Start your spiritual journey by arriving in Shirdi, the sacred town known for the famous Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Spend the morning exploring the serene temple complex and witness the aarti ceremony, a divine experience filled with devotional songs and prayers. In the afternoon, visit the Dwarkamai Mosque, a place where Sai Baba spent a significant portion of his life, and seek blessings at Chavadi, another important site associated with him. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll in Sai Heritage Village, a cultural attraction that showcases the life and teachings of Sai Baba.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Dwarkamai Mosque: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Chavadi: Free entry, 1 hour
Sai Heritage Village: Entry fee - INR 100 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Sai Shankar Bhavan, a cozy restaurant known for its mouthwatering South Indian delicacies. They offer a wide variety of dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Dwarka Restaurant, located near the temple complex. This vegetarian restaurant serves authentic Maharashtrian thalis, including comforting dal, sabzi, roti, and rice. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Rajbhog Restaurant, a fine dining establishment with a serene ambience. Enjoy their delectable North Indian dishes such as butter chicken and paneer tikka. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, September 16, 2023: Explore Shirdi
Embark on a spiritual journey by attending the Kakad Aarti at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple early in the morning. Afterward, visit the Gurusthan, the holy place where Sai Baba was first spotted meditating under a neem tree. In the afternoon, explore the Lendi Garden, a peaceful park with a sacred bodhi tree and a beautiful marble statue of Sai Baba. In the evening, head to the Wet N Joy Water Park for some family-friendly fun and thrilling water slides.
Kakad Aarti at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Free entry, 1 hour
Gurusthan: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Lendi Garden: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Wet N Joy Water Park: Entry fee - INR 800 per adult, INR 600 per child, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sai Vada Pav. This popular local eatery serves authentic vada pav, a flavorful Mumbai street food specialty. Average cost for a meal is about 50 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hotel Marigold. This restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including traditional Indian thalis. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Rajdhani Thali Restaurant. Indulge in their all-you-can-eat vegetarian thali, featuring an assortment of delicious curries, breads, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday, September 17, 2023: Shani Shingnapur and Nashik
On this day, embark on a day trip to the nearby town of Shani Shingnapur, famous for its Shani Temple dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn). Witness the unique practice of devotees having unwavering faith in the "self-emerged" and swayambhu idol of Lord Shani without any doors or locks. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Nashik, a city known for its rich spiritual heritage. Visit the iconic Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and take a dip in the holy Kushavarta Kund. Explore the picturesque Sula Vineyards and indulge in wine tasting before returning to Shirdi in the evening.
Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Sai Sagar Restaurant. Enjoy delicious dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
For lunch, head to Rajdhani Thali Restaurant and savor an authentic Maharashtrian thali with a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 250 per person.
In the evening, dine at Dwarka Restaurant and indulge in their delectable North Indian cuisine. Try their butter chicken and garlic naan. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Monday, September 18, 2023: Departure from Shirdi
On the final day of your spiritual journey, spend the morning at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, offering prayers and seeking blessings for a safe journey ahead. Afterward, explore the tranquil surroundings of the Dixit Wada Museum, a historical house that exhibits personal belongings and artifacts related to Sai Baba. In the afternoon, visit the Sai Teerth Theme Park, a unique amusement park dedicated to Sai Baba, featuring interactive rides and attractions. Bid farewell to Shirdi and depart with blissful memories.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Dixit Wada Museum: Entry fee - INR 50 per person, 1-2 hours
Sai Teerth Theme Park: Entry fee - INR 400 per adult, INR 300 per child, 3-4 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you have some extra time, consider visiting the serene Khandoba Temple, dedicated to Lord Khandoba, located near the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Shirdi Water Park, which offers a variety of thrilling water slides and pools for a fun-filled day with the family.
For local favorites, don't miss the opportunity to savor the delicious local cuisine in Shirdi, especially the mouthwatering Maharashtrian thali and traditional sweets like peda and sheera. You can also explore the local markets for souvenirs and religious artifacts.
To find the best hotel and flight prices for your trip to Shirdi, please check out Kayak.