Mahabaleshwar Travel - Nearest Airport, Station and driving distances
How to reach
Road
Car
There are two routes to Mahabaleshwar, both equally scenic and popular. The route via Pune, Shirwal and Panchgani is longer but has better roads. The other is down NH17 via Pen, Mahad and Poladpur. Though shorter, one moves slowly up the ghats to Mahabaleshwar. At Poladpur police station (at the statue of Shivaji), take the road going left. Private vehicles need to pay (Rs 10) for the entry permit, valid for a week. En route halts: Depending on the route you choose, stop at Pune or Nagothane and Mangaon. Bus: Many options to Mahabaleshwar starting 6 am from Mumbai CST. Two overnighters leave at 8.30 and 10.30 pm from here, reaching Mahabaleshwar in the early hours.From Bombay via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Bombay and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC also operates daily bus services except during the monsoon, between Bombay-Mahabaleshwar-Bombay. There are sightseeing tours also for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar to Pratapgad Fort.
Mumbai To Mahabaleshwar Via Mahad (225 km.)
Road
The excellent road network links Mahableshwar with Mumbai and Pune.The nearest railhead is Satara 53 km, but the convenient railhead is Pune 120 Km, on the Central Railway line connected with important cities/ towns. Fare : Mumbai - Pune Ist class : Rs.337/- ; IInd class : Rs.73/-.
Rail
Wathar at 62 km away is the closest station. However, it is more convenient to get off at the railhead in Pune. From there, hire a private vehicle or take the bus shuttle to reach Mahableshwar.Railway Stations
Nearest railway station is Wathar at 62 km, but the Pune railway station is the most convenient railway station situated at a distance of 120 km.Mumbai To Pune and from Pune by Road Via Panchgani.
Air
Pune is the closest airport at 120 km away. Hire a cab or taxi to reach Mahabaleshwar.The nearest airport is Pune 120 Km, which is connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with Delhi, Mumbai and other cities /towns. Fare : Mumbai ? Pune, J Class: Rs.2570/- Y Class: Rs.1780/-
Journey Time Road: 6 1/2 hrs from Mumbai
Getting Around: Mahabaleshwar is excellent trekking country (also very engrossing for those interested in medicinal plants and herbs). But there are 'softer options: a taxi or a conducted bus tour. However, the best way of doing Mahabaleshwar, if you are intimidated by trekking, is to have your own vehicle and use a guide to show you the place. To feel the wind in your hair, hire a bicycle and pedal your way around.