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I still remember the first time I decided to visit Chiplun - a small yet beautiful town located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. As someone living in Mumbai, Chiplun felt like a hidden gem that not many people knew about. And that made me even more keen to explore this scenic destination.
As I started planning my trip, the first challenge was figuring out how to reach Chiplun. Since I would be traveling alone, I wanted to make sure I choose the most convenient and safe route.
In this article, I will share my experience of reaching Chiplun via different modes of transport and some tips that helped make my journey smooth.
Evaluating Travel Options to Get to Chiplun
Chiplun does not have its own railway station or airport. So you have to reach either NH-66 highway via road route or Kolad or Khed railway stations first before going to Chiplun. The nearest big city is Mumbai which is 300 km away.
Here were my main travel options:
By Train
There are 3 nearby railway station options - Khed (170 km away), Kolad (150 km away) and Roha (120 km away) stations. Khed station is well connected via Konkan Railway and Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus. Many long-route trains stop at Khed. I took a train from Mumbai to Khed, which took around 7 hours.
One can easily get buses or hire cabs from Khed to reach Chiplun in 3 hours. Hiring a direct cab can cost ₹2000-₹3000 based on the type of vehicle.
By Road
There are MSRTC buses that connect Chiplun to Mumbai and Pune. There are also private buses and transports if you are coming from nearby towns. The bus journey can take anywhere from 7-9 hours depending on the route and traffic.
You can also hire a taxi but it can end up being an expensive option. For solo travelers or small groups, buses are more economical.
Making the Journey Comfortable
Here are some tips to stay comfortable in your journey:
Carry some snacks as the buses may not stop frequently for long. Some biscuits, fruits and light snack will be handy.
Have a bottle of water and refreshments to stay hydrated.
If you are prone to motion sickness, carry medicines to ease nausea. Having ginger candies can help.
You can download movies/music offline on your phone since network coverage may be inconsistent. A power bank will ensure your phone doesn't run out of charge.
Wear comfortable, loose cotton clothes to beat the heat. Sunglasses and hat are also great to protect you from harsh sunlight.
I prefer to take overnight journey so I can sleep during the travel and not waste my day. So make sure you have a eye mask and travel pillow for undisturbed sleep.
Reaching Chiplun Central Town
The Chiplun city has a main bus stand area called Chiplun ST stand located right on the Mumbai-Goa highway. All long route trains also stop here to let passengers embark and disembark. From here you can take local transport like auto rickshaws to reach your hotel or destination in the town.
Auto rickshaws are easily available and quite affordable for traveling within Chiplun town. They generally charge ₹50-100 depending on where you want to go.
You'll also find many private taxis to take you around Chiplun or for half or full day sightseeing. You can book them through your hotels too.
I prefer using Google Maps on phone to figure best routes and avoid getting lost in new town.
Make sure to ask your hotel to explain directions back to the highway clearly so you can plan your return journey conveniently.
Also read - Exploring the Places to Visit in Matheran
Wrapping Up My Chiplun Travel Experience
Over the years I have traveled to Chiplun many times via buses, trains and even hired cars at times. With proper planning, you can choose a mode that best fits your budget, safety needs, convenience and travel duration.
I highly recommend experiencing this scenic coastal Maharashtrian town that boasts lush greenery, serene beaches, historic sites and so much more. Travelling the Konkan route itself is an incredibly scenic journey if you love nature's beauty.
Let me know in comments if you need any other details for reaching Chiplun from your city. I'll be happy to share tips based on my own travel experiences. Feel free to reach out for any other details to plan your visit to this offbeat destination.