For millions of devotees across India, a visit to Shirdi is not just a trip — it’s a spiritual calling. The divine presence of Sai Baba attracts pilgrims from every corner of the country, and one of the most popular routes to this sacred destination is from Pune to Shirdi. Whether it’s your first darshan or a regular pilgrimage, a well-planned journey ensures that your visit is peaceful, comfortable, and fulfilling. Here’s a complete guide to make your Pune to Shirdi darshan easy and hassle-free.
1. Understanding the Route from Pune to Shirdi
The distance between Pune and Shirdi is approximately 185–200 km, depending on your chosen route. The drive usually takes 4 to 5 hours, offering scenic views of rural Maharashtra and smooth highways.
Best routes:
- Via NH60 (Pune – Narayangaon – Sangamner – Shirdi): The most preferred and fastest route with good road conditions.
- Via NH160 (Pune – Ahmednagar – Shirdi): Slightly longer but suitable for travelers from the eastern parts of Pune.
A road trip is the best option for devotees who value comfort, flexibility, and convenience.
2. Best Time to Visit Shirdi
While Shirdi welcomes devotees throughout the year, the best time to plan your visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant.
- Avoid weekends and public holidays if you want a peaceful darshan.
- For special experiences, visit during Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, or Vijayadashami, when grand celebrations take place.
If you’re aiming for a serene experience, plan a weekday trip and arrive early in the morning for the Kakad Aarti.
3. Travel Options from Pune to Shirdi
There are several travel options available:
- Private Cab: The most comfortable and convenient choice, especially for families or elderly devotees.
- Bus: Budget-friendly, but less flexibility with timing and stops.
- Train: A suitable option for those who prefer overnight journeys.
Among these, booking a Pune to Shirdi cab ensures a relaxed, door-to-door journey with zero stress about driving or directions.
4. Essential Travel Tips for Devotees
To make your Shirdi trip smooth and comfortable, keep these travel tips in mind:
- Start early (around 5–6 AM) to reach before the temple gets crowded.
- Carry light luggage and keep essentials like water, snacks, and medication handy.
- Dress modestly and comfortably for darshan.
- Book your aarti passes online via the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust website to avoid long queues.
A planned trip ensures that your focus remains on devotion, not logistics.
5. Darshan and Temple Timings
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple opens at 4 AM and closes around 11:15 PM. The key aartis to attend are:
- Kakad Aarti (Morning): 4:30 AM
- Madhyan Aarti (Afternoon): 12:00 PM
- Dhoop Aarti (Evening): 6:00 PM
- Shej Aarti (Night): 10:30 PM
If you’re traveling by cab from Pune, you can plan your departure time to reach before your preferred aarti and still have time to freshen up.
6. Places to Visit in and Around Shirdi
While in Shirdi, make sure you visit these sacred and interesting places:
- Dwarkamai Masjid: Where Sai Baba spent most of his life.
- Chavadi: The place where Baba used to sleep every alternate night.
- Lendi Baug: A serene garden where Baba meditated daily.
- Shani Shingnapur: Located about 70 km away, this temple dedicated to Lord Shani is worth visiting.
Traveling by a private cab gives you the freedom to visit these places comfortably at your own pace.
7. Accommodation Options in Shirdi
Shirdi offers a wide range of accommodation options — from budget dharamshalas to luxurious hotels. For convenience, choose a stay close to the temple premises. Many hotels also offer early check-in for travelers arriving before dawn.
If you’re booking a cab, you can request to be dropped directly at your hotel or near the temple gates, making your trip even more convenient.
8. Savor Local Food and Prasad
Shirdi’s local cuisine is simple and fulfilling. Don’t miss the Sai Prasadalaya, which serves free meals to thousands of devotees daily. You can also explore local Maharashtrian dishes like poha, bhakri, and misal pav at nearby restaurants.
Conclusion
A spiritual journey from Pune to Shirdi deserves to be comfortable, convenient, and filled with peace. With a reliable travel partner like Rcabs, your Pune to Shirdi cab journey becomes effortless — allowing you to focus on devotion rather than travel worries. Rcabs offers clean, well-maintained vehicles, experienced drivers, and flexible travel timings, making it the perfect choice for families, groups, and solo devotees. Choose Rcabs today and experience a safe, seamless, and soulful ride to Shirdi — because your darshan begins the moment your journey starts.
