Mumbai is a fast-paced megacity that requires a lot of efforts and perseveres to stay in. There are plenty of religious destinations that tourists can frequent to find spirituality and blessings. The surrounding areas of Mumbai have beautiful hills, lush fields and wonderful drives that can become a good option for an outing from the city. Travellers can seek a little bit of solace and peace of mind from the hustle, bustle of the city by renting a taxi or a cab and driving down to the nearby spots.
Hop onto a Mumbai taxi service, and you can go to some religious hot spots with your family either for a day trip or a weekend getaway to these top religious destinations.
Shirdi
Located about 4-5 hours’ drive from Mumbai, Shirdi is iconic for the temple of Sai Baba. Thousands of devotees of the Guru travel each year to pay homage to the saint. One can hire a Mumbai to Shirdi taxi and make a day trip to the sight. The busiest time of the year for Shirdi is between the months of September to November as famous Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Dusshera is celebrated during this time.
Triambakeshwar
The most famous Shiva temple is located in East India is located in Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra. This small little place is located 24 km away from Nashik so that tourists can make a day trip to both Nashik and Triambakeshwar. It is also home to a ‘Jyotilinga’ which is a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The famous temple has three ‘lingams’ representing the three mighty gods in Hinduism, Shiv, Vishnu and Brahma. The temple also has several monasteries and samadhis of saints that pilgrims can visit within the complex.
ShaniShignapur
This place situated in Sonai village in Maharashtra is famous for the temple of the deity ‘Shani’ or the god of Saturn. Pilgrims flock to the temple to offer their prayers to the god who is believed to reside in the temple. The landscape leading up to the village is very picturesque and will make for a great drive. There is a legend in the village where people believe that the god will punish those who try to rob the place. The best time to visit the temple is during the days of Amavasya or ‘new moon’ for the most auspicious prayers.
Nashik
One of the top places to visit for pilgrims in Maharashtra is Nashik. Located in the North West region of the state it is situated on the banks of the river Godavari. One of the most popular occurrences in Nashik is the KumbhMela which happens once every 12 years. There are many temples in Nashik including the Sundarnarayan temple, Kalaram temple a tribute to the god Rama. The Sundarnarayan temple was built during the reign of Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud, and it is renowned for its beauty. The temples are best visited during the daytime as pilgrims can get the ‘MahaArathi’. Best months to visit Nashik is between January-August in a year.
