Kankeshwar Temple is a famous Shiva temple located near Devrukh in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is set amidst the scenic Western Ghats and attracts many devotees and nature lovers throughout the year. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Kankeshwar Temple from nearby cities and towns.

Whether you are traveling from Mumbai, Pune, or Ratnagiri, this article covers all transport options including train, bus, car, and taxi. You will also find practical travel tips, step-by-step plans, and what to expect on arrival to make your visit hassle-free.

Getting from Nearby Cities to Kankeshwar Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach the Ratnagiri region near Kankeshwar Temple. The nearest major railway station is Devrukh, but many travelers use Ratnagiri station for better connectivity.

• Ratnagiri Railway Station is about 45 km from Kankeshwar Temple and is well connected by Konkan Railway to Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. Trains run frequently but check schedules as some trains skip smaller stations.

• Devrukh Railway Station is closer, approximately 15 km from the temple, but fewer trains stop here. It is suitable for travelers coming from nearby towns.

• From the station, you will need to hire a taxi or local bus to reach the temple, which takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Train fares from Mumbai to Ratnagiri range between ₹300 and ₹700 depending on class. Booking via IRCTC is recommended, especially during weekends and festivals when trains are crowded.

• During monsoon months (June to September), trains on the Konkan route may face delays due to heavy rains and landslides, so plan extra travel time.

Bus

Buses are a convenient option for budget travelers and connect Kankeshwar Temple to nearby towns and cities. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates regular services.

• MSRTC buses run from Ratnagiri and Devrukh bus depots to villages near Kankeshwar Temple. You may need to change buses at Devrukh or nearby towns for the last leg.

• The journey from Ratnagiri to Kankeshwar area by bus takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering roughly 45 km via NH66 and local roads.

• Bus fares are affordable, usually between ₹50 and ₹150 depending on distance and bus type (ordinary or deluxe).

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and festival days, so arriving early at the bus depot is advisable to secure a seat.

• During the monsoon season, some roads may become slippery or temporarily closed, so check local updates before traveling by bus.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kankeshwar Temple gives you flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore the surrounding Western Ghats region. The roads are mostly well-maintained but can be narrow in hilly stretches.

• The temple is approximately 250 km from Mumbai via NH66 and NH166, taking around 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• From Pune, the distance is about 220 km, with a travel time of 5 to 6 hours using NH48 and NH166.

• There are toll plazas on NH66 and NH166, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Plan your drive to avoid night travel in the Western Ghats due to limited street lighting and wildlife crossings.

• Fuel stations and roadside eateries are available along the highways, but options reduce closer to the temple area, so carry water and snacks.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or app-based cab is a comfortable choice for direct travel to Kankeshwar Temple, especially if you prefer door-to-door service without driving yourself.

• From Ratnagiri or Devrukh, you can book prepaid taxis or Ola/Uber cabs for the 30-45 km journey to the temple, costing approximately ₹800 to ₹1500 depending on vehicle type.

• For travelers coming from Mumbai or Pune, full-day taxi rentals are available and cost between ₹4000 and ₹6000, including return trips.

• Taxi drivers often act as local guides and can suggest nearby attractions or eateries, enhancing your visit experience.

• Booking taxis in advance during weekends and holidays is recommended to avoid last-minute price hikes or unavailability.

• During monsoon, confirm the driver’s experience with hilly roads to ensure safe travel through Western Ghats.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are visiting Kankeshwar Temple for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets early via IRCTC or MSRTC online portals to secure seats, especially during weekends or festivals when demand is high.

• Arrive at the railway station or bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find reliable local transport for the temple’s last stretch.

• If traveling by car, plan your route using Google Maps or local navigation apps, and check for toll plazas and fuel stations along NH66 and NH166.

• Carry a small backpack with water, snacks, raincoat (in monsoon), and basic medicines, as facilities near the temple are limited.

• On arrival, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for local travel to avoid overcharging; always confirm fares before starting the trip.

• Respect local customs at the temple and check opening hours in advance, as they may vary during festivals or special occasions.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water near the temple area to prevent stomach issues common in rural Maharashtra.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the temple involves some uphill walking on uneven paths through forested areas.

• Book train and bus tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and sold-out situations, especially during Shivratri and other festivals.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or shared jeeps for short distances near Devrukh and Ratnagiri; negotiate fares beforehand as meters are often not used.

• Pack light luggage because public transport and local vehicles have limited space, and carrying heavy bags on hilly roads can be difficult.

• During monsoon, carry rain protection and check weather updates as landslides or roadblocks can delay travel significantly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kankeshwar Temple is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and the monsoon rains have subsided. This period offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures for travel and sightseeing.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon months of June to September due to heavy rains, slippery roads, and occasional landslides in the Western Ghats. Summer months can be hot but manageable with early morning travel.

• Avoid weekends and major festivals like Maha Shivratri if you prefer less crowded visits, as the temple attracts large crowds then.

• Monsoon rains can cause delays on Konkan Railway and highway routes, so plan extra travel time and check weather forecasts.

• Early morning departures from major cities help avoid traffic jams and offer cooler driving conditions.

• Evening visits to the temple are not recommended due to limited lighting and safety concerns on forest roads.

Arrival at Kankeshwar Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive near Kankeshwar Temple, you will find a small parking area and local shops selling refreshments and religious items. The temple is set on a hill, so be prepared for a short uphill walk through forested paths.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and auto-rickshaws from Devrukh or Ratnagiri, but many visitors prefer to hire private taxis for convenience. Accommodation options are limited near the temple, so staying in Devrukh or Ratnagiri is advisable.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available in Ratnagiri and Devrukh, making last-mile travel easy. The temple area is peaceful, with basic facilities and clean surroundings maintained by local authorities and devotees.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kankeshwar Temple is straightforward with multiple transport options available from nearby cities like Ratnagiri, Devrukh, Mumbai, and Pune. Train travel combined with local taxis offers an economical and comfortable way, while self-driving provides flexibility for exploring the scenic Western Ghats.

Planning your trip with advance bookings, checking weather conditions, and following local travel tips will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Kankeshwar Temple and experience its spiritual and natural beauty without hassle.