Sunday, August 20: Arrival and Spiritual Exploration
Start your trip to Shirdi by immersing yourself in its spiritual atmosphere. In the morning, visit the renowned Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, a sacred place dedicated to the revered saint. Witness the aarti ceremony and seek blessings. Afterward, explore the nearby Gurusthan, where Sai Baba was first spotted as a young boy. In the afternoon, visit Dwarkamai, the mosque where Sai Baba lived for a significant period. Experience the divine energy within these places. As the evening sets in, take a peaceful walk around the tranquil Lendi Garden, known for its beautiful landscapes and serene surroundings.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Gurusthan: Free entry, Time spent: 1 hour
Dwarkamai: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Lendi Garden: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Sai Swad Restaurant. This family-friendly eatery offers a wide range of breakfast options, including traditional Indian dishes like dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, try Rajdhani Thali Restaurant. Known for its authentic Rajasthani thalis, this restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian dishes in unlimited quantities. The average cost for a meal here is about 250 INR per person.
Celebrate the end of your day with a memorable dinner at Hotel Sai Sagar. Offering a mix of Indian and Chinese cuisines, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Enjoy their flavorful dishes while taking in the cozy ambiance. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
Monday, August 21: Historical and Cultural Exploration
Embark on a journey to explore the historical and cultural aspects of Shirdi. Begin your day by visiting the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Museum, which houses a collection of personal belongings and artifacts related to Sai Baba. Gain insights into his life and teachings. In the afternoon, head to the wet and wild Wet N Joy Water Park to enjoy thrilling water slides and rides with your family. As the evening approaches, visit the Dixit Wada Museum, a heritage site showcasing the belongings and photographs of Sai Baba's devotees. Conclude your day by attending the evening aarti at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.
Wet N Joy Water Park: Entry fee: INR 700 (approx.), Time spent: 3-4 hours
Dixit Wada Museum: Entry fee: INR 5, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (Evening Aarti): Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to The Waffle House, a charming café known for its mouthwatering waffles and pancakes. Enjoy a variety of toppings and syrups to accompany your fluffy breakfast treats. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
For a hearty lunch, visit Hotel Rajdhani, a popular restaurant that serves traditional North Indian thalis. Indulge in a wholesome meal with a variety of curries, rice, bread, and desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 300 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Little Italy, an Italian restaurant that offers a range of delectable pizzas, pastas, and desserts. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and excellent service while savoring authentic Italian flavors. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 500 per person.
Tuesday, August 22: Nature and Relaxation
Indulge in nature's beauty and find serenity on the final day of your trip. Start your morning with a visit to the peaceful and picturesque Sai Heritage Village. Explore the traditional village setting, experience rural life, and enjoy delicious authentic meals. In the afternoon, take a short trip to the enchanting Wet N Joy Resort, a serene getaway amidst lush greenery. Relax by the poolside, enjoy nature walks, and play indoor/outdoor games with your family. In the evening, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the Khandoba Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sai Heritage Village: Entry fee: INR 100, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Wet N Joy Resort: Entry fee: INR 500 (approx.), Time spent: 4-5 hours
Khandoba Mandir: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Ganesh Bhel Puri House is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious and refreshing bhel puri. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Sai Swad Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch options. Their thali meals are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner, head to Rajdhani Thali Restaurant and indulge in their unlimited thali meals with a variety of dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Shirdi, make sure to visit the Shani Shingnapur Temple, located about 70 kilometers away. It is an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shani, known for its unique tradition of houses without doors. You can also explore the beautiful Wet N Joy Resort, where you can spend a day enjoying water activities and relaxing amidst nature. Additionally, the Sai Heritage Village offers an authentic rural experience with traditional food and cultural activities. These off the beaten path attractions are loved by both locals and tourists seeking a unique and memorable experience.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices and availability on Kayak.