About Shirdi
Sai Baba of Shirdi is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike, and Shirdi draws devotees from across India and the world. The Samadhi Mandir, where his remains rest, is the heart of the town, along with Dwarkamai, the mosque where he lived, and Chavadi, on the route of the Thursday palanquin procession.
Many UK families make the trip to give thanks or to fulfil a vow, and often combine it with relatives in Mumbai, Pune or Gujarat.
Getting there from the UK
The main ways to reach Shirdi.
| Route | How | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Via Mumbai | Non-stop from Heathrow, then road | A long drive, so most people break the journey |
| Via Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad | Domestic flight to Shirdi airport | IndiGo flies to Shirdi from these cities |
| Via Mumbai by train | Train to Sainagar Shirdi or Nashik, then road | A comfortable option for families |
| Via Pune | Fly to Pune, then road | Handy if you have family in Pune |
Planning a visit to Shirdi?
Tell us where your family is and when you want to go. We check every airline and we’ll beat any quote*.
Shirdi airport
Shirdi airport is at Kakadi, about 15 km south-west of the town. IndiGo flies there from Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi and Hyderabad. Schedules are limited and can change, so check the timings for your dates.
To connect from an international flight, keep both flights on one booking and leave a comfortable gap. Our guide to changing planes in Delhi and Mumbai explains the process.
Darshan and aarti
The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust runs the temple. Darshan and aarti passes can be booked online through the Sansthan’s official website, and booking ahead is wise for weekends and festivals. Four aartis are held each day, from the early morning Kakad Aarti to the night Shej Aarti.
Thursdays, Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami, which marks Sai Baba’s Mahasamadhi, are the busiest days.
Our tip: Book aarti passes as soon as your dates are fixed. The early morning and night aartis are especially popular.
When to go
October to March is the most comfortable time, with warm days and cool evenings. April and May are hot, and the monsoon, from June to September, brings rain but also green countryside. Weekdays are calmer than weekends.
Where to stay
Shirdi has hotels for every budget, many within walking distance of the temple, and the Sansthan runs its own accommodation. Staying close to the temple makes early morning aarti easy, especially for older devotees.
Many families also spend a night in Nashik, with its own temples on the Godavari, or combine Shirdi with Shani Shingnapur, a short drive away.
Elderly devotees
The Sansthan has arrangements for senior citizens and people with disabilities, so ask about them when you book darshan. Book wheelchair help on every flight, and break the drive from Mumbai if it is too long for one day.
See our page on assisted travel for elderly passengers, and our flights to Mumbai page for the routes from the UK.
What to wear and carry
Modest, comfortable clothing is expected in the temple. Shoes are left outside, and security checks apply, so keep bags small. Carry water, any medicines, and a copy of your darshan or aarti booking.
Flowers, garlands and sweets are sold by the temple for offerings. Prasad is given after darshan, and many families bring some home for relatives, keeping it in their hand luggage.
Combining Shirdi with Mumbai and Gujarat
Shirdi fits easily into a trip that starts or ends in Mumbai. Families visiting relatives in Gujarat often fly into Mumbai, spend a few days in Shirdi and Nashik, then travel north, or fly home from Ahmedabad.
An open-jaw ticket, into one city and out of another, avoids backtracking. See flights to Gujarat if that is your plan.
The Thursday palki procession
Thursday is Sai Baba’s special day, and in the evening a palanquin procession carries his image from the Samadhi Mandir to Dwarkamai and the Chavadi and back, with music and devotional singing. It is one of the most moving sights in Shirdi and draws large crowds, so arrive early and find a good place if you want to watch it.
Because Thursdays are so popular, darshan queues are longer that day. If you want a calmer visit, go on another weekday and return on Thursday evening for the procession.
Nearby places to visit
Shani Shingnapur, known for its houses without doors, is a short drive from Shirdi and is often visited on the same trip. Nashik, on the Godavari river, has the Trimbakeshwar jyotirlinga temple nearby, and the Ellora caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are within reach for a longer day out.
If you have a few extra days, Aurangabad and the Ajanta caves can be added, though the roads are slow and a car and driver is the easiest way to get around.
How long to allow
Two nights in Shirdi is usually enough for a calm visit, with time for darshan, at least one aarti and the main shrines in the town. Add a night on the way from Mumbai if you are travelling with older parents, as the drive is long.
If you are flying into Shirdi from another Indian city, check the flight days before you fix the rest of the trip, as schedules are limited.
Questions people ask
Do I need a visa to visit Shirdi?
Yes, on a British passport. You need an Indian visa or OCI card, plus the free e-Arrival card before you land.
What happens on Thursdays in Shirdi?
A palanquin procession carries Sai Baba’s image from the Samadhi Mandir to Dwarkamai and the Chavadi and back in the evening. It is beautiful but very busy.
What is the nearest airport to Shirdi?
Shirdi airport at Kakadi, about 15 km from the town, with IndiGo flights from Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi and Hyderabad.
Can I fly from Mumbai to Shirdi?
Mumbai is not currently listed among Shirdi’s routes, so most people travel from Mumbai by road or train.
How do I book darshan at Shirdi?
Through the official Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust website. Book ahead for weekends and festivals.
When is Shirdi busiest?
On Thursdays, weekends, Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami.
When is the best time to visit Shirdi?
October to March, on weekdays, for cooler weather and smaller crowds.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Shirdi?
No. Fly to Mumbai or another Indian city, then travel on by road, train or domestic flight.
Is Shirdi suitable for elderly parents?
Yes. Ask the Sansthan about senior citizen arrangements, stay near the temple and book wheelchair help on the flights.
