Salem, Tamil Nadu to Shirdi, Maharashtra from $10: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard services for the train journey from Salem to Shirdi include catering options provided by the Indian Railways. You'll find pantry cars serving a variety of meals, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, along with snacks and beverages. It’s advisable to pre-order meals through the railways' catering service or app for a hassle-free experience.

• The train services on this route typically include a range of seating options such as Sleeper Class, AC 3 Tier, AC 2 Tier, and Executive Class. Opt for AC 2 Tier if you prefer more privacy and comfort, while Sleeper Class is a more economical option but can be quite crowded. Check the specific train schedules and classes available on the official websites of Indian Railways (irctc.co.in) and other operators like Southern Railway.

• Upon arriving at Shirdi Railway Station, be prepared for a lot of foot traffic. There's a waiting area where you can leave your luggage at the cloakroom for a small fee, allowing you to explore the area without being burdened. The restrooms at the station are clean, but there are usually no shower facilities. To get to the city center quickly, take an auto-rickshaw, which is the best mode of transport. They are readily available outside the station.

• When booking your flight from Salem to Shirdi, plan for a layover in Pune, as there are no direct flights; ensuring you have sufficient time between connections can help you comfortably navigate potential delays.

• Upon arriving at Pune Airport, be aware that the airport can get quite busy; head directly to the transportation counter to pre-book a taxi to Shirdi to avoid long wait times, which usually costs around ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.

• Before your trip, visit the websites of Helitrans (helitrans.in) and IndiGo Airlines (goindigo.in) for updated flight schedules and service offerings, and consider bringing snacks or a meal onboard since options might be limited during the layover.