How to go to Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai?
Mahabaleshwar is a quiet hill station situated within the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and is one of the most preferred destinations where one can find some respite after being caught in the traffic of Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is located around 230 to 250 kilometers from Mumbai and can be reached by several transport options depending on budget, comfort, and time. The following are the primary routes to Mahabaleshwar in Mumbai.
1. By Road (Car or Taxi)
By road is the most convenient and memorable option. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar by car or taxi takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic. The usual route follows the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, then NH48 towards Wai and Panchgani before ascending to Mahabaleshwar.
- Self-drive: It suits well with those who love scenic drives as the path has pretty scenery of the Western Ghats.
- Taxi or cab: There are private taxis and app-based ones. They are more costly than buses, but also offer door-to-door comfort and flexibility.
2. By Bus
There are a few private services and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) that operate regular bus services between Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar.
- Types of buses: There are also choices between regular state-owned buses and luxury Volvo or sleeper coaches.
- Time: Bus journeys usually take 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and bus type.
- Boarding points: Buses usually depart from major locations such as Dadar, Borivali, and Sion.
3. By Train (Up to Wathar or Pune)
There is no railway station in Mahabaleshwar. The closest station is Wathar (60 km away), which is not well connected by the train. Although Wathar is the nearest station, most travelers prefer Pune Junction (120 km away) because it is much better connected to Mumbai through fast trains
Pune is the starting point, and a taxi, bus, or rental car can be hired to travel to Mahabaleshwar in 3-4 hours.
4. By Air (via Pune Airport)
Mahabaleshwar does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport (120 km away). For international arrivals, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is the main hub, while for domestic travel Pune Airport is more convenient due to the shorter onward road trip. From Pune Airport, travelers can hire cabs or take buses to Mahabaleshwar.
Tips for Travelers
- Best season: The best time to visit is between October and February for pleasant and cool weather, though March to early June is also suitable before the monsoon begins. During the monsoon seasons (July-September), downpours are experienced, and moving around is quite challenging, and the landscape is beautiful and green.
- Reservation: Book buses, trains, or hotels ahead of time either in case of a weekend or holiday so that there are no last minute rushes.
- Road safety: The ghats are hilly roads; take care of your driving, in particular, at night or during rains.
The key point is that it is not hard to travel between Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar, and there are several means of transport. You can also decide the mode of transportation that best suits your time and financial resources, whether by using a personal car, the cheapness of buses, or both a train and road journey
