Shirdi to Mumbai by BharatBenz Bus (A/C 26 Seater – 2+1)

• • Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Mumbai Suburban • Tags:

Spent four days in Shirdi. Healed – in short. Love to visit again.

Shirdi to Mumbai bus ticket was booked via redBus.in in-advance.

Received eTICKET via Email and also SMS about ticket confirmation.

Amount paid for Shirdi to Mumbai by BharatBenz AC Bus – Rs. 715, which includes Loss of baggage – Upto Rs. 3,000 insurance cover and Personal accident – Rs. 6,00,000 insurance cover – just by paying Rs 15 – Powered by ICICI Lombard GIC Ltd.

It was a day’s journey starting from Neeta Annex Hotel, Shirdi (Opp. Eshosans Palace Hotel), not far from The Hotel where I stayed.

08:45 am – Reporting time and 09:00 am Departure time.

16:35 Dropping point time – Andheri (E) Highway, before flyover.

7 hours and 35 minutes – Total journey time from Shirdi to Mumbai by Bus.

Mask – Mandatory, Do not travel with Symptoms, Carry your own Blankets, Pets are not allowed, Carrying or consuming liquor inside the bus is prohibited and many such information/guidelines to be followed by the passengers are mentioned within eTICKET and cancellation charges too.

Though there is a train option too for Shirdi to Mumbai but due to COVID-19, booking was suspended.

The train from Shirdi to Mumbai starts at 10:25 pm and reaches Dadar (Mumbai) at 4:30 am.

Total journey hours from Shirdi to Mumbai by train – 6 hours and 5 minutes, about One hour 30 minutes better than the bus.

Anyway, I reached Neeta Annex Hotel at reporting time. The bus was already parked.

One of the guys, Ajay from Hotel Shree Sai Keshav – where I stayed came to see off. So nice. Thanks again-n-again.

The temperature was checked, and the Hand was sanitized before entering the bus.

RedBus sent an SMS about the chatting option with the co-passenger. I said Hi/Hello, but no one replied.

Anyway, at 9:00 am, the bus started its journey to Mumbai.

10:40 am reached Sinnar and at 11:15 am at Nashik.

A 30-minute stop at Mumbai Naka, Nashik. Why? – Only the bus driver knows.

Anyway, at 1:20 pm we crossed Kasara and at 2:00 pm the bus was parked at Hotel Paramount (Shahpur) for Lunch.

I had water (Rs. 25), Limca (Rs. 25), Idli Sambar (Rs. 70), and Onion Uttapam (Rs. 100). Total Rs. 220 paid.

The quality of the food was hot and delicious. The toilet was clean too, though very rarely one will find clean toilets in India, especially in public places.

The most attractive subject in the restaurant, other than foo,d was the High Volume Low-Speed Fan by Ecoair. It was huge. First time in my life, I was watching such a huge fan. Anyway, I was happy with the halt as the food quality was good at the restaurant.

2:55 pm The bus restarted its journey towards Mumbai.

4:00 pm, we reached Vikhroli. And at 4:45 pm reached Andheri (E) Highway before Fly Over. Only 10 minutes late.

Thoroughly enjoyed the journey, though there was no music/movie, still the journey was comfortable.

After reaching Mumbai after a few days, you will receive an email with the subject – How was your travel – to help RedBus to improve your travel experience. That’s interesting.

Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur to-and-fro by Force Traveller Van

• • Ahmednagar, Maharashtra • Tags: ,
Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur to-and-fro by Force Traveller Van

The very first thought to travel to Shani Shingnapur from Shirdi was by MSRTC bus.

I reached Shirdi Bus Depot (at Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, not far from Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple) to enquire about bus timing/fare.

I saw – There are MSRTC buses for Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Ratlam, Hyderabad, Gulbarga, Bangalore, Hubli, Bharuch, Surat, Ankleshwar, Palanpur, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Bhusawal, Aurangabad, Palghar, Dahanu, Saptshringi Gad, Mumbai (Dadar), Thane, Mumbai Central, Nashik, Satara, Sangamner, Pune, Kolhapur, Solapur, Ahmednagar, Shanishingnapur.

That’s interesting, isn’t it?

I was told – Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur bus is at 10:15 am from platform No. 1 and the fare is Rs. 135 (if I remember correctly).

Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur MSRTC Bus, Shirdi Bus Depot, Shirdi, Maharashtra

Anyway, I decided to enquire also from private vehicle owners about Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur to-and-fro fare and timing.

I was told there are numerous vehicles for Shani Shingnapur since morning from Shirdi and the fare to-and-fro is Rs. 150 only.

Because private vehicle was starting nearby the temple area, I decided to visit Shani Shingnapur one way by private vehicle and return by MSRTC bus.

The next day at 8:30 am I was near Gate No. 2, Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple.

Force Traveller 19 Seater - Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra)

Force Traveller Passenger Carrier was parked. I enquired about the seat availability?

Yes, available – He said.

I conveyed to the driver that I do not want to-and-fro ticket. I only want a one-way journey – fare?

Rs. 100 – The reply.

Ok – said I.

The seat was available. I enter the vehicle and grab the seat near the door. It was a 19-seater Force Traveller Passenger Carrier.

At 8:45 am the van was almost full and started its journey but I was surprised when it reached Shirdi Bus Depot and took a U-turn. We again reached nearby Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple to take a few more passengers.

Finally, at 9:15 am the journey was re-started from Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur.

As the highway work is going-on, we passed via villages. It was a rural journey in short.

What I liked most – devotional songs played by the driver during the entire journey such as – Deewana Tera Aaya Baba Teri Shirdi Mein, ek fakira aaya shirdi gaon mein and many more… Thoroughly enjoyed.

At 11:15 am van stopped at Umbre Village for Sugarcane Juice.

Raja – 8 years bull and its masters busy churning sugarcane juice.

Kolhoo ka Bail for Sugarcane Juice at Umbre Village, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, IndiaI had two glasses of sugarcane juice – Rs. 20 per glass.

Not only sugarcane but there was also jaggery – 1 kg for Rs. 60 for sale and Shakkar -1 kg for Rs. 100.

Jaggery (gur) for Sale at Umbre Village, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, IndiaAnyway, after 15 minutes of halt, the van re-started its journey.

At 12 noon reached Shani Shingnapur.

The van was parked in front of Santosh Nariyal Centre almost opposite Shani Shingnapur temple area.

Santosh Nariyal Centre, Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra, India

The purpose of parking the van at this location was clear. One may purchase puja items needed for the pooja of God Shani. Purchased. Rs. 200 paid (you have to bargain) excluding mustard oil. I will suggest: buy mustard oil from temple area. Its for Rs. 40 if I remember correctly.

I stayed almost one hour or so at Shani Shingnapur temple and then in-search for MSRTC bus for Shirdi.

Upon query, I was told – the bus will come at Shani Shingnapur bus depot (opposite and nearby Shani Shingnapur temple).

I waited for one hour but no bus. One person said: Bus goes further towards the village and will return.

I waited till 1:45 pm and finally walk in search of a bus or van for Shirdi.

I found again – Force Traveller Van and the fare – Rs. 100 because it’s a one-way journey.

The van started journey at 2:00 pm from Shani Shingnapur.

For 10 minutes it stopped during the journey at a sugarcane shop and I purchased 1 kg jaggery for Rs. 70.

Jaggery (gud) purchased during Shani Shingnapur to Shirdi journey by Force Traveller Passenger CarrierAnd reached Shirdi at 4:00 pm. Two hours journey, lesser than morning journey time and the route if I am correct was different from the morning. Anyway, I enjoyed both to-and-fro journeys but yes, I missed experiencing travelling via MSRTC bus. Maybe someday.

Name of The Donors for Prasad (free meals) Displayed at Shree Sai Prasadalay

• • Ahmednagar, Maharashtra • Tags:
Name of The Donors for Prasad (free meals) Displayed at Shree Sai Prasadalay

 

Donors for Prasad (free meals) at Shree Sai Prasadalay, Shirdi, Maharashtra, India

Shree Sai Prasadalay is situated approx. one km from Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra.

One may walk or hire sharing auto for Rs. 10 from Ahmednagar–Manmad highway (opp. temple) to reach prasadalaya.

Shree Sai Prasadalay, Sale of Prasad Meals Coupon Time: 9:30 am till 9:30 pm and Prasad Meals Time: 10:00 am till 10:00 pm.

There are two Prasad Meal options available at Shree Sai Prasadalay. One is Free Prasad Meal and the other is a Special Seating Prasad Meal available on the first floor for Rs. 50 (for Adults) and Rs. 30 (Children below 10 years).

My Favourite Best Places for Prasad/Meal in Shirdi

• • Ahmednagar, Maharashtra • Tags:
My Favourite Best Places for Prasad/Meal in Shirdi

As I told you earlier, I stayed at Hotel Shree Sai Keshav in Shirdi (Maharashtra) – recommended by Saumyaranjan Mishra the owner of INFOCREATIVES SERVICES PVT LTD.

Though there are so many hotels/restaurants in Shirdi but, to be honest whenever I travel, I always search for homemade food and Hotel Shree Sai Keshav serves almost like homemade fresh and hot vegetarian food prepared by Odisha chef.

All the staff of the hotel is from Odisha including the owner – Sanatan Bhaskar Gahan.

All you need is to inform the hotel staff in advance to prepare lunch/dinner. Breakfast is not prepared by them.

The cost of lunch or dinner thali is only Rs. 100 and the taste? – I wish I was a food writer to narrate. In-short – mouth-watering.

Look at the pictures below, you will have an idea – how good the meal was. Almost homemade.

Odisha Food Thali at Hotel Shree Sai Keshav, Shirdi, Maharashtra, IndiaOdisha Food Thali in Shirdi, Maharashtra, India

Other than the hotel, I had Prasad at Shree Sai Prasadalay in Shirdi, Maharashtra – approx. 1 km from Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple.

You have to hire sharing auto for Rs. 10 from Ahmednagar-Manmad highway (opp. temple) or you can walk also to reach.

Shree Sai Prasadalay Sale of Prasad Meals Coupon Time: 9:30 am till 9:30 pm and Prasad Meals Time: 10:00 am till 10:00 pm.

There are two Prasad Meal options available at Shree Sai Prasadalay. One is Free Prasad Meal and the other is a Special Seating Prasad Meal available on the first floor for Rs. 50 (for Adults) and Rs. 30 (Children below 10 years.)

I had Free Prasad Meal as well as Special Seating Prasad Meal but, to be honest – Free Prasad Meal was so delicious that I visited Shree Sai Prasadalay 3/4 times during my 4 days stay in Shirdi, Maharashtra.

Look at the picture below, you will have an idea – how good Prasad Meal was.

Free Prasad Meal at Shree Sai Prasadalay in Shirdi, Maharashtra, IndiaPaid Prasad Meal at Shree Sai Prasadalay in Shirdi, Maharashtra, IndiaDon't Waste Meal (Prasad) - Notice Board at Shree Sai Prasadalay, Shirdi, Maharashtra, IndiaClick to know more about Shirdi’s Maha-Kitchen: Shree Sai Prasadalay.

And do not forget to visit Shivsrushti – Historical Weapon Exhibition situated on the first floor.

I Hired an Auto Rickshaw to visit Popular Tourist Places in Shirdi

• • Ahmednagar, Maharashtra • Tags:
I Hired an Auto Rickshaw to visit Popular Tourist Places in Shirdi

I stayed at Hotel Shree Sai Keshav, Palkhi Road, near Sai Nagari Bank in Shirdi (Maharashtra).

The hotel (15 AC / 3 non-AC rooms) is run by Sanatan Bhaskar Gahan, who is from Bhadrak – an administrative district of Odisha state in eastern India, but for the last 40 years, he has been staying in Shirdi.

Earlier, he was working at Sai Dham in Shirdi for 28 years, and later started running a hotel for the past 9 years.

Sanatan was introduced by Saumyaranjan Mishra (also from Odisha) – the owner of INFOCREATIVES SERVICES PVT LTD.

Sanatan and Saumyaranjan – both are thorough gentlemen.

Upon request, Sanatan requested Subhash Rakshej, the owner of a petrol auto-rickshaw, to show popular tourist places around Shirdi.

Subhash has been driving an auto-rickshaw for the past 35 years and has sound knowledge about Shirdi and tourist places nearby.

I question Subhash – How much does an auto-rickshaw hiring charge?

Rs. 500 – he said.

Without any bargaining, I said – ok, and at 10:00 am we were on a tour around Shirdi.

First, we went to Sakori, which is approx. 5 km from Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple, to visit Shri Upasani Kanya Kumari Sthan, but it was closed to visitors due to the pandemic (COVID-19). So, I walk towards Shree Bapusaheb Jog Samadhi Mandir and Shri Ek Mukhi Datta Mandir, which is nearby. Stayed there for half an hour and restarted the journey towards Rahata to visit Shree Saibaba devotee – Kushal Chand’s house. Stayed there for 15 minutes and then continued the journey towards A Wishing Tree, not far from Rahata, situated on the right side of the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway.

After visiting A Wishing Tree, we restarted the journey towards Gram Devta – Virbhadra, which is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol situated at Beregaonban – a village situated a little away from the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway.

What I liked the most was the route because I saw a guava plantation, brick kiln, and village life, though the interior road condition was not that good.

Around 12 noon, we crossed the Lord Khandoba Temple situated on the Ahmednagar-Manmad highway.

Because I visited Lord Khandoba temple 10 years back, I requested Subhash to continue driving, and we reached Panchamukha Vishnu Ganapathi Dhyan Mandir, Kankuri Village. This time (visited 10 years back), I saw a few changes around the temple area.

There were 12 Ganpathi idols, such as Bala Ganpathi, Taruna Ganpathi, Bhaktha Ganpathi, Siddhi Ganpathi, Lakshmi Ganpathi, and many more, donated by devotees installed all around the temple area.

After visiting the temple, I had lemon juice for Rs. 15 per glass outside the temple area.

By 12:50 noon we reached Shirdi. Almost 3 hours journey and I was happy. Subhash Rakshej – The knowledgeable man. Rs. 500 – paid.

I suggest that if you, the readers, visit Shirdi, you may hire Subhash’s auto-rickshaw to tour around Shirdi.

Mhalsapati (The first devotee who owes the name of Saibaba) Cottage/Samadhi

• • Ahmednagar, Maharashtra • Tags:
Mhalsapati (The first devotee who owes the name of Saibaba) Cottage/Samadhi

 

Mhalsapati (the one who owes the name of Saibaba) Cottage in Shirdi, Maharashtra, India

Mhalsapati Cottage/Samadhi is situated in a narrow lane nearby Shri Tajudinbaba Devsthan in Shirdi (Maharashtra). Currently, Mhalsapati descendants – grandson lives there with family. Mhalsapati survived Saibaba by four years.

Opening/Closing Timings: 7:00 am till 9:00/10:00 pm

About: Mhalsapati – The Great Devotee of Saibaba

Morning Natural Refreshing Drink & Street Food in Shirdi

• • Ahmednagar, Maharashtra • Tags:
Morning Natural Refreshing Drink & Street Food in Shirdi

I stayed in Shirdi (Maharashtra) for four days. My morning starts with tea at Yewale Amruttulya – open from 5:30 am till 11 pm and then as there was no option of breakfast (though lunch/dinner was available) at the hotel, I walk a little bit via Kote Galli to reach Shri Mahalaxmi temple.

Nearby Shri Mahalaxmi temple, opposite Chaha House is Junaid’s tender coconut stall – for 5 years.

Junaid - Nariyal Paani Wala, Next to Shree Mahalaxmi Mandir, Opposite - Chaha House, Shirdi, Maharashtra, India

Junaid rides a Royal Enfield motorcycle and opens his tender coconut stall from 8 am till 9 pm daily.

The cost of tender coconut water is between Rs. 40 – Rs. 80.

I tried all. Rs. 80 tender coconut was too big in size but not that refreshing. Rs. 50 was the best.

In Mumbai, in the morning hours, I drink almost every day tender coconut water and the price is the same – Rs. 40 and Rs. 50.

Tender Coconut from Mysore is the best as per Mumbai tender coconut stall owners and also as per Junaid.

After having tender coconut water, I walk towards Mahalaxmi Tiffin Center i.e., next to Junaid tender coconut stall to have Dosa or Vada or Idli.

Mahalaxmi Tiffin Center opens from 6 am to 1 pm, run by family members for 12 years.

Lady prepares dosa and her husband – Vada. Two members of the family serve customers.

The cost of Dosa is – Rs. 30, Vada and Idli – Rs. 20.

Dosa was good but my personal favorite was Vada at Mahalaxmi Tiffin Center.

Other than tender coconut water, hot/cheap/crispy street food options especially in the early morning hours, if you like fruits, you can have Ber (Indian jujube) – Rs. 50/Kg and Peru (Guava/अमरुद) – 5/6 for Rs. 40/50/80 (you have to bargain) available nearby temple area.

Ber (Indian jujube) at Shirdi, Maharashtra, India

Peru (Guava) in Shirdi, Maharashtra, India

Shirdi is famous for Ber (Indian jujube) and Peru i.e., Guava (अमरुद). During the village visit, I saw Guava farming in-around Shirdi.

I remember during a visit to Deeg (Bharatpur, Rajasthan), I purchased Ber for Rs. 20 per kg but that was in the year 2014. If I compare the size and color of the Ber in Deeg and in Shirdi – There is a big difference.

Shirdi’s Ber is bigger and green in color though Deeg Ber is yellow in color and smaller in size.

Tastewise which one is better – I can’t say. Yet to taste Shirdi’s Ber.

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