Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit Around Shirdi

Shirdi, located in Maharashtra, holds a special place in the hearts of many as a revered religious site in Hinduism, primarily dedicated to Sai Baba. This sacred town attracts devotees from all over India, transcending religious boundaries. It’s a testament to its universal appeal that not just Hindus, but also Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians visit in large numbers.

While the Sai Baba temple is the primary attraction, Shirdi also offers other significant sites like Shani Shingnapur, Dwarkamai, Samadhi Temple, Gurusthan, and Khandoba Temple. These spots draw countless tourists and devotees annually, adding to Shirdi’s spiritual ambiance.

Here is a List of the Best Places to Visit Around Shirdi:

1. Shani Shingnapur

• Location: About 72 kilometers from Shirdi in the Ahmednagar district.
• Highlight: Famous for the powerful Lord Shani’s black stone abode.
• Unique Fact: The temple lacks architectural grandeur but holds immense religious significance.

The distance from Shirdi to Shani Shiganpur is about 72 kilometers. Shani Shiganapur Temple is a wonderfully unique place located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra which is famous for the powerful Lord Shani. The temple has a black stone which is believed to be the abode of Lord Shani. Our dear tourists, let us tell you that there is no architectural beauty in this temple but this temple is very famous, people come from far and wide to visit Lord Shani.

2. Khandoba Temple

• Location: Shirdi.
• Highlight: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, known as Khandoba in Marathi.
• Unique Fact: Sai Baba was named “Sai” by a priest from this temple.

If you had seen a movie about Sai Sai Baba, then you would have known that Sai Baba used to visit Khandbo temple in Shirdi every day. The temple belongs to Lord Krishna and is called Khandoba in Marathi. A priest of the same temple named Sai Baba as Sai. Since then all people started calling him Sai. This temple is still present in Shirdi.

3. Dwarkamai Shirdi

• Location: Shirdi.
• Highlight: Sai Baba spent significant time here, including his last moments.
• Unique Fact: Originally a dilapidated mosque, it was transformed by Sai Baba and uniquely houses a temple within.

For devotees going to Shirdi, Dwarkamai is like a treasure of Shirdi. At this place, Sai Baba has spent a special time of his life including his last moments. Earlier there was a mosque which was covered in ruins but Sayin Baba changed it completely. The most special thing here is that Dwarkamai is a mosque which has a temple. The devotees are blessed with the blessings of Sai Baba as soon as they step into this mosque.

4. Samadhi Temple Shirdi

• Location: Shirdi.
• Highlight: An attractive temple built with white marble.
• Unique Fact: Constructed by a wealthy individual from Nagpur.

Samadhi Mandir is a very attractive temple of Shirdi. This temple was built by a millionaire man of Nagpur. The most special thing about this temple is that this temple is made of white marble, which is decorated with ornaments drawn between the two big pillars.

 5. Gurusthan Shirdi

• Location: About 14 kilometers from Shirdi in Kopargaon.
• Highlight: Considered a holy place where devotees believe burning incense can cure diseases.
• Unique Fact: One of the most special places in Shirdi due to its religious significance.

There is a belief here about this place that devotees here will cure all their diseases by burning incense sticks here. Gurusthan is one of the most special places in Shirdi. People consider this place so special because it is a holy place This place is located in Kopargaon, about 14 kilometers from Shirdi to Kopargaon.

6. Chavadi

• Location: Near Dwarkamai Mosque in Shirdi.
• Highlight: Sai Baba spent several nights here during his later years.
• Unique Fact: Sai Baba’s procession was taken out from here, making it a special place for devotees.

Chawdi is a very special place to be visited by pilgrims traveling to Shirdi. Historians say that Sai Baba spent a few nights here during his last years. Chavadi is located near Dwarkamai Mosque. Sai Baba’s procession was taken out of a sail by his devotees, therefore the devotees of Sai Baba consider this place very special.

7. Wet N Joy Waterpark

• Location: Shirdi.
• Highlight: A popular water park offering relief during the summer.
• Unique Fact: A modern attraction amidst the religious sites.

Shirdi also has Shirdi Water Park, which is extremely popular among tourists visiting here. This place brings immense relief to tourists during the summer season.

8. Thursday Palki Procession

• Location: Shirdi.
• Highlight: A significant religious procession.
• Unique Fact: Not directly related to a physical location but an event of great importance.

Sitabuldi Fort is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Nagpur which is situated atop a hill behind the Ganapati temple. This charming fort is now home to the Indian Army. Sitabuldi is a commercial center in the area around the fort.

9. Sai Heritage Village

• Location: Shirdi.
• Highlight: Offers a glimpse into Sai Baba’s life through sculptures.
• Unique Fact: Visitors feel transported back to the times of Sai Baba.

Sai Heritage Village is also known as the Old Shirdi of Sai. The specialty of this place is that by coming here it seems that we have gone back to the same time when Sai Baba used to be. Here you will find many sculptures related to Sai Baba’s life. This place is very interesting. You can see yourself closer to Sai Baba by coming here.

10. Dixit Wada

• Location: Shirdi.
• Highlight: A museum housing items related to Sai Baba.
• Unique Fact: All items are believed to have belonged to Sai Baba, collected post his departure.

The proof of Sai Baba being in Shirdi is also present here in many forms. One of these is Dixit Wada. Actually, it is a museum, in which things related to Sai Baba are kept. Not only this, but the management of the museum also claims that all the items in the museum belong to Sai Baba, which has been gathered here from different people since his departure. It is really interesting and emotional to see. When Sai Baba comes to this museum, the faith becomes stronger.

Getting to Shirdi:

Shirdi, a prominent pilgrimage destination in India, is situated in Maharashtra and boasts excellent connectivity through various modes of transportation.

By Air: For those who prefer flying, the closest major airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, approximately 350 km away from Shirdi. This airport offers numerous domestic and international flights.

By Train: Shirdi now has its own railway station, situated just 10 km from the main temple. This station provides train services connecting to various cities across India, making rail travel a convenient option for pilgrims heading to Shirdi.

By Road: The Maharashtra government operates several buses to Shirdi from cities like Mumbai, Nashik, and Pune. Additionally, travellers have the option to hire taxis for a more personalized journey.

The Best Time to Visit Shirdi

While Shirdi welcomes devotees year-round due to its religious significance, the ideal time for sightseeing and a comfortable pilgrimage is during the winter months. From December to March, the town experiences pleasant weather, making it the most favorable period for visitors.

Conclusion

If you are planning to visit Shirdi, then apart from the temple of Sai Baba, do not forget to see these interesting places in Shirdi. The naturally beautiful villages and towns around Shirdi will make your trip memorable.