A Family-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary in Shridi, Maharashtra
Thursday, September 28, 2023: Arrival in Shridi
Start your trip by arriving in Shridi, a small town known for the famous Shri Sai Baba Temple. Spend the morning exploring the serene temple complex and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Wet N Joy Water Park, an exciting destination for water slides and fun activities for the whole family. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Sai Heritage Village, where you can learn about the life and teachings of Sai Baba through audio-visual presentations.
Shri Sai Baba Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Wet N Joy Water Park: INR 700 per person (approx.), 3-4 hours
Sai Heritage Village: INR 100 per person (approx.), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delectable breakfast, head to Sai Swad Pure Veg Restaurant. This cozy eatery offers a variety of vegetarian breakfast options such as dosas, idlis, and parathas. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
When it's time for lunch, visit Rajbhog Restaurant, known for its authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. Enjoy a wholesome thali with a selection of dal, vegetables, rotis, and rice. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Shri Sai Anand Restaurant, which offers a diverse menu of Indian and Chinese dishes. Try their specialty gravies or savor some mouth-watering noodles. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, September 29, 2023: Shridi Exploration
Begin your day with a visit to Dwarkamai Mosque, a spiritual landmark where Sai Baba spent a significant part of his life. Experience the divine energy and listen to the prayers being offered. In the afternoon, head to the Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, the main temple dedicated to Sai Baba. Witness the aarti ceremony, a devotional ritual filled with music and chanting. As the evening approaches, explore the bustling Shridi Market, known for its handicrafts, religious artifacts, and local delicacies.
Dwarkamai Mosque: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Shridi Market: Budget as per your preferences, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Aloo Paratha House: Enjoy a delicious breakfast of piping hot aloo parathas filled with spicy potato stuffing at Aloo Paratha House. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Punjabi Thali Restaurant: Indulge in a traditional Punjabi lunch at Punjabi Thali Restaurant, where you can savor a variety of authentic Punjabi dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Maharashtrian Kitchen: Experience the flavors of Maharashtra with a delectable dinner at Maharashtrian Kitchen. From vada pav to puran poli, you can enjoy a range of local delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Saturday, September 30, 2023: Excursion to Nashik
Spend the day exploring the nearby city of Nashik, known for its religious and historical significance. Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Take a dip in the holy Kushavarta Kund and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, head to Sula Vineyards, where you can take a vineyard tour, enjoy wine tasting, and indulge in a delicious lunch. As the evening sets in, visit Ramkund, a sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Godavari River.
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Sula Vineyards: INR 300-500 per person for tours (approx.), 3-4 hours
Ramkund: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day, located in Nashik. Enjoy a variety of freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, head to Sadhana Restaurant, known for its authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like Misal Pav and Puran Poli. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 250 per person.
End your day with a satisfying dinner at Barbeque Nation, a popular restaurant in Nashik. Feast on a wide range of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Sunday, October 1, 2023: Nature and Adventure
On your last day, explore the natural beauty surrounding Shridi. Start your morning with a visit to the picturesque Shani Shingnapur Temple, dedicated to Lord Shani. Experience the unique tradition of the village where no house has doors. In the afternoon, head to the Bhandardara Hill Station, located near the Pravara River. Enjoy the tranquility of the Arthur Lake and indulge in activities like boating and hiking. As the day winds down, witness the mesmerizing sunset from the famous Wilson Dam.
Shani Shingnapur Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Bhandardara Hill Station: Budget as per your preferences, 3-4 hours
Wilson Dam: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Shirdi is Hotel Sai Aditya, known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a fulfilling lunch, head to Maratha Darbar, a restaurant that serves authentic Maharashtrian thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Rajdhani Restaurant, offering a variety of vegetarian dishes from across India. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique local experience, visit the Sai Teerth Theme Park, which offers a combination of entertainment and spirituality with its thrilling rides and exhibits related to the life of Sai Baba. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Khandoba Temple, located in Shani Shingnapur village. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Khandoba is less crowded but equally significant. It's a great place to witness local rituals and traditions.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices on Kayak.