Shirdi, the spiritual hub and home to Sai Baba, is a popular pilgrimage destination in India. Every day, devotees flock to the Sai Mandir to pay their respects, seek blessings, and find peace through darshan and aarti. Though the temple and other attractions in Shirdi are accessible year-round, there are certain times when a visit is ideal. Let’s explore the best times to plan your trip to Shirdi.
Peak Season: October to February/March
The best time to visit Shirdi is from October to February/March. This period includes major festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, Guru Purnima, Gudi Padwa, and Holi, which attract large crowds. During this time, the weather in Shirdi is pleasant, making it easier to explore the town’s attractions even amid long queues and larger crowds. Families and working professionals also prefer this season due to holidays and long weekends.
Shoulder Season: April to June
From April to June, Shirdi experiences the summer season with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees Celsius and high humidity levels. This period is considered a shoulder season, with fewer tourists due to the heat. However, if you don’t mind the warmer weather, this could be a quieter time to visit.
Off-Season: July to August (Monsoon)
The monsoon months of July and August are considered off-season due to frequent rains, which can range from drizzles to heavy downpours. Temperatures during this time range from 23 to 33 degrees Celsius, and the rain can make outdoor activities less convenient. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and enjoy the monsoon atmosphere, this could still be a good time to visit.
Best time to visit Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Programme, Time, & Charges (Rs)
- Kakad Aarti – Morning 05:15am 600/- per individual
- Mangalsnaan of Shri Sai baba – Morning 05:50 am ——
- Darshan Starts – Morning 6.25 am 200/- per individual
- Shri Sai Satyavrata Puja – Morning 7:00 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am 100/- per couple/ individual
- Abhishek (anointing) Puja – Morning 7:00am, and 9:00 am 100/- per couple/ individual
- Madhyanh Aarti – 12:00 noon 400/- per individual
- Dhuparti – At Sunset 400/- per individual
- Shejarti – Night 10:00 pm 400/- per individual
Additional Considerations
Apart from the weather, consider factors like religious festivals, personal vacations, and surrounding destinations while planning your trip. Checking the current temperature and weather forecast for Shirdi before you go will help you pack appropriately.
Things to Do in Shirdi
While the Sai Baba Mandir and Samadhi are the main attractions, there are other notable places to explore:
Gurusthan
Dwarkamai
Shani Shingnapur
Sai Teerth Theme Park: The first devotional theme park in India that uses advanced technology to depict Sai Baba’s life and teachings.
Sai Teerth Theme Park Highlights
Located a few minutes from Sai Mandir, Sai Teerth Theme Park offers a unique spiritual experience:
Laser Show: A captivating visual journey of Sai Baba’s life.
Sab Ka Malik Ek: A feature film on a giant screen, showcasing the saint’s story.
Dwarkamai Experience: A recreation of the 100-year-old Dwarkamai using robotics and animatronics.
Sai Palki and Rubik Cube Mosaic: A 4,000-piece Rubik’s cube mosaic of Sai Baba.
Lanka Dahan: A 5D show depicting Hanuman’s adventures in Lanka.
Teerth Yatra: A journey through ten sacred temples of India.
The park provides modern amenities like first aid, baby feeding rooms, parking, baggage areas, and food courts, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Plan Your Visit
Shirdi is an important spiritual destination that offers a mix of cultural, spiritual, and educational experiences. Consider the best time to visit based on your preferences for weather, crowd size, and festival celebrations. Plan your itinerary, book your tickets, and prepare for a few days of divine bliss and cultural adventure.
