Sai Baba's Shrine, a Doorless Village & the Sacred Ghats of Nashik
A 4-day pilgrimage circuit from Pune covering three of Maharashtra's most significant sacred sites — the Samadhi shrine of Sai Baba at Shirdi, the curious doorless village of Shani Shingnapur, and Nashik's Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga and Panchavati ghats on the Godavari River.
The journey opens with a drive from Pune to Shirdi, the small Ahmednagar district town that has grown into one of India's most visited pilgrimage destinations around the Samadhi Mandir of Sai Baba (1838?–1918) — a saint revered by Hindus and Muslims alike for his message of universal tolerance, 'Sabka Malik Ek' (there is one God for all).
From Shirdi, the route continues to the extraordinary village of Shani Shingnapur — famous nationwide for the fact that none of its houses, shops, or even its bank branch have doors, a tradition rooted in deep faith in the protective power of the village's open-air Shani (Saturn) deity — before continuing to Nashik for two nights.
Nashik itself offers a rare double pilgrimage: Trimbakeshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the mythological source of the Godavari River, and the Panchavati ghats in the city itself, one of the principal sites of the Hindu Kumbh Mela and a place closely associated with the Ramayana, where Lord Rama is believed to have spent part of his forest exile.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Arrive at Pune Airport or railway station, where you'll be met by our driver and transferred to Shirdi (approximately 200 km, ~4 hours). The holy town of Shirdi, in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, has grown around the Samadhi Mandir of Sai Baba — a saint revered across faiths for his teachings of universal tolerance. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for independent activities; in the evening, you may wish to attend the Aarti ceremony at the temple.
Morning darshan at the Sai Baba Temple, ideally as early as possible to avoid the heaviest crowds. Visit Dwarkamai (the mosque where Sai Baba lived for much of his life) and Chavadi, his alternate resting place. Check out and drive to Shani Shingnapur (approximately 70 km, ~1.5 hours) — a village famous across India for the fact that none of its houses, shops, or even its bank branch have doors, a tradition rooted in centuries-old faith in the protective power of the village's open-air Shani (Saturn) deity, whose black stone idol stands unguarded at the village centre. Continue the drive to Nashik (approximately 90 km, ~2 hours) and check in to your hotel.
Morning excursion to Trimbakeshwar Temple (approximately 28 km from Nashik) — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India, and the mythological source of the Godavari River, one of the most sacred rivers in the Deccan. The Brahmagiri Hill behind the temple is considered the river's mythological origin point. Return to Nashik for a local tour of Panchavati — the sacred ghats on the banks of the Godavari River, one of the key sites of the Hindu Kumbh Mela held here once every 12 years. Visit the Kalaram Temple and the Sita Gufa caves, both associated with the Ramayana legend that Lord Rama spent part of his exile here with Sita and Lakshmana. Optional afternoon visit to a Nashik Valley vineyard for a guided tour and wine tasting.
A relaxed morning local tour of Nashik — depending on your interests, this may include a further look at the Panchavati ghats, the Ramkund bathing tank, or a final stop at a vineyard or local market for Nashik grapes and wine. After breakfast and check-out, drive to Pune (approximately 210 km, ~4.5 hours). The drive timing is planned so that you are dropped at Pune Airport or railway station in the evening for your onward journey. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 3 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Pune
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at temples and attractions (where applicable)
- ✗ VIP/Special darshan fees at Shirdi (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Vineyard tour & tasting fees (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
We've planned Day 4 specifically so you can enjoy a relaxed final morning in Nashik — rather than a rushed pre-dawn checkout — and still comfortably reach Pune in time for an evening flight or train. If your onward travel is earlier in the day, we can adjust the schedule and start the drive sooner; please let us know your departure time when booking.
One night allows time for an evening Aarti on arrival and a calmer morning darshan the next day before continuing to Shani Shingnapur — sufficient for most pilgrims. If you would prefer a more leisurely Shirdi visit, or are travelling during a particularly busy period (Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, or the October Punyatithi), we recommend adding a second night; this is easily arranged on request.
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–28°C) for sightseeing and temple visits. April–June is hot on the Deccan plateau (up to 40°C); the monsoon (July–September) brings welcome relief and lush greenery to the Nashik wine region but can affect outdoor sightseeing at Trimbakeshwar and Panchavati.
Shirdi receives extremely high pilgrim volumes year-round, with particular surges during Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and the Sai Baba Punyatithi (October). We schedule darshan for early morning when queues are typically shorter. VIP/Special darshan tickets, which significantly reduce waiting time, can be arranged separately on request, subject to availability.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Bhandardara or Igatpuri, or upgrade hotel categories. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
