Kamal Ghorui
At first, this one-day excursion from Mumbai to Shirdi may seem exhausting. Well, if planned properly, and timely, you can do it in a day and that too via Vande Bharat Express. With a schedule, speed and connectivity guaranteed, there are now many devotees who prefer this mode for a short spiritual visit which does not require an overnight stay.If this idea convinces you, will will need to get up and set out early morning for departure from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. One of the best things about this Vande Bharat train is that it makes the early hours count. The ride is fast, quiet and far more comfortable than it can be described in words. The experience is indeed premium for first time travelers with fresh interiors and other welcoming features.
Among other elements, the 180 degree rotating chair design allows passengers to turn towards a window and provides an uninterrupted viewing zone. By around 9 AM, the train reaches Nashik, and that’s when it starts getting quite lovely, which further contributes to the overall serenity.
Mumbai to Shirdi Vande Bharat timingThe only reason a day trip is even feasible is the train schedule.From Mumbai to Shirdi – train no – 22223 The train leaves CSMT in the morning and reaches Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station at approximately 11:30 AM. The complete route takes around 5 hours. From Shirdi to Mumbai – train no – 22224 The return train departs Sainagar Shirdi at 5:45 PM and reaches Mumbai CSMT at around 10:50 PM, also taking nearly five hours. The timings are perfect if you plan to have a same day Shirdi darshan from Mumbai, mini spiritual getaways and even weekend plans in hurry. Upon reaching the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station, taxis are easily available. It is the nearest railway station to Sai Baba Temple, which enables further easy commuting. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available outside where shared autos charge around INR 20-30 per seat. The nearest hotel and lodge are just 5-10 minutes away for any sort of refreshment before going to the temple.
Darshan and key spiritual sites
The Shirdi Sai Baba temple is the highlight for most pilgrims. Darshan tickets are priced at INR 200 and available for pre-booking online, wherein you can select a preferred date over a time slot. The system is pretty organised, and darshan normally lasts for around 45 minutes, depending on how busy it is.After darshan, several devotees prefer to meditate inside the temple complex for some time in silence or just sit and look around. There are several other interesting spiritual places in the vicinity which can be covered on the same day. One of the holiest places in Shirdi, Dwarkamai is a mosque where Sai Baba abstained himself for several years. It contains Baba’s grinding stone and a holy dhuni, drawing followers seeking a personal as well as an emotional rapport. Then there is Gurusthan, which is believed to be the place where a young Sai Baba first appeared as a saint, and is a peaceful and meditative place. Visitors who have time to spare can also opt to explore nearby attractions like Sai Teerth Theme Park and Sai Heritage Village before returning.
Lunch and return journey
Shirdi Prasadalay is one of the most popular places to have lunch within Shirdi. The fare is plain and hearty, the surroundings quiet: it’s a quick stop without sacrificing even more time. The return trip on Vande Bharat at 5.45 PM is equally plush. The fare is around 1,130/person including meals. After evening snack it is time for tea or coffee with cookies and finally a sumptuous full veg. Dinner. When it is combined with optimal timings, easy local commutes and well-organised darshan, a one-day Mumbai to Shirdi journey by Vande Bharat not only becomes possible, it also becomes one of the most viable options for visiting Shirdi without taking time off work or arranging overnight stay.
