Shirdi, a small town in Maharashtra, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. Home to the famous Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, it attracts millions of devotees from across the globe. If you are planning a trip to Shirdi from Delhi, you have multiple travel options to choose from. In this guide, we provide detailed information on how to reach Shirdi from Delhi, including travel by air, train, bus, and car. Let us help you plan your journey with ease and convenience.
How to reach Shirdi from Delhi by Air
Delhi to Shirdi by Flight
The quickest way to travel from Delhi to Shirdi is by air. Shirdi Airport (SAG) is well-connected to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with direct flights. Here are the steps to follow:
- Booking a Flight: Major airlines like Air India and SpiceJet operate direct flights from Delhi to Shirdi. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to get the best deals.
- Flight Duration: The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
From Shirdi Airport to the Temple
Shirdi Airport is located about 14 kilometers from the main Sai Baba Temple. You can hire a taxi or use the available shuttle services to reach your destination.
Alternative Airports
If direct flights to Shirdi are unavailable, you can also consider flying to nearby airports such as Pune (PNQ) or Aurangabad (IXU), followed by a road journey to Shirdi. Both cities are approximately 200 kilometers from Shirdi and offer various transport options.
How to reach Shirdi from Delhi by Train
Delhi to Shirdi by Train
Travelling by train is a popular and cost-effective way to reach Shirdi. Indian Railways offers several trains that connect Delhi to Shirdi. Here’s what you need to know:
Direct Trains to Sainagar Shirdi
The Sainagar Shirdi (SNSI) railway station is the nearest station to the temple. Direct trains like the Sainagar Shirdi Express (22456) and Sainagar Shirdi Superfast Express (22656) are available from New Delhi (NDLS).
Travel Duration
The train journey from Delhi to Shirdi takes approximately 24-30 hours, depending on the train and route.
Booking Tickets
It is advisable to book your train tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons. You can book tickets through the Indian Railways website or through various travel agencies.
Connecting Trains
If direct trains are fully booked, consider taking a train to Manmad Junction (MMR), which is about 58 kilometers from Shirdi. From Manmad, you can hire a taxi or take a local train to Sainagar Shirdi.
How to reach Shirdi from Delhi by Bus
Delhi to Shirdi by Bus
While not the fastest option, travelling by bus can be an economical and flexible way to reach Shirdi. There are several private and state-run bus services that operate between Delhi and Shirdi.
Booking a Bus
While not the fastest option, travelling by bus can be an economical and flexible way to reach Shirdi. There are several private and state-run bus services that operate between Delhi and Shirdi.
Travel Duration
The bus journey from Delhi to Shirdi takes approximately 30-35 hours.
Departure and Arrival Points
Buses typically depart from major bus terminals in Delhi and arrive at Shirdi Bus Stand, which is close to the Sai Baba Temple.
How to reach Shirdi from Delhi by Car
Delhi to Shirdi by Car
For those who love road trips, driving from Delhi to Shirdi is a viable option. The distance between Delhi and Shirdi is around 1,200 kilometers, and the journey can be quite scenic.
Route
The most common route is via NH44, passing through cities like Agra, Gwalior, Bhopal, and Nashik.
Travel Duration
The road trip can take around 20-24 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Pit Stops
Plan your journey with adequate pit stops for rest, fuel, and food. There are numerous hotels and restaurants along the way to make your journey comfortable.
Hiring a Cab
If you prefer not to drive, you can hire a cab for a more relaxed journey. Several car rental services offer chauffeur-driven cars for long-distance travel. Ensure you choose a reputable service for a safe and comfortable trip.
Delhi to Shirdi Trip Plan: A Perfect itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Delhi
Option 1: By Flight
- Morning: Depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Shirdi Airport (SAG).
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Shirdi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Evening: Visit the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple and attend the evening aarti.
Option 2: By Train
- Evening: Board the Sainagar Shirdi Express or Sampark Kranti Express from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM).
- Overnight: Overnight journey to Shirdi.
Option 3: By Road
- Morning: Start your journey by bus or car.
- Duration: Approximately 20-22 hours.
- Overnight: Overnight journey to Shirdi.
Day 2: Arrival in Shirdi
By Flight
- Morning: Spend the morning at leisure or visit nearby attractions like Dwarkamai Masjid and Chavadi.
By Train
- Morning: Arrive at Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station (SNSI). Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Visit the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple and other nearby attractions.
By Road
- Evening: Arrive in Shirdi. Check into your hotel and rest.
Day 3: Explore Shirdi
- Morning: Visit the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple early in the morning for a peaceful darshan.
- Late Morning: Explore other significant places like Dwarkamai Masjid, Chavadi, and the Lendi Bagh.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
- Evening: Attend the evening aarti at the temple or visit the Wet N Joy Water Park for some leisure time.
- Night: Enjoy dinner and return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Nearby Attractions and Departure
- Morning: Visit nearby attractions such as Shani Shingnapur, which is around 70 km from Shirdi.
- Afternoon: Return to Shirdi and have lunch.
- Evening: Depending on your mode of return, head to the airport, railway station, or bus station.
Return by Flight
- Evening: Board your flight from Shirdi Airport (SAG) back to Delhi.
- Night: Arrive in Delhi.
Return by Train
- Evening: Board the train from Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station (SNSI) to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM).
- Overnight: Overnight journey back to Delhi.
Return by Road
- Evening: Start your return journey by bus or car.
- Overnight: Overnight journey back to Delhi.
Estimated Cost of a Trip from Delhi to Shirdi
Here’s a rough breakdown of the costs for a 4-day trip from Delhi to Shirdi, considering different modes of transportation and accommodation options:
By Flight
- Round-Trip Flight (Delhi to Shirdi): ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per person
- Accommodation (3 Nights): ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 per night
- Budget hotel: ₹1,500 per night
- Mid-range hotel: ₹2,500 per night
- Luxury hotel: ₹5,000 per night
- Local Transportation (Auto-rickshaws/Taxis): ₹500 – ₹1,500
- Food and Miscellaneous Expenses: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day
- Total Estimated Cost (for one person): ₹16,000 – ₹32,500
By Train
- Round-Trip Train Tickets
- Sleeper Class: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per person
- AC 3-Tier: ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 per person
- AC 2-Tier: ₹5,000 – ₹6,000 per person
- Accommodation (3 Nights): ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 per night
- Budget hotel: ₹1,500 per night
- Mid-range hotel: ₹2,500 per night
- Luxury hotel: ₹5,000 per night
- Local Transportation (Auto-rickshaws/Taxis): ₹500 – ₹1,500
- Food and Miscellaneous Expenses:₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day
- Total Estimated Cost (for one person): ₹8,000 – ₹25,000
By Bus
- Round-Trip Bus Tickets: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per person (depending on the type of bus)
- Accommodation (3 Nights): ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 per night
- Budget hotel: ₹1,500 per night
- Mid-range hotel: ₹2,500 per night
- Luxury hotel: ₹5,000 per night
- Local Transportation (Auto-rickshaws/Taxis): ₹500 – ₹1,500
- Food and Miscellaneous Expenses: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day
- Total Estimated Cost (for one person): ₹9,500 – ₹24,500
Summary
- By Flight: ₹16,000 – ₹32,500
- By Train: ₹8,000 – ₹25,000
- By Bus: ₹9,500 – ₹24,500
These estimates can vary based on the time of booking, availability, and personal preferences. It’s always a good idea to plan and book in advance to get the best deals and ensure a smooth trip.
Tips for Travel while reaching to Shirdi
- Book Tickets in Advance: Especially during peak travel seasons, ensure you book your flight, train, or bus tickets well in advance.
- Check for Updates: Always check for the latest schedules and availability for flights, trains, and buses.
- Accommodation in Shirdi: There are various hotels and guesthouses in Shirdi. Booking in advance is recommended.
City near to Shirdi
The main city near Shirdi is Nashik. Nashik is approximately 90 kilometers from Shirdi and is a significant urban center in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is well-connected to Shirdi by road and offers various amenities and attractions for travelers.
Distance between Shirdi main temple from railway station
The Shirdi main temple, Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple, is approximately 2 kilometers from Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. It is a short and convenient journey by auto-rickshaw or taxi, taking around 5-10 minutes to reach the temple from the station.
Best month to visit Shirdi
The best months to visit Shirdi are from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, making it ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. Here is a brief overview of each season:
October to March (Winter)
- Weather: Cool and pleasant.
- Temperature: Ranges between 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F).
- Pros: Ideal for outdoor activities and comfortable temple visits.
April to June (Summer)
- Weather: Hot and dry.
- Temperature: Can soar up to 40°C (104°F).
- Pros: Fewer crowds but quite hot for daytime activities.
July to September (Monsoon)
- Weather: Rainy and humid.
- Temperature: Moderate, with frequent rainfall.
- Pros: Lush green surroundings, but travel can be affected by heavy rains.
Less crowded days for doing Shirdi sai darshan
Weekdays, especially from Monday to Thursday, are generally less crowded in Shirdi compared to weekends and holidays. Among these days, Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the least crowded. Visiting on these days can offer a more peaceful experience at the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple and other attractions in Shirdi.
Nearest Jyotirling to Shirdi, pilgrims also visit here
The nearest Jyotirlinga to Shirdi is the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra. It is approximately 115 kilometers from Shirdi and can be reached by a 2-3 hour drive. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees visiting the region.
Whether people can stay inside Shirdi Temple
No, staying overnight inside the Shirdi Temple premises is not allowed. However, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust provides various accommodation options nearby, including guesthouses and dormitories. Additionally, there are numerous hotels and lodges in Shirdi catering to different budgets, offering convenient and comfortable stays for pilgrims and visitors.
Things that are not allowed in Shirdi Sai
When visiting Shirdi, especially the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple, there are several rules and restrictions to ensure the sanctity and smooth functioning of the temple. Here are some things that are not allowed:
1. Cameras and Mobile Phones: Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
2. Shoes: Footwear is not allowed inside the temple; there are designated areas to leave your shoes.
3. Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and the consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited in and around the temple premises.
4. Pets: Pets are not allowed within the temple premises.
5. Large Bags and Luggage: Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are not allowed inside. There are cloakroom facilities available for storing belongings.
6. Short and Revealing Clothes: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing clothes are not appropriate.
7. Loud Talking and Disruptive Behavior: Maintaining silence and decorum is essential inside the temple premises.
8. Outside Food: Bringing outside food and eating within the temple premises is not allowed. There are designated areas for eating, and the temple also offers prasad (sacred food).
Important aartis of Shirdi Shai
The Kakad Aarti is considered one of the most important and auspicious Aartis in Shirdi. It is the early morning Aarti that starts around 4:30 AM, marking the beginning of the day’s rituals at the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple. This Aarti is highly significant as it is believed to wake up the deity and is attended by numerous devotees who seek blessings at the start of the day.
Other important Aartis in Shirdi include:
1. Madhyan Aarti (Noon Aarti): Performed around 12:00 PM, this Aarti is significant as it is performed at noon, a traditional time for prayers.
2. Dhoop Aarti (Evening Aarti): Held around sunset at 6:30 PM, this Aarti signifies the transition from day to night and is attended by many devotees.
3. Shej Aarti (Night Aarti): Performed around 10:30 PM, this Aarti marks the end of the day’s rituals and prepares the deity for rest.
Food to offer Sai Baba
Sai Baba favorite food is believed to be Khichdi. Khichdi is a simple and nutritious dish made from rice and lentils. It is often offered as Naivedya (a food offering) to Sai Baba by devotees visiting the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple in Shirdi. The humble and wholesome nature of Khichdi reflects Sai Baba’s teachings of simplicity and humility.
Conclusion
Traveling from Delhi to Shirdi is convenient with multiple transportation options available to suit different preferences and budgets.
Delhi Travel Guide
