We launch a new reader driven travel series.

Tanya Paul, 26, a content writer based in Pune tells us about her recent trip to the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi and the picturesque sites along the way. 

The constant rat race of city life left my hubby and me longing for a break, even if it was for just a weekend.

So we decided to head to Shirdi which attracts hundreds of Sai Baba devotees daily. People from all over the world visit his shrine to offer prayers of gratitude and seek his blessings.

The last time I had been there was with my parents 10 years back. Since we both enjoy driving long distance to see new places, we decided to visit Shirdi by car, which is not very far from Pune where we live.

How to get there

There are several ways to reach Shirdi -- hire a private taxi, take a long distance bus or train or drive down from Pune or Mumbai. You can plan a one-day trip or book yourselves into a hotel in Shirdi and make it a two-day trip to visit the temple.

Once you reach Shirdi, it looks like a small town bursting at the seams. There is a lot of noise, dust and pollution. As you near the premises of the main temple of the Sai Baba, you will find several people vying for your attention, trying to coax you into parking your car in their private parking lots -- for a fee.

After a little investigation, we got to know that there is no such temple-owned paid parking, but there is a parking area run by the trustee of the main temple, which is a stone's throw distance away. One can park there for a nominal fee.

You can buy coconuts, flowers, prasad, and chaddar for the offerings to the Sai Baba from several shops around the temple.

Inside the temple

I was impressed by the temple staff -- they are professional, and quite helpful. Deposit your shoes at the shoe stand, for a token of Re 1.

Photography/video shooting is not permitted in the temple premises, and the temple staff is quite strict about this rule.

When you stand in queue, considering it's a weekend, you may have to stand for about an hour or more, till it's your turn to come face-to-face with the pristine Sai Baba seated on his throne.

Even if you get a few minutes to pay your respects to the lord, I think it is really worth it.

You can donate cash by depositing it in the cash box inside the temple or there are separate offices within the temple premises where you can donate cash or kind. You can purchase the Laddoo prasad from a separate counter and can also wait your turn for the bhog (meal) offered at specific timings.

En route�

As we drove along the Ahmednagar highway, we saw some very picturesque scenes. That's one advantage of driving long distance as you have the liberty to stop over whenever you want to and capture some breathtaking views to add to your collection.

The condition of the roads on the highway is good -- till it reaches Shirdi. But throughout your journey by road drive cautiously no matter how confident a driver you may be.

This is because, there are several long distance buses, transport trucks, and more dangerously private taxis (Sumo and Qualis) driving at breakneck speed, flouting every single traffic, and safety rules.

One can visit Shirdi year round, as well as during the main festivities. The months from March to July will be the hottest, till the monsoons set in.

Quick travel tips

~ Carry enough water and snacks while you drive, as there are spots of complete desolation on the highway where you can see no one for miles. But if you do spot a small restaurant or dhaaba cold drinks and bottled water are the safest to have.

~ You could eat at the restaurant at Yash Palace, located on the main road in the city of Ahmednagar. Ask any shopkeeper for directions an he will direct you instantly as it is probably the biggest restaurant and hotel in Ahmednagar.

For just Rs 65 you get a delicious unlimited Rajisthani thali consisting of -- Daal Vaati, two-three kinds of vegetables, hot Phulkas with ghee, rice, Kaddhi, Dahi Vada, pickle, papad, and Moong Daal Halwa. This certainly is a treat, once you're driving back from Shirdi.

~ You have State Bank of India [Get Quote], ICICI Bank [Get Quote] and HDFC Bank [Get Quote] ATMs in the city proper of Ahmednagar. There are several petrol/diesel pumps in Ahmednagar and on the highway, but these may not accept credit/debit cards. So, keep enough cash ready while traveling to such places.

~ The total distance from Pune to Shirdi is about 205 to 210 kms.

Pune to Ahmednagar: 120 kms
Ahmednagar to Shirdi: 85 kms

~ When you visit Shirdi around this time ie early summer, make it point to buy a dozen of ripe guavas. They are simply delicious and much better quality than what you get in the cities.

Information

~ For more information about the temple log onto: www.shrisaibabasansthan.org

Address
Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust,
Shirdi
Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Phone: (02423) 423109

~ Some of the hotels:

MTDC Pilgrim's Inn Shirdi Hotel
At Post Shirdi,
Near Saibaba Shrine
Shirdi 423 109 - India

***

Sun-n-Sand, Shirdi
Plot No. 109/P-124/P
Village Nighoj
Taluka Kopergaon
Shirdi -- 423 109

Phones: (02423) 255728/29/30

Do you love to travel? Do you have a favourite holiday destination/weekend getaway?

Be it Goa [Images] or Mauritius, the backwaters or snow-clad mountains, adventure sports or treks -- tell us about your adventures in travelling.

How you got there, where you stayed, how much you spent, what you saw and felt... We want to hear it all.

Don't forget to add your full name, age, location, profession and contact details.

Second image: Tanya Paul