Begin your family-friendly trip to Shirdi by arriving in the holy town. After checking into your hotel, head to Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir in the morning. This famous temple is dedicated to Sai Baba, a revered spiritual leader. Spend some peaceful time here, soaking in the divine atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Wet N Joy Water Park for a fun-filled time with your family. Enjoy thrilling water slides, wave pools, and other exciting attractions. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Sai Heritage Village, a cultural theme park that showcases the life and teachings of Sai Baba.
Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Wet N Joy Water Park: Approximately ₹800 per person, 4-5 hours
Sai Heritage Village: ₹100 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Shri Sai Baba Vegetarian Restaurant for a delightful breakfast. This restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian breakfast options such as idli, dosa, and poha. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, dine at Rajdhani Thali Restaurant. Indulge in a delicious thali meal with an assortment of traditional Maharashtrian dishes including dal, vegetables, rice, roti, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Manbhavan Pure Vegetarian Restaurant. This restaurant serves a variety of North Indian and Gujarati dishes. From delectable paneer curries to mouth-watering sweets, their menu offers something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Friday, September 15: Religious Exploration
Start your day with a visit to Dwarkamai Masjid, located in the temple complex. This mosque holds significant religious importance for Sai Baba's followers. Spend the morning exploring this spiritual site and taking part in the morning aarti (prayer ceremony). In the afternoon, head to Chavadi, a small building where Sai Baba used to spend alternate nights. Experience the serene atmosphere and learn about Sai Baba's daily routine. In the evening, visit Lendi Baug, a beautiful garden where Sai Baba used to meditate. Enjoy a peaceful walk amidst lush greenery before returning to your hotel.
Dwarkamai Masjid: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Chavadi: Free entry, 1 hour
Lendi Baug: Free entry, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sai Swad Restaurant, located just a short distance from Dwarkamai Masjid. Indulge in their delicious, traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a quick and convenient lunch, head to Hotel Sai Mahal. This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Enjoy their flavorful thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
End your day with a satisfying dinner at Rajdhani Restaurant, known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Try their delectable thalis and enjoy the warm ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 350 INR per person.
Saturday, September 16: Shirdi Sightseeing
Explore the attractions around Shirdi on this day. Start your morning with a visit to the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple, an important pilgrimage site. Witness the morning aarti and seek blessings from Sai Baba. Afterward, visit the nearby Khandoba Temple, dedicated to the deity Khandoba. In the afternoon, take a trip to the peaceful Dixit Wada Museum, which showcases the personal belongings of Sai Baba. Enjoy the exhibits and gain insights into the life of Sai Baba. In the evening, go on a spiritual walk at the Gurusthan, a place where Sai Baba was first seen as a child. Experience tranquility amidst the sacred surroundings.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sai Swad Restaurant, located near the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple. This family-friendly eatery offers a wide variety of vegetarian North Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hotel Govind Park, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. Enjoy traditional thalis and flavorful local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Rajdhani Restaurant, situated near Dixit Wada Museum. This vegetarian restaurant offers a tempting buffet of Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunday, September 17: Excursion to Shani Shingnapur
On your last day, take an excursion to Shani Shingnapur, a village known for its famous temple dedicated to Lord Shani. Start your morning early and head to this sacred site, located around 70 kilometers from Shirdi. Explore the unique open-air temple and learn about the spiritual significance associated with Lord Shani. Afterward, you can enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the scenic surroundings. Spend the afternoon exploring the village and interacting with the friendly locals. Return to Shirdi in the evening, where you can indulge in some local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.
Shani Shingnapur Temple: Free entry, 3-4 hours
Picnic Lunch: Approximately ₹500 for a family
Restaurants
Breakfast: Hotel Sai Datta, located in Shirdi, offers a variety of breakfast options including traditional Indian dishes and continental breakfast. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Madhuban Pure Veg Restaurant, situated in Shirdi, serves delicious vegetarian meals with a wide range of options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Dinner: Dwarkamai Pure Veg Restaurant, located in Shirdi, offers an extensive menu of vegetarian dishes in a peaceful ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When visiting Shirdi with your family, one hidden gem worth exploring is the Sai Tirth Theme Park. It offers a unique blend of entertainment, spirituality, and education. This theme park is an ideal place for children to learn about the life and teachings of Sai Baba through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to try the local delicacies, especially the Maharashtrian street food like Vada Pav and Poha, which are popular among locals and tourists alike.