Shirdi - India Travel Guide hero image

Shirdi!

india-guide.in

groups

Population

40,000

schedule

Best Time

October to March

calendar_month

Time Needed

1-2 days minimum

currency_rupee

Currency

Rupee (₹)

View full travel guide
See timings and practical tips

Plan by Intent

Trip Planning pages built for fast decisions and deeper discovery.

photo_camera

Did You Visit Shirdi?

Showcase Your Photography Skills • Help Thousands of Travelers • Get Featured with Credit

location_on Maharashtra map West India 🕉️ Spiritual Pilgrimage Shirdi Sai Baba pilgrimage Maharashtra temple India travel

Shirdi is a small town in Maharashtra, India, renowned as the former home of the revered spiritual leader, Sai Baba. It has transformed into a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees annually who seek blessings and spiritual solace.

Shirdi offers a deeply spiritual experience and is well-connected, but can be very crowded, especially during festivals. The town is generally safe and offers a variety of accommodation options. Be prepared for long queues at the Sai Baba temple. It's worth visiting if you're seeking spiritual fulfillment, but not if you dislike crowds.

A visit to Shirdi typically requires 1-2 days to experience the main attractions. The town is easily accessible by air, train, and road, making it a relatively straightforward destination to reach. Pre-booking accommodation and transportation is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

20-30 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities and temple visits. The days are sunny and the nights are cool.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for sightseeing and participating in religious ceremonies. This period avoids the monsoon rains and the extreme heat of summer. The atmosphere is festive, especially around Diwali and Christmas, but expect larger crowds.

Tip: Expect higher prices for accommodation and transportation. Booking well in advance is essential to secure your preferred options.

Shoulder Season

July to September

25-32 degrees C

Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and humidity. The landscape turns lush green, but outdoor activities can be limited.

Why Visit:

The crowds are significantly smaller compared to the peak season, offering a more peaceful experience. Accommodation prices may be lower, providing better value for money.

Tip: Heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and some outdoor attractions may be temporarily closed.

Avoid

April to June

35-45 degrees C

Extreme heat makes it uncomfortable to be outdoors during the day. Heatwaves are common.

Why Avoid:

The intense heat makes it difficult to enjoy the pilgrimage experience. The risk of heatstroke and dehydration is high. It is best to avoid visiting during these months unless absolutely necessary.

Note: If you must visit, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Ensure your accommodation has reliable air conditioning.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Shri Sai Baba Temple

⏱ 2-4 hours Free

The main attraction in Shirdi, this temple houses the samadhi (final resting place) of Sai Baba. It's a place of deep spiritual significance for milli...

Read more arrow_forward

Dwarkamai

⏱ 1 hour Free

Dwarkamai is the mosque where Sai Baba spent a significant part of his life. It's considered a sacred place and houses the Dhuni (eternal flame) that ...

Read more arrow_forward

Chavadi

⏱ 30 minutes Free

Chavadi is the place where Sai Baba alternately spent his nights. It's divided into two parts: one for Baba and another for his devotees....

Read more arrow_forward

Gurusthan

⏱ 15 minutes Free

Gurusthan is the place where Sai Baba was first spotted as a young boy. It's marked by a neem tree....

Read more arrow_forward

Lendi Baug

⏱ 1 hour Free

Lendi Baug is a garden that Sai Baba used to visit regularly. It's a peaceful oasis away from the temple crowds....

Read more arrow_forward

Shri Khandoba Temple

⏱ 1 hour Free

This temple is dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a local deity. Sai Baba was greeted with the words 'Ya Sai' (Welcome Sai) at this temple when he first arri...

Read more arrow_forward

Sai Heritage Village

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹100 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

This is a theme park depicting the life of Sai Baba through various exhibits and statues. It offers an engaging way to learn about his life and teachi...

Read more arrow_forward
View all attraction details

Things To Do

attractions

Participate in Aarti

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 Free

Attend one of the daily aartis (prayer ceremonies) at the Sai Baba Temple. It's a deeply moving experience filled with c...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Visit the Sai Museum

⏱ 1 hour 💰 Free

Explore the Sai Museum, which houses artifacts related to Sai Baba's life, including his clothes, footwear, and personal...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Take a Spiritual Walk

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free

Take a walk around Shirdi, visiting the various temples and sacred sites associated with Sai Baba. It's a good way to so...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Attend a Bhajan Session

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 Free

Attend a bhajan (devotional song) session at one of the temples or community centers in Shirdi. It's a uplifting experie...

Read more arrow_forward

Cultural Experiences

celebration

Witness the Palanquin Procession

1-2 hours | Free

The Palanquin Procession is a ceremonial procession where Sai Baba's image is carried in a palanquin...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Participate in a Community Meal (Langar)

30 minutes | Free

A Langar is a community meal served to all visitors, regardless of their background. It's a symbol o...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Observe Local Rituals

Flexible | Free

Observe the various rituals and ceremonies performed at the temples and shrines in Shirdi. It's a wa...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Shop for Religious Souvenirs

1-2 hours | ₹100-₹1000+

Explore the local markets near the Sai Baba Temple and shop for religious souvenirs. You can find st...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Attend a Spiritual Discourse

1-2 hours | Free

Attend a spiritual discourse or lecture by a religious leader. It's an opportunity to deepen your un...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Learn About Local Traditions

Flexible | Free

Engage with the local community and learn about their traditions and customs. It's a way to experien...

Read more arrow_forward
View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Thali
Thali

A traditional Indian platter with a variety of dishes (try at Rajdhani Thali Restaurant).

Puran Poli
Puran Poli

A sweet flatbread stuffed with lentils and jaggery (available at local sweet shops).

Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi

A savory dish made with tapioca pearls (try at roadside stalls during fasting days).

Misal Pav
Misal Pav

A spicy lentil curry served with bread (try at local restaurants in the market area).

Where to Eat

Woodlands Restaurant

Woodlands Restaurant

₹₹

South Indian, North Indian, Chinese

📍 Near Sai Baba Temple

A popular restaurant with a wide variety of dishes and a comfortable atmosphere. Known for its quick service and tasty food. Located near the Sai Baba Temple.

Masala DosaButter Chicken

₹500-700 for two

Rajdhani Thali Restaurant

Rajdhani Thali Restaurant

₹₹

North Indian Thali

📍 Central Shirdi

Offers a traditional North Indian thali experience with a variety of vegetarian dishes. A good option for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal. Located in Central Shirdi.

Unlimited Thali

₹600-800 for two

Street Food Spots

Market Area near Sai Baba Temple

Market Area near Sai Baba Temple

💰 Budget: ₹50-₹150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be cautious about hygiene and choose stalls with fresh ingredients. Avoid eating from stalls that appear unclean.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Shirdi

More restaurants & dishes from Shirdi

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Near Sai Baba Temple

This is the most convenient area for pilgrims, with easy access to the temple. Expect higher prices and more crowds.

Best For: Devotees

Central Shirdi

Offers a mix of budget and mid-range hotels, as well as restaurants and shops. It's a good option for those seeking a balance between convenience and affordability.

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers

Outskirts of Shirdi

This area offers a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, with resorts and hotels catering to wellness and relaxation. Transportation to the temple may require auto-rickshaw or taxi.

Best For: Relaxation seekers

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-₹1500/night

Hotel Sai Leela

📍 Near Sai Baba Temple

Simple and clean rooms with basic amenities. A good option for budget travelers seeking proximity to the temple.

₹800-₹1500/night

Hotel Disha Palace

📍 Central Shirdi

Decent rooms with essential facilities. It's located in a convenient location with easy access to transportation.

₹700-₹1200/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2500-₹4000/night

Hotel Sun N Sand Shirdi

📍 Near Sai Baba Temple

Comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a restaurant. Offers a swimming pool and other recreational facilities.

₹2500-₹4000/night

St Laurn Meditation and Spa

📍 Outskirts of Shirdi

Offers comfortable rooms, a spa, and meditation facilities. A good option for those seeking relaxation and wellness.

₹2000-₹3500/night

Luxury

₹5000+/night

The Taj Blue Diamond, Shirdi

📍 Near Sai Baba Temple

Luxurious rooms with elegant decor and premium amenities. Features multiple restaurants, a spa, and a swimming pool.

₹5000+/night

Keys Select Hotel Shirdi

📍 Central Shirdi

Stylish rooms with modern amenities and excellent service. Offers a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.

₹4000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Shirdi Airport (SAG), 14km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Sainagar Shirdi (SNSI)

Main railway station serving Shirdi. Well connected to major cities.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 20-24 hours (₹800-₹3000)
  • From Mumbai: 5-7 hours (₹400-₹1500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Shirdi Bus Depot
Routes:
  • From Mumbai: 8-10 hours (₹500-₹1000)
  • From Pune: 5-6 hours (₹400-₹800)

Note: Trains more comfortable.

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-₹150 depending on distance

Best for: Short distances within Shirdi

Bargain for the fare before starting the journey. Ensure the auto-rickshaw driver understands your destination.

local_taxi

Taxi

💰 ₹200-₹500 depending on distance

Best for: Longer distances and airport transfers

Book a taxi through a reputable service. Confirm the fare before starting the journey.

directions_bus

Bus

💰 ₹10-₹30 per trip

Best for: Traveling between different parts of Shirdi

Buses can be crowded, especially during peak hours. Check the bus routes and timings in advance.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Dress modestly when visiting the temple. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹800, Mid: ₹2000, Luxury: ₹4000+

ATMs: ATMs are readily available in Shirdi.

Cash vs Card: Cash is widely accepted, but cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected at local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid drinking tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic stalls. Be cautious of spicy food if you're not used to it.

Common Issues: Dehydration and heatstroke are common during the summer months. Carry water and wear sunscreen.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage in Shirdi. SIM cards are available at the airport and in town.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some restaurants.

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: Hindi and Marathi are the primary languages spoken. English is understood by many people in the tourism industry.

Tipping: Restaurants: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-₹50

Nearby Destinations

Explore More Of India

Mudumalai - India Travel Guide

Mudumalai - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Elephant Feeding Camp
  • Moyar River and Viewpoint

+2 more attractions

Aizawl - India Travel Guide

Aizawl - India Travel Guide

map Northeast India

Top Attractions:

  • Mizoram State Museum
  • Durtlang Hills
  • Reiek Heritage Village

+3 more attractions

Gubbi - India Travel Guide

Gubbi - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Sri Chennakeshava Temple
  • Gubbi Copra Market
  • Veerabhadra Temple

+3 more attractions

Somnath - India Travel Guide

Somnath - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • Somnath Temple
  • Triveni Sangam
  • Bhalka Tirth

+3 more attractions

Agra - India Travel Guide

Agra - India Travel Guide

map North India

Top Attractions:

  • Taj Mahal
  • Agra Fort
  • Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj)

+2 more attractions

Aurangabad - India Travel Guide

Aurangabad - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • Ajanta Caves
  • Ellora Caves
  • Bibi Ka Maqbara

+2 more attractions

Pachmarhi - India Travel Guide

Pachmarhi - India Travel Guide

map Central India

Top Attractions:

  • Bee Fall
  • Pandav Caves
  • Dhoopgarh

+3 more attractions

Tirathgarh Falls - India Travel Guide

Tirathgarh Falls - India Travel Guide

map Central India

Top Attractions:

  • Tirathgarh Waterfall Main Viewpoint
  • Kanger Valley National Park
  • Kotumsar Cave

+3 more attractions

Share Your Shirdi Photos!

Help fellow travelers by sharing your authentic travel photos. Get credited with your name and social links!

Found an Error?

Help us improve! Report incorrect information or suggest updates.

Suggest a Destination

Know a hidden gem we're missing? Help us add it to the guide!