Driving
Bhandardara to Shirdi
Updated: 28 May 2026
The journey from the serene hills of Bhandardara to the spiritual town of Shirdi spans approximately 115 kilometers. You will primarily traverse through the Akole-Sangamner route, which offers a scenic transition from the Western Ghats to the Deccan plateau. Private taxis are the most reliable mode of transport as public bus connectivity is limited. The drive typically takes three hours depending on traffic near Sangamner. This route is popular among pilgrims seeking a peaceful retreat before visiting the Sai Baba Temple.
Total Distance: 115 km driving distance and 95 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Private taxi, taking 3 hours via the Sangamner highway.
Cheapest Way
State Transport (MSRTC) bus from Akole, costing approximately 200 INR.
Compare Bhandardara to Shirdi Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
3 hours
Avg Price
2500-3500 INR
Operator
Private Taxi Operators
Route
Bhandardara - Akole - Sangamner - Shirdi via NH 160
Hire a cab from Bhandardara MTDC for a hassle-free experience.
Travel Tips
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Book in AdvanceAlways book your Shirdi temple Darshan pass online to avoid long queues.
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Start EarlyDepart Bhandardara by 7 AM to reach Shirdi before the afternoon heat.
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Carry CashKeep small denominations of cash for temple offerings and local transport.
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Dress CodeWear modest clothing as per the temple guidelines for entry into the sanctum.
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Stay HydratedCarry sufficient water as the route through Sangamner can get quite dry.
Safety Tips
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Road ConditionsThe ghat section near Bhandardara is narrow; drive cautiously during monsoon.
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Night TravelAvoid driving late at night on the Akole-Sangamner stretch due to limited lighting.
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Vehicle CheckEnsure your vehicle has a full tank as fuel stations are sparse in the hills.
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Emergency ContactsSave local police station numbers for Akole and Sangamner on your phone.
People Also Ask
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Is there a direct train?No, there is no direct train from Bhandardara to Shirdi.
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Can I take a bus?Yes, but you must change buses at Akole or Sangamner.
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How is the road quality?The road is generally good, though some patches near Akole are under maintenance.
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Are there hotels on the way?Limited options exist; Sangamner has the best mid-range restaurants.
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Is it safe for solo travelers?Yes, the route is safe during daylight hours.
Quick Info
- From Bhandardara, Maharashtra, India
- To Shirdi, Maharashtra, India
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
October to March, as the weather remains pleasant for both hill station visits and temple queues.
Things to Do in Shirdi
1
Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir
The primary pilgrimage site in Shirdi. It is the final resting place of Sai Baba and attracts thousands of devotees daily.
2
Dwarkamai
An old mosque where Sai Baba lived for a significant portion of his life. It houses the sacred Dhuni, a fire that has been burning for decades.
3
Gurusthan
The spot where Sai Baba was first seen as a young boy under a neem tree. It is considered a highly auspicious location within the temple complex.
4
Lendi Baug
A garden maintained by Sai Baba himself. It contains the Nanda Deep, a lamp that burns continuously.
Tags
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