Padyatra from Sai Baba Temple Vartak Nagar to Dwarakamai, Shirdi
My goal was to walk alone from Mumbai to Shirdi for reasons only known to Baba and myself.
I did some online research to see if anyone had walked this route before. I found a blog with helpful information and reached out to Mr. Sachin Nath, who has completed the Mumbai to Shirdi walk over four times with a Palki group, based on his blog posts about padayatra routes. He connected me with Mr. Srikanth Srinivasan, who has made the journey 24 times with a Palki group. Both generously shared detailed advice and insights about the paths they have taken.
As I began planning my own route, I focused on learning about the journey itself. For accommodations and food along the way, though, I have decided to rely on Baba’s guidance, trusting that he will provide shelter and meals where needed.
I spent nearly three months considering this journey and educating myself about, physically preparing for the various locations and routes involved.
I left San Diego, CA, USA on November 22, 2025 10 am, arrived in Mumbai from the US at on November 24, 2025 2 am. After leaving my luggage at a friend’s home near Rabale in Navi Mumbai, I made my way to the Sai Baba Temple at Vartak Nagar, Thane. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/szjZCJZvZcnWxE7Y9 – Reached Dwarakamai, Shirdi on November 29, 2025 9 pm. It took me 6 days and 5 nights to reach Baba.
Complete Walking route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2KT1RRTDn6xv6Hmi8
Challenges, Notes, and Observations
- Near Biwindi, the road splits into the Nashik-Mumbai highway and the Samruddi Marg. The Samruddi Marg is a freeway exclusively for vehicles; walking is not permitted. Since its construction, many businesses on the Nashik-Mumbai highway —including hotels, resorts, and restaurants—have been abandoned due to a lack of customers. Google Maps may still list these places as operational, but upon arrival, travelers often find only deserted buildings.
- Route Segments by Access to Hotels and Restaurants:
- Segment 1: Thane to Biwindi – City walk with plenty of hotels and restaurants, but expect heavy truck traffic until after the Padga toll, even late at night or early morning.
- Segment 2: Biwindi to Igatpuri – Few options early, almost none after 20 km from Biwinidi. Confirm businesses by phone as Google listings may be unreliable or abandoned. Igatpuri itself has a ton of fancy, active hotels and restaurants.
- Segment 3: Igatpuri to Sinner – A rural area with local languages, where restaurants and hotels are scarce and unreliable.
- Segment 4: Sinner to Shirdi – Many restaurants, no hotels; a straight, flat road known as the Palkimarg, and the best segment of the trip.
- While many Palki groups travel during November/December/January, none of their schedules or routes are published in English, which makes it hard for non-Marathi speakers to follow.
- Palki groups tend to stay in open spaces like petrol bunks or temples with no amenities, as they make pre-arrangements for food and drinks. They often bring water tankers for showers and use nature for nature calls.
Sai Baba Temple, Vartak Nagar, Thane.
Location.
Shiv Sagar Old Mumbai Agra Road, Mumbai – Nashik Highway, Bhiwandi, Padgha, Maharashtra 421302, India
Location.
Sai Dhara Warehouse and Logistics has a Sai Baba Temple
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nkgCNjWZTG5V1Cj29
When I left Thane, this was where I intended to stay for the night. However, due to the unexpected events mentioned above, I couldn’t make it that far. https://maps.app.goo.gl/AwFECikuzrfyl7bzZ
Starting at 4 am, Shiv Sagar Old Mumbai Agra Road, Mumbai – Nashik Highway, Bhiwandi, Padgha, Maharashtra 421302, India Location
Petrol bunk Next to Hotel Durga.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NySVEsBgtJRdJQHg9
Notes:Things took an interesting turn for me at 4 a.m. The traffic was intense, I was dealing with blisters on my feet, and after finishing my eight-hour walk that day, there were no hotels in sight. Standing by the roadside, I wondered how I would cope and prayed to Baba for guidance—should I turn back? Truck drivers weren’t letting me walk on the road, and trekking off-road had been incredibly tough. I messaged or called Sachin and Srikanth sir for advice; they mentioned that the traffic would ease up after Padgha toll. Still, I felt uncertain about where to sleep, rest, or have dinner. https://maps.app.goo.gl/2GibVoAe yamJG7Xj7. Just as I stood there, everything around me pitch black, a large gate suddenly opened Infront of a warehouse. A vehicle with a picture of Baba approached me—it belonged to a group traveling with a palki. Their van illuminated the road ahead and they invited me to join their walk.In areas where restaurants were scarce, this group provided me with meals for three days. Out of my six-day journey, I spent three days walking and sleeping alongside them. This truly was a blessing and care sent by Baba.
Started at 5 am: Petrol bunk Next to Hotel Durga.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NySVEsBgtJRdJQHg9
Mid-day break: Sai Palki Niwara
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fnMSanTjAsP12RNUA
Day Ending: Ghattan Devi Mandir Itagpuri
NotesIt’s best to take this route with company or trek during the daytime, as the ghat is steep and wildlife is present. Personally, I once saw a large six-foot snake here. If possible, I recommend waiting for companions before starting your trek.Once you reach Ighatpuri, there is not dearth of restaurants and hotels
Day 4 December 27, 2025, Started at 5 am Ghattan Devi Mandir Itagpuri,
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ReCb5unJpfDPqVVP9
Mid-day break: I found a restaurant on the way and stopped there for lunch and took couple of hours break.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uiUkFRCWDHWmEigY9
Notes: I parted ways with the group early in the morning. The day’s itinerary involved walking through several villages, and I was determined to challenge myself by reaching Sinner, which I successfully accomplished. Sinner offers a wide selection of hotels and restaurants.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uiUkFRCWDHWmEigY9
Mid-day break: I found a restaurant on the way and stopped there for lunch and took couple of hours break.