5/5
Last month, my parents came to Mumbai to visit me for a week. During their stay, I showed them around the city, taking them to all the best places and giving them a taste of the city’s lifestyle. However, before they left, they expressed a strong desire to visit Shirdi. I wanted to make sure their wish was fulfilled, so I arranged a special journey for them.
Going on a special journey to sacred places holds a significant meaning for many travelers. Shirdi, the home of the revered saint Sai Baba, is a popular destination that attracts millions of devotees each year. To make this spiritual journey comfortable and enjoyable for my parents, I decided to book the Motohom Caravan. The trip started early in the morning when the Caravan came to pick us up, providing a proper, relaxed, and joyful experience for my parents during their visit to Shirdi.
Traveling in a caravan gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, unlike using public transportation like buses and trains. We didn’t have to rush or travel with a group of people, so we could take our time and enjoy all the beautiful spots along the way. Our journey began before daybreak, taking the Mumbai – Pune Expressway until Pune, and then following NH 60. It took us about six hours to reach our destination. As it was September, the weather was pleasant, neither too warm nor rainy, thanks to the monsoon season. Driving through the countryside of Maharashtra was a delightful experience, made even more enjoyable from the comfort of our caravan. We could relax in our beds and sip tea while admiring the scenic views outside. We passed through charming towns and villages like Asangaon and Vihigaon. At the beautiful Vihi Falls, we made a quick stop, changing into comfortable clothing in the caravan to enjoy the falls, and then easily changing back before continuing our journey. As we moved further, the landscape transformed from hilly terrain to dusty, red trails with sparse villages. Leaving the highway, we joined the Sangamner-Kopargaon Road, and then followed country roads, surrounded by sugarcane fields and light vegetation. This part of Maharashtra’s landscape was entirely new to us.
Finally, around noon, we arrived in Shirdi and headed straight to the Sai Baba Sansthan Temple. Luckily, we were just in time for the MadhyanAarti, held daily at noon. Our caravan journey allowed us to enjoy the trip to Shirdi comfortably and reach our destination on time.
The temple’s exterior looked simply, dedicated to the saintly figure. However, once we entered, it felt warm, lively, and beautifully decorated. The main shrine had gold leaf covering the ceilings, walls, and pillars. At the center of the sanctum, there was a lovely altar adorned with flowers, holding a small stone idol of Sai Baba in peace. A magnificent chandelier hung above, adding to the grandeur. Though we couldn’t touch the altar, we were allowed to get a good view of it. In front of the shrine, there was an enclosed area with the Samadhi (burial) of Sai Baba, made of marble and adorned with royal garments. Despite it being a weekday, we had to wait in a long queue to have our darshan. The crowd made it clear how revered this place was. There were at least a thousand people there, all seeking a glimpse and blessings from Sai Baba. It made me realize the profound attraction of divinity or, perhaps, just the strength of faith.
After our sacred glimpse at the temple, we rested in the caravan for a few hours, where we slept and relaxed. Then, we started our sightseeing tour. Our first stop was the Sai Heritage Village, where we learned about the life and deeds of the Sai Baba. We got to know about where he spent most of his life, his journeys, and the stories about him. Next, we visited the Dixit Wada Museum, which displayed personal belongings of Sai Baba and some rare photographs. Our tour also included stops at Lendi Baug and Chavadi.
The Motohom Caravan offers cozy queen-size sofa cum beds, with plenty of space for 6 adults. However, we were only 3 people traveling, so we had extra room to stretch out.
In the past, we had traveled to Shirdi in a cab, and the five-hour drive left us feeling a bit tired and stiff from sitting for so long. But the experience in the Caravan is completely different; it felt like we could travel for hours comfortably, just like being at home on wheels. We even took a nap, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, listened to songs, and had conversations without any interruptions. It was a great opportunity for quality family time, which brought us closer together. We could also discuss and appreciate the sacredness of Shirdi while inside the caravan.
The presence of a smart TV with a speaker system in the Motohom caravan adds a new level of entertainment and enjoyment to your pilgrimage experience. After a long day of visiting sacred places and exploring spiritual sites, you can unwind and relax by catching up on your favorite TV shows or watching devotional content that aligns with the purpose of your journey.
During downtime or while traveling between destinations, the smart TV allows you to have some quality family entertainment, creating a sense of togetherness and bonding among fellow passengers.
Moreover, the inclusion of Wi-Fi connectivity in the caravan ensures that you can stay connected with your friends, you can share your experiences, pictures, and videos on social media platforms, keeping them updated about your pilgrimage adventure. Additionally, having access to the internet during your journey allows you to stay informed about important information related to the pilgrimage site, such as its history, significance, and any special events or rituals taking place. The combination of a smart TV and Wi-Fi connectivity in the Motohom caravan enhances your overall pilgrimage experience, providing both entertainment and connectivity throughout the journey.
The ample storage space offered by the Motohom caravan is a significant advantage for your pilgrimage journey. When on a sacred trip, you often need to carry various devotional items, clothing, and personal belongings. With the caravan’s generous storage capacity, you can easily pack all the essentials without worrying about leaving anything behind. The convenience of having everything organized and accessible within the caravan makes the trip more enjoyable and stress-free Moreover, the caravan’s spacious rooftop tent is a fantastic feature that enhances your pilgrimage experience even further. The tent provides additional sleeping arrangements, which can be especially helpful if you’re traveling with a larger group or family. It ensures that everyone has a comfortable place to rest and recharge after a day of spiritual exploration.
Furthermore, the rooftop tent presents a unique opportunity for stargazing during your pilgrimage. After a day spent visiting temples and sacred sites, relaxing on the rooftop and looking up at the night sky can be a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. Being away from the city lights and noise, you can truly appreciate the beauty of the stars and immerse yourself in the serenity of the moment. It’s a chance to connect with nature and the universe, adding a spiritual touch to your journey. The combination of sufficient storage space and the versatile rooftop tent in the Motohom caravan makes your pilgrimage more comfortable, convenient, and memorable. It ensures that you can bring all your necessary belongings while offering the option for additional sleeping arrangements and a tranquil spot for stargazing. These thoughtful features create a delightful and fulfilling pilgrimage experience for you and your fellow travelers.
