baba once did offers a different insight.
OЫeat options:
- Wet N Joy Water Park: A surprising find for families and kids, just a short drive from Shirdi.
- Nashik: Just 90 kms away, it offers vineyard tours, the Trimbakeshwar temple, and riverfront walks.
- Kopargaon: Visit the serene Ghats, small temples, and local markets for a flavour of Maharashtra beyond the pilgrimage circuit.
Packing Tips and Preparation
Dress conservatively, light cottons for most of the year, with a shawl or sweater for winter evenings. Carry your ID for hotel check-ins and temple entry. Comfortable slip-on shoes are handy for frequent shoe-removal at shrines. Keep a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and basic medication for travel days. If you’re self-driving from Mumbai, bring a playlist and some cash for tolls and dhaba stops.
Beyond Blessings: Shirdi’s Soulful Story
At first glance, Shirdi is about lines, clocks, and bells. But walk a step deeper, with a quick chat with devotees, a few extra minutes at Dwarkamai, or a trip through mango-lined roads to Shani Shingnapur, you’ll find what makes it different from any other spiritual destination in India. It’s the unwavering faith pulsing in its streets, the everyday acts of kindness in
hotels and ashrams, and the lingering belief that everyone’s story is just one miracle away from hope. Whether you come for darshan, for healing, or just for a new chapter in your travel journal; Shirdi always welcomes you, with open arms and fills your heart with faith as well as wisdom.
By: Anushka Singhal
