Shirdi

State

Shirdi, synonymous with Sai Baba, is a small town fragrant with the devotional strength that ropes in devotees from the world over. It is best known as the late 19th century home of the popular guru Shirdi Sai Baba.

History

The history of Shirdi is closely linked with the life of the highly venerated saint Sai Baba who died here in the year 1918, and ever since this town has attained importance as a spiritual and religious center. He used to reside in Khandoba temple, where he got the title of ‘Sai’ (saint) given by a local villager named Mahalsapathi. Leading a very simple and ascetic life, Sai Baba lived in the village as a beggar and soon his innate charisma began to draw followers from both the Hindu and Muslim communities. The natural gifts of this saint r said to have healed the wounds of many people who were caught in worldly dilemmas. The entire town can still feel the grace of this saint who is believed to have been the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu trinity.

Accessibility

Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 305 km away from Shirdi is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shirdi and costs about Rs 6000.

Rail: Shirdi is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses. Private A/C and non A/C deluxe buses are also available from Nasik, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune to Shirdi. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per head.

Road: Kopergaon is the nearest railhead to Shirdi which is at a distance of 16 km from Shirdi. It is an important railway station in Delhi – Bangalore route. Taxi charge from Kopergaon to Shirdi is about Rs 300. Manmad is another nearest railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge line, which is nearly 58 km away from Shirdi. Shirdi has a computerized ticket reservation centre for the delight of train travelers.

Shopping

There are several shops in Shirdi that sell photos and effigies of Sai Baba. This is the main commercial activity.

Accommodation

Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses, dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodations - the town is totally geared for pilgrims. Hotels like the Sun-N-Sand, Shraddha Park Inn and the Hotel Sai Leela, are a few of the entire range of hotels that offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just a handful of rupees.

Hotel Sun n Sand (Five-Star)
Hotel Sun n Sand is situated in the Taluka Kopergaon, at a distance of approximately 2 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. It is the only five-star hotel located here. The hotel provides amenities like Swimming Pool, Landscape Gardens, Jacuzzi, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Games/Fun Zone, Doctor On Call, Money Changer, Health Club, Travel Desk, Massages, Car Rental, Gift Shop, Handicraft Shop, Jogging Track, Table Tennis and Pool Table, Children's Recreation Area, etc.

Hotel Goradia's (Four-Star)
Hotel Goradia's is a 4-satr hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, just behind Sai Udyan. The hotel provides amenities like Automatic Wake-up Calls, Meeting, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Doctor On Call, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Children Play Park & Rides, Shopping Arcade, Internet & E-mail Facility, Left Luggage Room, Fax Facility, Free Drivers Accommodation, Doctor On Call, Pool Table, Video Games, Indoor Games, etc.

Hotel Sai Leela (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Leela is a three-star hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road and lying very close to the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like Table Tennis and Pool Table, Video Games, 24 Hour Amenities Shop, Swimming Pool, Water Park Facilities, Children's Playground, Lush Gardens, Cricket Nets, Basketball and Volleyball Ground, Mini Golf, Putting Course, Cycling Track, Jogging Track, Plant Nursery, etc.

Hotel Sai Sahavas (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Sahavas is another hotel situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, at a distance of approximately 3 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. The hotel boasts of a three star status. It provides amenities like Travel Desk, Meditation / Prayer Hall, Free Drivers Accommodation, Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, Doctor on Call, etc.

Shraddha Park Inn (Three-Star)
Shraddha Park Inn is a three-star hotel, situated at the Pimplewadi Road, just besides the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like three Swimming Pools, Direct Dial Phones, 24 Hour Rooms Service, Multi-cuisines Restaurant, Business Services, Photocopying Facilities, Travel Desk, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, etc.

District
Ahmednagar
STD Code
02423
Best time to visit
September to April