Shirdi is known far and wide as the home of the saint of Maharashtra, Shri Sai Baba who is credited with many miracles. Shirdi is spread over an area of 13 sq. km. The town is located 238 km from Mumbai by road in Ahmednagar district. Shirdi is also popularly known as Sainagar.
The town was little more than a village hamlet when Sai Baba died in 1918. Over the decades, it has gained prominence, thanks to the increasing numbers of Baba’s followers in India and abroad. Millions of devotees visit the town every year to pay homage to the saint.
Things to do in Shirdi
Shirdi attracts people mainly due to their devotion to the saint, but that does not mean it is all that Shirdi has to offer. There is a lot more besides temples, i.e., gardens, water parks, restaurants with delectable dishes.
Tourist attractions in Shirdi
Shirdi has a lot to attract tourists, including the Sai Baba Temple Complex, Sai Baba Samadi Mandir, Wet N Joy Water Park and Sai Heritage Village. The Shani Shignapur Village with a temple for Lord Shani is very famous among villagers, who believe that Lord Shani guards and protects their homes and property.
Places to shop in Shirdi
To purchase Sai Baba accessories and items, you must visit Sai Kiran Novelty. Sai Vishal Textiles is the place where you can find sarees and ethnic wear at a great price. A few more shops you must visit include Kaka Halwai, Season Choice Hymart, and Dwarkamai Stores.
Best time to visit Shirdi
The ideal time to visit Shirdi is between June and September, spanning the monsoon season and the winter months.
Modes of transport
You can travel by road, air and rail to major destinations in Maharashtra and other states of India from Shirdi. In Shirdi, you can use auto-rickshaws to commute.
Weather in Shirdi
Shirdi experiences hot weather from March to early June when the temperatures range between 21°C and 40°C. The hot months are followed by the monsoon season beginning June and ending in September. Temperature ranges between 35°C and 29°C at the time. The winter in Shirdi starts in October and lasts till February.
Airport in Shirdi
IndiGo operates international and domestic flights from the Shirdi International Airport (IATA: SAG), the fourth busiest airport in Maharashtra.