Shirdi Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to Shirdi with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Shirdi

Shirdi is a small town located in North Maharashtra, in Western India, that holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Shri Sai Baba. However, Shirdi has much more to offer than just religious attractions – from scenic natural landscapes to cultural hotspots, this town is a treasure trove of experiences that can be enjoyed by all. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Shirdi.

Introduction to Shirdi

Shirdi is a small town in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is known for being the home of the late Shri Sai Baba, who is revered as a saint by people of different religions. The town has many temples and shrines dedicated to Shri Sai Baba where thousands of devotees come to seek his blessings.

List of Places to Visit in Shirdi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sai Heritage Village
  • Dixit Wada Museum
  • Khandoba Mandir
  • Baba’s Chavadi
  • Dwarkamai Masjid

Natural Attractions of Shirdi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Shirdi Sai Baba Park
  • Wet N Joy Water Park
  • Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
  • Lendi Baug
  • Chavadi

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shirdi

  • Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur
  • Shirdi to Rahata

Best Things to Do in Shirdi: Activities and Tours

  • Participate in the Kakad Aarti at the Sai Baba Temple
  • Attend the Ram Navami Utsav
  • Go on a Shirdi day tour
  • Participate in the Sai Baba Maha Samadhi anniversary
  • Take a journey on the Shirdi Sai Darshan Train

Week-Long Itinerary for Shirdi

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Visit the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple and seek his blessings
Day 2 Take a day tour of the town’s cultural attractions
Day 3 Enjoy outdoor activities at the Wet N Joy Water Park
Day 4 Participate in the Kakad Aarti and explore the local markets
Day 5 Visit the nearby town of Shani Shingnapur
Day 6 Take a day trip to explore the nearby city of Aurangabad
Day 7 Attend the Sai Baba Maha Samadhi anniversary

Food and Drink Scene of Shirdi

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maharashtrian cuisine
  • Kachori
  • Sabudana Vada
  • Misal Pav
  • Vada Pav

Local Beverages

  • Masala chai
  • Jaljeera
  • Sugarcane juice
  • Lassi

Where to Stay in Shirdi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • St Laurn - The Spiritual Resort
  • Sun-n-Sand
  • Hotel Sai Miracle
  • Keys Select Hotel
  • Hotel Sai Jashan

What to Buy in Shirdi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sai Baba’s idol and photographs
  • Masala chai
  • Saffron
  • Local handicrafts
  • Misal masala

Local Culture and Customs of Shirdi

Shirdi is a religious town, and it is recommended to dress conservatively while visiting its various shrines and temples. Visitors should remove their footwear before entering these places of worship. Shirdi’s culture has evolved from its religious beliefs and is a blend of Hindu and Muslim customs, with a healthy dose of Maharashtrian traditions. The people of Shirdi are known for their helpful and warm nature.

Best Time to Visit Shirdi

The best time to visit Shirdi is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shirdi

Do:

  • Dress conservatively while visiting the religious places
  • Seek the blessings of Shri Sai Baba and visit the Sai Baba Temple
  • Enjoy the local food and drinks
  • Respect the local customs and beliefs

Don’t:

  • Wear footwear inside the religious places
  • Disrespect the religious sentiments of the locals
  • Smoke or drink in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Shirdi

Shirdi is a safe town with a low crime rate, and visitors can move around without worrying about security. However, it is always advisable to take care of one’s personal belongings while traveling.

Health in Shirdi

Shirdi has proper healthcare facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies. Visitors should take care while eating street food and ensure that they are eating from hygienic places.

Getting to Shirdi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shirdi

  • Aurangabad Airport (96 km)
  • Pune Airport (186 km)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (276 km)

Bus Stations Near Shirdi

  • Shirdi Bus Stand
  • Kopargaon Bus Stand
  • Rahata Bus Stand

Other Options

  • Hire a taxi from nearby cities
  • Take a train to Kopargaon or Sainagar Shirdi Junction

How to Get Around in Shirdi

The best way to get around Shirdi is by hiring an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. Many tourists also prefer to explore the town on foot, especially the areas around the Sai Baba Temple.

Where to Go Next from Shirdi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Aurangabad (a historical city that is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
  • Shani Shingnapur (a nearby temple town known for its Shani Mahadev Temple)
  • Nashik (a pilgrimage site and home to world-famous vineyards)

Conclusion

Shirdi is a serene town that offers much more than just a religious pilgrimage. From exploring museums and enjoying outdoor activities to tasting the local cuisine and shopping for unique souvenirs, there is something for everyone in this town. Plan your perfect trip to Shirdi with our comprehensive travel guide, and experience the magic of this remarkable place.