Shirdi Tour with e…Routes

 Shirdi - Nashik - Pandharpur - Kohlapur - 
 Tour with e…Routes - 
A perspective

Group Tour: e…Routes, Coimbatore organised the above tour. I was one among the twenty six tourists, with majority of them coming from Sreevatsa Global Village, Coimbatore. (The residential complex where I live). 

Deities Worshipped: We took a flight from Coimbatore to Shirdi on 7th Oct’ 25 and returned from Kohlapur to Coimbatore on 11th Oct’ 25. Travel from Shirdi to Nashik, Pandharpur (Pandaripuram Vittal) and Kohlapur (Mahalakshmi) were covered by Road. We were fortunate to have had four darshans of Shirdi Sai, including Khakkad Aarti, two darshans at Pandaripura Vittala and Rukmini, one each at Nashik Triyambakeswarar, Kaala Ram, Kaboleswarar(Sivan), Kohlapur Mahalakshmi. Except in Kohlapur, where we spent nearly half an hour in the queue, before Mahalakshmi graced us with her merciful eyes, the time spent in the other worship centres, before we could experience the glimpse of the deity, was less than ten minutes. Though the wear and tear of the body, at this age, tired most of us, the joy and happiness derived from the excellent darshans, kept our mind fresh and energetic

Perspective about the tour operator: After the tour lasting four nights, five days ended on 11th October 2025, the participants were unanimous to say " e…Routes satisfied the three essentials viz. 

(i) the itinerary was achieved in full without draining out the energy of the participants

(ii) quality of stay was enhanced by booking in reputed premium hotels and the travel arrangement were through comfortable road liners.

(iii) quality food was served well in time, both in the hotel and while on road.

Someone known to us asked "What is so great about this? Most reputed travel agents satisfy all these parameters"

One participant responded "All the above came with the signature touch of the partner himself accompanying and as is his wont to deliver upto the finish"

The pessimist queried again "e…Routes gives it in all their travels. So what is so new in this tour?"

I responded: The differentiators were

1. The firm did similar tours for Shirdi, but Pandaripuram Vittala and Kohlapur Mahalakshmi were their first assignments. But none of us felt that way, as professional planning and personal care taken by the operator in these places made us feel that they are too familiar with these places also.

2. Though most of us were senior citizens and non-seniors could have accompanied the formers as assistants for free darshans (other than the Kaakad Aart) in Shirdi, the travel agent purchased darshan tickets at an additional cost of ₹16000, to ensure plan B is in place. 

3. Sensing that the 'travellers luxury coach' initially booked was not upto the mark, fuelled by bad road conditions on day two, Mr. Srinithi (partner of the firm) replaced the vehicle with a more comfortable "45 seater" for the next three days, though it involved an additional cost of ₹25000 to the operator.

4. As the travel involved an eight hour journey from Shirdi to Pandharpur, eating into our lunch plans, Mr.Srinithi carried with him 'special lunch food packets' prepared from Saravana Bhavan, Shirdi and served the same in an hygienic restaurant on the way, with a special vegetarian cubicle for us. The selection and decision was made, while starting the journey from Shirdi itself was the highlight.

5. The travel hours from Pandharpur to Kohlapur was uncertain due to road conditions in between. Hence, it was decided to take lunch on the way at a restaurant unknown. But Mr. Srinithi surprised again as the 'Agathya Restaurant' selected by him gave us the best food with an added advantage of the restaurant being situated at a throw away distance from the Mahalaxmi Temple, the pilgrimage spot identified in the itinerary 

The above differentiators made by Mr.Srinthi gave us cherished moments that will stay in  our happy memories a life time. ( It is not out of place to mention that Mr. Srinithi could have well stayed away from the tour, as his father was still canvalescing in a major hospital in Coimbatore).

Co-tourists: Then the last query came, "How were the fellow tourists?”One of the participants jumped over me and quipped. "Yes, accommodative, of course - Not only happy and lighter moments were shared, but the difficult moments were made lighter due to the camaraderie exhibited by all to share their shoulders. Globally exposed, most of them were, but exhibited a personal touch that only a villager can experience" 

So thank you e…Routes, Mr.Srinithi and all co-tourists for making the tour enjoyable and leaving behind cherished memories.

V. Viswanathan
C3 - 302 Sreevatsa Global Village, 
Chinnavedampatti, Coimbatore

12th October 2025

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