.png)
As someone who loves to travel and explore offbeat destinations, I recently made my way from Pune to the scenic hill station of Igatpuri. Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Maharashtra, Igatpuri is a charming little town known for its Buddhist retreats, ancient temples, and stunning waterfalls.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Igatpuri but reaching there from Pune did take some planning. Based on my personal experience, here is a helpful guide on how to reach Igatpuri from Pune in the easiest way possible. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or in a big group, you can use this to plan your Igatpuri trip.
Choosing the Best Mode of Transport from Pune
The first step is deciding the ideal mode of transport based on your budget, company, and travel preferences. Here are some options to consider:
Bus
The cheapest way to reach Igatpuri from Pune is by state transport (ST) bus. Buses ply frequently between Pune and Igatpuri daily, with journey time averaging around 8 hours.
Recommended if: Traveling solo on a budget
Things to note: Make stops for food and washroom. Can get uncomfortable for long journeys
Train
There are a few daily trains that connect Pune and Igatpuri and take 5-7 hours to reach. I'd recommend the early morning trains so you reach Igatpuri by afternoon.
Recommended if: traveling with family with luggage Things to note: Limited seats, so book early. Meals not provided onboard
Rental Car
For ultimate comfort and flexibility, self-driving a rental car is the best option. The journey takes roughly 5-6 hours with stops. Use Google Maps for navigation.
Recommended if: traveling in a group with up to 4 people
Things to note: Plan fuel stops in advance. Assign a driver. Calculate tolls.
Personal Car and Driver
Hiring a car with a driver can make the Igatpuri trip stress-free. Leave the driving to them while you relax in the backseat.
Recommended if: want to maximize travel time en routeThings to note: Agree on total fees beforehand. Tip appropriately.
Based on your situation, weigh the pros and cons of each mode and book tickets/rentals accordingly. I'd suggest leaving from Pune no later than 6 AM to reach Igatpuri by afternoon.
Also read - What is Igatpuri Famous for
The Route Options from Pune to Igatpuri
Now coming to the most important part - mapping the route from Pune to Igatpuri.
There are two main routes you can take:
Route 1: Via Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH60)
Total Distance: Around 180 km
This is the shortest and most popular route. From Pune, drive east towards Chakan and merge onto the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH60). Continue north on NH60 passing the towns of Khopoli, Kasara, and Ghoti till you reach the exit for Igatpuri.
Pros: Well-connected highway, shorter distance Cons: Heavy traffic and congestion around Mumbai-Pune, toll routes
Route 2: Via Ahmednagar
Total Distance: Around 200 km
A longer but more peaceful route is driving from Pune towards Ahmednagar, taking the SH60 highway. Drive northeast, crossing Nagar-Manmad road till you reach Ghoti. From here take the road to Igatpuri.
Pros: Avoid Mumbai traffic, more scenic Cons: Takes longer, roads may not be great in parts
I'd recommend route 1 during non-rush hours since it's faster. But if leaving on a weekend or holiday, route 2 via Ahmednagar is more relaxing. Use Google Maps to stay on track for either route. Remember to stop for breaks every 2-3 hours.
Tips For a Smooth Road Trip
To make your road trip from Pune to Igatpuri fun and hassle-free, keep these tips in mind:
Carry Snacks and Water
Stock up on snacks, fruits, and drinking water before leaving Pune so you don't have to hunt during pit stops.
Have Offline Maps Saved
Save offline maps of Maharashtra beforehand or install apps like Maps.me that work offline. Cannot always rely on mobile data.
Keep Cash Handy
While toll roads accept payments through FASTag and cards, smaller food stalls may only accept cash. Have a mix of notes ready.
Pack a Small First Aid Kit
Motion sickness tablets, antacids, bandaids - pack them before leaving home so help is on hand when driving in remote areas.
Share Live Location
Always share your live trip location using Google Maps with your family back home so they can track your journey.
Final Leg - Reaching Igatpuri from Pune
Once you drive down the beautiful Western Ghats towards Igatpuri, you'll know the long journey was worth it! Follow signboards for Igatpuri town to reach the main market area.
Park your vehicle safely before heading towards your hotel or reserve a stay option a short walk/drive away. There are lots of homestays, resorts, and budget lodges available in Igatpuri town itself.
Grab a local map of Igatpuri to plan your sightseeing and adventures for the trip! Traveling from Pune to Igatpuri does require some planning but the rewards are plenty.
With this guide, I hope you find all the information you need to reach Igatpuri smoothly from Pune in your vehicle of choice. Happy and safe travels.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Comments