On Wednesday, 8 May 1929, Baba sent for the Hindu children at the school (most of whom were Untouchables) and informed them about his coming journey:
"Until I come back, all of you stay at your homes. Don't go to Ahmednagar or anywhere else. If you find employment, good; otherwise, pass your time in singing bhajans. When I call you back on my return, you should come without fail. I shall be back within a month or two. Do as I say and you will be benefited. I will do what I have to do. I will find employment for you — as a driver, a mechanic, a printer — but for now do as I say."
All agreed. Shankarnath, one of the seekers from the Sadhak Ashram, had returned from Benares some time before. He persisted in his resolve to stay in Meherabad. Baba eventually agreed but ordered him to meditate for twelve hours a day. Shankarnath accepted the condition.
Baba left by car for Akbar Press at noon that day accompanied by Ali Akbar, Buasaheb, Chanji, Chhagan, Gustadji, Masaji, and Pesu. A discussion took place over the destination of their journey. Suggestions were put forth but none satisfied Baba. He concluded the discussion by stating his preference of going to Rishikesh.
Ramjoo and Baily had gone with the group to Akbar Press, but then returned to Meherabad. Ramjoo's wife and children stayed in Poona. Aga Ali, Chhota Baba, Dastur, Raosaheb, Sidhu and the rest of the mandali stayed in lower Meherabad, and the other Prem Ashram boys, as well as Jalbhai, moved back up the hill. The Shahane and Bomanji families stayed in the Family Quarters.
On 9 May, Baba left Ahmednagar by car for Nasik, where he met Mehera, Naja, Khorshed, Soonamasi, Daulatmai, Walu, and Freiny, as well as Rustom and Padri. He sent Padri to Bombay, and Rustom was ordered to continue looking after the arrangements for the women mandali in Nasik while Baba was on tour in the north of India — to the Himalayas.
On Friday, 10 May 1929, Baba and the group took a bus to Manmad and then left on the Delhi-Allahabad Express for Hardwar. Along the way Baba played games of chess and cards to pass the time.
Near the village of Khandwa an accident occurred; a man was struck by the train and severely injured. A large crowd gathered around the man.