7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Shirdi, Trayambkeshvar, Bhimashankar, Ghrishneshvarh

Friday, December 22: Arrive in Shirdi

Start your trip by arriving in Shirdi, a renowned pilgrimage site famous for the Sai Baba Temple. In the morning, visit the Sai Baba Temple and seek blessings. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Wet N Joy Water Park for a fun-filled family experience. In the evening, enjoy a serene sunset at Lendi Baug, a beautiful garden associated with Sai Baba.

• Sai Baba Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Wet N Joy Water Park: ₹500 per person, 4-5 hours
• Lendi Baug: Free, 1-2 hours

Saturday, December 23: Trayambkeshvar

Embark on a journey to Trayambkeshvar, home to the famous Trayambakeshwar Temple. In the morning, explore the temple complex and attend the sacred rituals. Afterward, visit the nearby Gautam Paduka, a holy spot associated with Lord Shiva. Spend the evening at the picturesque Brahmagiri Hill, known for its panoramic views.

• Trayambakeshwar Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Gautam Paduka: Free, 1-2 hours
• Brahmagiri Hill: Free, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Shree Krishna Restaurant, known for its wide range of traditional Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Sai Rasoi, a popular restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Indulge in a flavorsome dinner at Bhajanraj Family Restaurant, known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Sunday, December 24: Bhimashankar

Head to Bhimashankar, a revered pilgrimage site nestled amidst the Sahyadri Mountains. In the morning, visit the Bhimashankar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy the evening at Hanuman Lake, a tranquil spot for relaxation.

• Bhimashankar Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: ₹100 per person, 3-4 hours
• Hanuman Lake: Free, 1-2 hours

Monday, December 25: Travel to Ghrishneshvarh

Make your way to Ghrishneshvarh, renowned for the Ghrishneshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the morning, visit the temple and witness its architectural marvel. Afterward, explore the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing ancient rock-cut caves and sculptures. Spend the evening at Grishneshwar Tirth Park, a serene garden surrounding the temple.

• Ghrishneshwar Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Ellora Caves: ₹600 per person (including other caves), 4-5 hours
• Grishneshwar Tirth Park: Free, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Delight, a cozy cafe serving delicious continental and Indian breakfast options. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
• For lunch, try the vegetarian thali at Shyam Dhaba, a local eatery known for its authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. The thali includes a variety of dishes and costs around INR 250 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Ellora Green, a fine dining restaurant offering a mix of Indian and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 500 per person.

Tuesday, December 26: Ghrishneshvarh Exploration

Delve deeper into the attractions of Ghrishneshvarh. Begin your day with a visit to the Kailash Temple, a magnificent rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the afternoon at the Aurangabad Caves, an ancient Buddhist cave complex. In the evening, enjoy shopping and local cuisine at the bustling Aurangabad Street Market.

• Kailash Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Aurangabad Caves: ₹10 per person, 2-3 hours
• Aurangabad Street Market: As per personal expenses, 2-3 hours

Wednesday, December 27: Return to Shirdi

Return to Shirdi for the final leg of your trip. In the morning, visit the Dixit Wada Museum, showcasing the life and teachings of Sai Baba. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Sai Heritage Village, a cultural complex offering insights into the life of Sai Baba. In the evening, relax at the peaceful Laxmi Bai Shinde Children's Park.

• Dixit Wada Museum: ₹10 per person, 1-2 hours
• Sai Heritage Village: ₹100 per person, 2-3 hours
• Laxmi Bai Shinde Children's Park: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, December 28: Departure

Depart from Shirdi with cherished memories. Take a moment to explore the local markets for souvenirs before bidding farewell to this spiritual and cultural journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Shirdi, don't miss a visit to Dwarkamai Mosque, a sacred site associated with Sai Baba. For a unique experience, take a day trip to the enchanting Shani Shingnapur, a village famous for its Shani temple where houses have no doors. The sacred pond of Shani Shingnapur is also worth exploring. These off the beaten path attractions offer a glimpse into the local customs and beliefs.

For hotel and flight prices in the area, you can check here.