After 155 days since my last travel post, I’m finally back with another fascinating story.That doesn’t mean I haven’t been traveling during this time. Most of my journeys were work-related or temple visits, but this one felt like it needed to be mentioned. This was a trip meant for exploration, and a bit of spiritual grounding.
The Train Journey
The first step was simple—catch the train.
We boarded Train 22601 from KJM (Krishnarajapuram, Bangalore) to SNSI (Sainagar Shirdi). The journey turned out to be surprisingly smooth. The train was well maintained, punctual, and comfortable.Getting the side lower and upper berths turned out to be a blessing.You’re slightly isolated from the hustle of the main compartment. You are free from constant movement. Best of all, you get uninterrupted views outside the window. No seat swaps, no negotiations. As the train cut through stretches of countryside, peacocks darted across barren fields. Deer rested calmly along the distant ridges.
Just you, the window, and the journey.
Moments like these remind you why train journeys still hold a charm that flights simply can’t replace.
Arrival in Shirdi
One of the most convenient aspects of visiting Shirdi is how well the temple authorities manage logistics. Buses are available right outside the station to take devotees directly to the accommodation complexes.Our suggestion for anyone planning the trip:
- Book a train to SNSI
- Reserve temple accommodation in advance (AC rooms are available for around ₹400)
- Take the temple bus from the station
- Pre-book your darshan tickets online
The Engineering Marvel: Sai Prasadalaya
If you visit Shirdi and miss the Sai Prasadalaya dining hall, you are missing something truly special.This massive dining facility is one of the largest solar-powered kitchens in India, capable of serving thousands of devotees daily. The Shri Sai Baba Prasadalaya can accommodate around 5,500 people at once. This makes it one of the largest temple dining halls in the country.
When we visited, the crowd was manageable. Instead of the free hall, we opted for the ₹50 special meal hall upstairs.The menu was identical to the free dining section below—the only difference being a sweet dish added at the end. The kitchen uses significant solar-powered cooking systems. It integrates automated processes. This makes it an impressive blend of spirituality and engineering. The food was simple and warm. It was incredibly comforting. It was exactly the kind of meal that leaves both the stomach and the mind satisfied.
Evening Darshan
Our darshan slot was scheduled for 6:30 PM, and the temple management ensured that everything ran smoothly.Dedicated entry gates, organized queues, and clear directions meant that despite the large number of visitors, the experience felt calm and structured.After the darshan, we wandered through the nearby streets, briefly browsing the shops surrounding the temple.And then, like many evenings during this trip, the day ended with something simple—returning to the room and watching the India vs England semi-final.
Of course, not before one more satisfying dinner at the Prasadalaya.
Planning the Next Adventure
With the spiritual leg of the journey complete, we booked a cab for the next day’s adventure.Because the real exploration was about to begin.The ancient rock-cut wonders of Ajanta and Ellora were waiting.And that story deserves its own chapter.
Until then… stay tuned…
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