The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple is a must-visit for anyone visiting Shirdi. It is the main attraction in the town, housing the samadhi (burial site) of the renowned Indian spiritual leader, Sai Baba. The temple has a serene and peaceful atmosphere and is open from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It is divided into separate areas for men and women and visitors must dress modestly. Upon entering, devotees can take a darshan (worship) of the idol and visit the museum to learn about Sai Baba's life. It is advisable to visit the temple during weekdays as weekends can be crowded.
If you want to learn more about Sai Baba's teachings and life, a visit to the Shirdi Sai Heritage Village is a good option. It is an open-air museum that showcases life-size replicas of Sai Baba's hometown, childhood home, and places he visited. The exhibits are both informative and interactive and provide a glimpse into Sai Baba's life and teachings. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Monday.
If you want a break from the spiritual attractions, head over to Wet N Joy Water Park for some fun in the sun. The park has a variety of water rides and attractions for all ages, including slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. It also has a food court and offers cabanas for rent. The park is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. Please note that swimsuits are mandatory and outside food and drinks are not allowed inside.
The Dixit Wada Museum is a small but interesting museum that showcases the life and times of Sai Baba's devotee and follower, Shama. The museum is housed in an old mansion that belonged to Kaka Sahed Dixit, another of Sai Baba's prominent devotees. It has a collection of personal belongings of Shama and Dixit, including photographs, letters, and religious objects. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Thursday.
Lendi Baug is a beautiful garden that was once a favourite spot of Sai Baba. It is a quiet and peaceful place, perfect for relaxation and meditation. Visitors can walk around the garden and see the neem tree that Sai Baba used to sit under and meditate. There is also a small temple dedicated to Sai Baba inside the garden. Lendi Baug is open every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
If you have more time, you might want to visit the Khandoba Temple, the Dwarkamai Mosque, and the Samadhi Mandir. If you have less time, you can skip the Dixit Wada Museum and Wet N Joy Water Park. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays can be busy, so plan accordingly. Also, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water and sun protection as some attractions involve a lot of walking and outdoor activities. Finally, do not forget to try the local street food and sweets, especially the famous Shirdi laddoos, which are made of gram flour, ghee, and sugar and are considered a delicacy in the town.