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Shirdi is a major pilgrim place, hugely significant in Maharashtra and known throughout the world. Once a forest shrouded in plantation and trees, thanks to the burst in travel and tourism, today the place seems to be bustling with hotels and rental homes gawking at you from every nook and corner. Though I am not sure if that makes for a very pretty sight, but almost at every step of your way, you will find a hotel inviting you in.
Shirdi town is spread in a small area, the Samadhi temple being the center of the hub. When it comes to choosing a hotel, go for the ones that are closer to the temple and at a walking distance. If you are planning to book the hotel through the internet, be aware to double check the prices on the deals page and the booking page just before making a payment.
Dad suggested MTDC’s Pilgrim’s Inn Resort, a suggestion I seconded as it is good place we have stayed earlier as well. Pilgrim’s Inn can be booked online from their official site but when we checked, the rooms were full. So we decided to take a chance and try it on the spot. But it is wise to book a hotel in Shirdi beforehand to avoid rush and crowds.
What this disappointment meant is that we reached Shirdi without any prior reservations, hoping to get a room at MTDC’s Resort in Shirdi on the spot and we did! What a relief!
WHERE TO STAY IN SHIRDI: BOOKING IN MTDC PILGRIM’S INN.
Spacious and a stone’s throw from Baba’s Samadhi Mandir, Hotel Pilgrim’s Inn is run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). We payed Rs. 2500/- for one family suite and stayed there for a day.We have stayed there earlier and personally, I can vouch for it being one of the best hotels that you can get in Shirdi. Not only does it provide good value for money, the location being just a few steps from the temple, is very good.
The room was big and wide enough for all 4 of us to accommodate and was clean and well maintained. The staff was polite and courteous as well.Another plus point for the hotel is their in house restaurant, Neem which serves delicious and fresh local vegetarian food options that you can try.
My Maharashtrian Thali – Well worth an order!
The parking space is ample and the hotel tariffs are reasonable so you can be sure that you will not return burning a hole in your pocket! Overall, an excellent place to stay.
Shirdi is well connected to most major cities by railway and roads. From Mumbai, the distance is around 240 KM and it takes around 5 hours to reach the place via Ghoti. The drive takes you through the Western Ghats mountain range while the Sahyadri mountains in the distance with the rolling meadows doubling up as nature’s blanket keep you engaged.
Sunset somewhere on the way from Mumbai to Nashik.
A major good news is that Shirdi now has its own airport so that reaching the town has now become a bit easier. Located 15 km from the main Sai Baba Samadhi temple in the Kakadi village, the airport is operating flights from Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad in its initial stages. Located 15 km from the main Sai Baba Samadhi temple in the Kakadi village, the airport is operating flights from Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad in its initial stages. With so many deals by the aeroplane carriers these days, do some search for cheap air tickets before booking your trip, who knows you might just be end up flying to Shirdi. Plans to ply dedicated buses and taxis from the airport to Shirdi town are also in the pipeline.
