TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Weather: Cold winters, scorching summers, heavy monsoons
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Second holiest city for Sikhs after Amritsar

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, Nanded (domestic flights to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi). Alternative: Aurangabad Airport (~250 km) or Hyderabad Airport (~283 km)
By Train: Hazur Sahib Nanded Railway Station connects to Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, and other major cities
By Road: Well-connected via NH44 and NH222; state transport and private buses operate from Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, and Nagpur

Where to Stay?

Near Hazur Sahib Gurudwara – ideal for spiritual travelers, close to the main pilgrimage site, langar facilities available
Shivaji Nagar and Vishnupuri – central locations with good hotels, restaurants, and access to local attractions

Packing List

• Modest clothing (covering shoulders and legs for Gurudwara visits)
• Head covering (scarf or handkerchief for Gurudwara)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Light cotton clothes (winter woolens if visiting Nov-Feb)

Top Places to Visit

Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib

One of the five sacred Takhts of Sikhism, this magnificent golden-domed Gurudwara marks where Guru Gobind Singh spent his final days and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

Gurudwara Nagina Ghat Sahib

Located on the serene banks of the Godavari River, this peaceful Gurudwara is associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and offers a tranquil spiritual experience.

Nanded Fort (Nandgiri Fort)

An 18th-century historic fort perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Godavari River and the city, reflecting the region’s military past.

Kandhar Fort

Built by Rashtrakuta king Krishna III, this ancient fort features intricate sculptures and architecture from the 10th century, located about 22 km from Nanded city.

Mahur (Renuka Devi Temple)

One of Maharashtra’s prominent Shakti Peethas, this 900-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Renuka Devi sits atop a hill with breathtaking natural surroundings.

Sahastrakund Waterfall

Known as the “Niagara of Marathwada,” this stunning waterfall on the Penganga River is best visited during monsoons when water cascades down multiple tiers.

Isapur Dam

One of Maharashtra’s largest earth-fill dams on the Penganga River, offering scenic views and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and families.

Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Museum

Housing rare artifacts, ancient weapons, scriptures, and personal belongings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, this museum provides deep insights into Sikh history and heritage.

Mata Gujari Ji Visava Garden

Named after the mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, this lush garden offers a serene escape with walking paths, greenery, and peaceful ambiance for families.

Kaleshwar Temple

A revered Shiva temple on the banks of the Godavari River, attracting devotees especially during Maha Shivaratri with its spiritual atmosphere.

Must-Try Experiences

Attend Langar at Hazur Sahib

Experience the community kitchen serving free meals to thousands daily, embodying Sikh principles of equality and selfless service.

Watch the Laser Show

Every evening at Hazur Sahib, witness a captivating laser show narrating the lives of the ten Sikh Gurus with music and commentary by ghazal singer Jagjit Singh.

Take a Heritage Walk

Explore the twelve historic Gurudwaras scattered across Nanded, each with unique architectural marvels and spiritual significance.

Godavari River Stroll

Walk along the sacred banks of the Godavari River at sunset, visiting various ghats including Ram Ghat, Urvashi Ghat, and Govardhan Ghat.

Shop at Local Markets

Browse Gandhi Chowk, Saraf Bazaar, and Vazirabad Market for handicrafts, Bidri work, Warli paintings, traditional textiles, and local produce.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Tehri (spiced rice dish), Misal pav, Poha, Upma
Lunch: Maratha mutton rassa with bhakri, Bharli vangi (stuffed eggplant), Shev bhaji, Amti (Maharashtrian dal)
Snacks: Bhakri with thecha (spicy chutney), Vada pav, Padval dalimbya (vegetable dish), Dhanyachi usal (peanut curry)
Sweets: Imarti (lentil flour sweet), Puran poli, Sheera

Culture & Local Life

Nanded is renowned as the second holiest city for Sikhs after Amritsar, where Guru Gobind Singh spent his final days in 1708. The city showcases a unique blend of Sikh and Marathi cultures, with influences from Hyderabadi cuisine due to its proximity to Telangana. The annual Dussehra festival at Hazur Sahib commemorates the day Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Daily life revolves around spiritual practices at the numerous Gurudwaras, with morning Asa di Var prayers, continuous kirtan, and the tradition of applying sandalwood tilak. The city’s markets buzz with activity, selling agricultural produce from the fertile Godavari plains, Bidri handicrafts featuring intricate metalwork, and traditional Warli art.

Local Insights

Languages: Marathi (official), Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Lambadi widely spoken

Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, local buses (MSRTC), taxis, and app-based cabs available; most attractions are within 5-10 km radius

Safety Tips: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, remove shoes and cover head at Gurudwaras, avoid isolated areas at night, keep valuables secure in crowded markets

Shopping Hours: Markets open 10 AM to 9 PM; Gurudwaras open 24/7

Best Souvenirs: Bidri work items (plates, bowls, decorative pieces), Warli paintings, traditional swords and daggers, religious artifacts, local textiles

Enjoy Your Yatra!