Depart Chennai by reserved train to Pune (overnight). Bring medicines, snacks, chargers, ID and copies. Rest on the train for next-day transfer to Shirdi.
Depart Ahmedabad (Geeta Mandir) by prebooked AC sleeper bus to Shirdi (overnight). Ensure children have blankets and water; bus arrives ~08:00 on 23rd.
Finalize small offerings (flowers, coconut), medications, comfortable clothing for early Kakad Aarthi and evening lamp lighting. Keep photocopies of bookings & IDs handy.
Train reaches Pune — disembark, freshen up, and board pre-arranged public coach/taxi/tempo toward Shirdi. Surface transfer Pune→Shirdi takes ~4–6 hours depending on vehicle; rest stops for children.
Private cab for round trip to Shani Shingnapur (~160 km RT). This is a long outing (approx 3–4 hours each way) — suitable if the group prefers the temple visit over a 09:00 darshan. Cost and time high; children/elders may find it tiring.
Both teams meet near the Mandir; light snacks/tea from authorised stalls or aashram canteen; main meals can be availed via Annadhanam (free) or paid thali in a nearby vegetarian hotel. Allow time for elders to rest before darshan.
Attend the pre-booked evening darshan. Follow the specified queue and instructions from volunteers; keep children and elders close for a smooth movement.
Evening devotional time at aashram/guesthouse: short prayer, distribution of prasad, rest. Prepare early for Kakad Aarthi next morning (24th) if attending.
Chennai team attends Kakad Aarthi (prebooked). Arrive 30–45 minutes early to manage elderly/children. Ahmedabad members who return from Shani can join if rested.
Use Sai Mandir Annadhanam (when available) for a simple, free devotional meal; otherwise aashram/guest house provides breakfast. Confirm distribution times at the day counter.
Visit Gurusthan (where Sai Baba was first seen under neem) and Dwarkamai (the mosque where Baba lived) — deeply significant sites requiring quiet respect. Both open early; minimal donations customary.
Chavadi (where Baba stayed during certain nights) and nearby Khandoba Temple — short visits, contemplative atmosphere and photo-opportunities for memory. These are accessible in the morning.
Annadhanam (free) at Sai Mandir is recommended for the main lunch; if closed or for convenience, a local vegetarian thali at a nearby hotel costs approx ₹120–₹250 per plate. Rest after lunch for children and elders.
Visit the Sai Museum and Heritage Village to learn Baba's life, artefacts, and local heritage. Typical opening hours are ~09:30–17:30 — confirm at reception or online 24–48 hrs in advance.
Evening visit to Lendi Baug — offer flowers, light small lamps (buy locally). The ghat/park is peaceful at dusk; this is an ideal family devotional moment and photo opportunity.
Main dinner via Annadhanam if open; otherwise aashram or nearby pure-veg restaurants provide simple, light dinner (thali or plates). Keep children’s portions small and familiar.
Collect prasad, distribute small souvenirs if planned, finalize next-day departures. Ahmedabad team prepares to board 20:00 bus (if following plan). Ensure everyone has ID & receipts.
Check-out by 16:00 guaranteed in booking window — but you have rooms until 16:00 on 25th; use spare time for last darshan or rest. Move to Shirdi bus stand/station for transfer to Pune in time for 16:00 train.
Ahmedabad group boards scheduled bus at ~20:00 (prebooked) and departs for Ahmedabad (arrives early morning 25th). Ensure children have beds/blankets for the night bus.
Ensure everyone has receipts and photos copied/shared; note anyone requiring follow-up (left items, medicines). Senior members should be comfortable and confirm home ETA.
A relaxed buffer day for families to recover after travel. Use this day to reconcile receipts, share photos, return any rented coach or taxi bills, and enjoy home rest.
If the Chennai group has spare time in Pune before their train or anyone is staying back, visit a nearby temple or market — keep this light and avoid long walks for elders.
Share a family devotional message, photos, and any reimbursements in the group chat; thank volunteers and drivers. Close the trip with a small shared online album for elders to retain memories.