Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast in Maharashtra. Galiakot is a small town in the Dungarpur district of Rajasthan, known for its religious significance and scenic surroundings. Many travelers visit Galiakot for pilgrimage or to explore the tribal culture of southern Rajasthan.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Galiakot. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Galiakot – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this route, though there is no direct train to Galiakot. You will need to combine train and road transport. Trains run frequently from Mumbai to nearby railway stations.

• The nearest major railway station to Galiakot is Dungarpur, about 40 km away, connected by road. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) have several trains to Dungarpur and nearby stations like Udaipur.

• Train journey from Mumbai to Udaipur takes around 16 to 18 hours, with fares ranging from INR 500 to 1500 depending on class and train type, including express and superfast trains.

• From Udaipur or Dungarpur, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Galiakot; this road journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Trains can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advised to ensure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause delays on the Mumbai to Rajasthan route, so check train status before departure and plan accordingly.

Bus

Bus travel offers a direct and affordable way to reach Galiakot from Mumbai, though the journey is long. Buses connect Mumbai to Dungarpur or Udaipur, from where you can continue by road.

• Mumbai’s MSRTC and private operators run buses to Udaipur and Dungarpur, with journey times ranging from 18 to 22 hours depending on the service and route taken.

• Bus fares vary between INR 700 and 1200, depending on the type of bus, such as sleeper, semi-sleeper, or Volvo AC coaches.

• From Dungarpur or Udaipur bus stands, local buses and taxis are available to reach Galiakot, approximately 40 km away, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Buses depart mainly from Mumbai’s central bus stations like Mumbai Central or Borivali, so check schedules in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Night buses are common on this route, allowing you to save daytime for sightseeing and avoid traffic, but be prepared for basic amenities on some services.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Galiakot is an option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The distance is about 800 km, and the journey takes approximately 14 to 16 hours by car.

• The most common route is via NH48 and NH27, passing through cities like Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, and Dungarpur before reaching Galiakot.

• Expect toll charges along the highways, and plan for multiple rest stops at highway dhabas and restaurants for meals and refreshments.

• Driving through Maharashtra and Gujarat highways is generally smooth, but watch for traffic congestion near major cities and occasional roadworks during the monsoon season.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai with companies like Zoomcar and Revv, but ensure you have valid documents and check vehicle condition before starting the long drive.

• Night driving is possible but not recommended due to limited street lighting on some stretches and wildlife crossings near Rajasthan.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Galiakot, but flying to the nearest airport followed by road travel is a faster alternative. Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport is the closest airport, about 90 km from Galiakot.

• Flights from Mumbai to Udaipur take around 1.5 hours and are operated by several airlines with multiple daily flights, making it a convenient option for time-sensitive travelers.

• Flight fares range between INR 2500 and 6000 depending on the airline and booking time, with cheaper fares available when booked well in advance.

• From Udaipur airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Galiakot, which takes around 2 hours on NH48 and NH27.

• Airport taxis are available 24/7, but booking in advance through apps or hotel services can save time and ensure fair pricing.

• During peak tourist seasons, flights may be fully booked, so plan and book tickets early to avoid last-minute price hikes and availability issues.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Galiakot, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and get the best fares, especially during festivals or holidays.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Udaipur or Dungarpur and plan your onward road travel by booking a taxi or checking bus timings in advance to avoid waiting.

• If you prefer bus travel, check MSRTC or private bus operator schedules online and book tickets a few days ahead to ensure availability on your preferred date and time.

• For self-drive, plan your route carefully using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps, and schedule rest stops every 3-4 hours to stay alert and refreshed during the long drive.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, as roadside facilities may be limited on some stretches.

• Upon arrival in Galiakot, arrange local transport or hotel pickup in advance to avoid confusion, as public transport options in the town are limited.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid photo ID and keep digital copies of your tickets and documents on your phone or cloud storage for easy access during travel checks.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during the journey to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling by road through rural areas.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to avoid scams and last-minute unavailability at stations or depots.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Mumbai and Udaipur to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides.

• Pack your luggage securely and avoid carrying valuables openly; keep important items like wallets and phones close to you during travel.

• During monsoon, expect occasional delays due to waterlogging or landslides on highways; check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Galiakot is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making road and rail travel comfortable.

Summer months can be very hot in Rajasthan, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, which may make daytime travel tiring. Monsoon season brings heavy rains, causing delays and slippery roads.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are overcrowded and prices may surge.

• Winter mornings and evenings can be foggy in northern Maharashtra and Rajasthan, causing slower train and road travel, so plan departures accordingly.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Mumbai and to reach your destination before nightfall, especially if driving or taking road transport.

• Monsoon rains between June and September may cause roadblocks or delays, so check weather updates and have flexible travel plans during this period.

Arrival at Galiakot & What to Expect

Galiakot is a small town with limited public transport options. Upon arrival, you will find basic taxi services and auto-rickshaws near the main bus stops or road junctions.

Most visitors arrange hotel pickups or use prepaid taxis from nearby cities like Dungarpur or Udaipur. Local buses are infrequent, so having a private vehicle or cab is recommended for comfortable travel within the town.

Accommodation options in Galiakot are modest, with a few guesthouses and dharamshalas near the main temples. For more variety, consider staying in Dungarpur or Udaipur and commuting to Galiakot.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Galiakot involves a combination of train or flight and road transport. The most efficient way is to fly to Udaipur and then take a taxi to Galiakot, saving time and effort. However, train and bus options are economical and suitable for budget travelers.

Planning your journey carefully by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will ensure a smooth trip. With the right preparation, you can confidently enjoy your visit to Galiakot and explore its cultural and spiritual heritage without stress.