How to Reach Kumbhalgarh from Mumbai – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Kumbhalgarh from Mumbai by train, bus, car, and flight with detailed travel tips and step-by-step guidance for a smooth journey.
Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast, while Kumbhalgarh is a historic fort town nestled in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan. This route is popular among travelers seeking a mix of urban energy and heritage exploration.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Kumbhalgarh, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.
Getting from Mumbai to Kumbhalgarh – Main Options
Train
Train travel is a popular and economical option for this long-distance journey. While there is no direct train to Kumbhalgarh, nearby stations connect well with Mumbai.
The nearest major railway station to Kumbhalgarh is Falna, about 40 km away, connected by regular trains from Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus and Mumbai Central stations, with travel times around 16 to 20 hours.
Train fares range from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC 3-tier, offering a budget-friendly and comfortable way to travel overnight.
Trains like the Mumbai–Ajmer Express and Mumbai–Udaipur Intercity run frequently, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during festival seasons when trains are crowded.
From Falna station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kumbhalgarh, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads with scenic views.
Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to track maintenance or weather conditions, so plan accordingly during July and August.
Bus
Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Kumbhalgarh from Mumbai, though the journey is long and can be tiring.
MSRTC and private operators run buses from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Udaipur or Falna, with onward connections to Kumbhalgarh by local buses or taxis.
The total distance is about 800 km, and travel time ranges from 16 to 20 hours depending on the service and route taken, with fares between INR 700 and INR 1200.
Volvo and deluxe buses provide more comfort and fewer stops, while regular buses are cheaper but crowded and less comfortable for overnight travel.
Frequent stops along NH48 and NH27 provide chances to stretch, eat local food, and use clean restrooms at highway dhabas and toll plazas.
During peak holiday seasons and weekends, buses tend to be fully booked, so advance reservation is recommended through online portals or bus counters.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Mumbai to Kumbhalgarh is a flexible option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route.
The distance is approximately 800 km via NH48 and NH58, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops.
The route passes through major cities like Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Udaipur, offering many options for food, fuel, and rest breaks.
Toll charges apply at multiple plazas along the highways, so keep INR 500 to INR 700 handy for toll payments during the journey.
Driving through Rajasthan’s countryside offers beautiful landscapes, but be cautious of night driving due to limited street lighting and occasional stray animals.
Plan your trip to avoid monsoon months when roads can be slippery, and always check your vehicle’s condition before starting the long drive.
Flight
Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, but there is no direct airport at Kumbhalgarh.
The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 85 km from Kumbhalgarh, with daily flights from Mumbai lasting around 1.5 hours.
Flight fares typically range from INR 3000 to INR 6000 one way, depending on the season and how early you book.
From Udaipur airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Kumbhalgarh in about 2 to 2.5 hours on NH58.
Flights are subject to weather delays during the monsoon and winter fog, so keep buffer time if you have connecting travel plans.
Booking flights early through airline websites or travel apps helps secure better prices and seat availability, especially during festivals.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Kumbhalgarh to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
Book your train or flight tickets at least 2 weeks in advance using IRCTC or airline apps to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.
If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives at Falna station during daylight hours to ensure safe and easy taxi availability to Kumbhalgarh.
For bus travelers, confirm bus timings a day before departure and reach the bus depot early to secure your seat and avoid overcrowding.
If driving, plan your route with GPS apps like Google Maps, check for toll plazas, and schedule breaks every 3-4 hours to avoid fatigue.
On arrival at Udaipur airport, pre-book a taxi or use reliable app-based cabs to reach Kumbhalgarh, as public transport options are limited and infrequent.
Carry sufficient water and snacks for the last leg from Falna or Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh, as food options on the route can be sparse and irregular.
Practical Travel Tips
Always keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially at crowded stations and bus stops in Mumbai and Rajasthan.
Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from reputable dhabas or restaurants to avoid stomach issues during your journey.
Use official booking platforms like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC or verified apps for buses to ensure legitimate tickets and avoid scams.
In Kumbhalgarh, local transport is limited; pre-arranging taxis or renting scooters is advisable for sightseeing and moving around comfortably.
Pack light but include essentials like a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon and sunscreen and hats for summer travel to Rajasthan’s dry climate.
Check weather forecasts before travel, as heavy rains or fog can delay trains and flights, and roads may become slippery or flooded.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to travel from Mumbai to Kumbhalgarh is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry.
Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rains that can cause delays and slippery roads, especially in the hilly areas near Kumbhalgarh.
Festivals like Diwali and Holi see heavy traffic and fully booked trains and buses, so plan well in advance or avoid traveling on those dates.
Winter mornings may have fog in Rajasthan, affecting early morning flights and train schedules, so allow extra travel time during this season.
Departing early in the morning or late at night can help avoid Mumbai’s heavy city traffic and make long-distance travel smoother.
Arrival at Kumbhalgarh & What to Expect
When you arrive at Falna railway station or Udaipur airport, local taxis and private cabs are readily available to take you to Kumbhalgarh. The road journey offers scenic views of the Aravalli hills and rural Rajasthan.
In Kumbhalgarh, accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to heritage hotels near the fort. The town is small, so walking or hiring a scooter is convenient for local sightseeing. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare, so negotiate fares beforehand or arrange transport through your hotel.
Conclusion
Traveling from Mumbai to Kumbhalgarh is best done by train or flight combined with local taxis for the last leg. Trains offer budget-friendly overnight travel, while flights save time and add comfort. Driving is ideal for those who enjoy road trips and flexibility.
Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the last-mile travel from Falna or Udaipur. With careful planning and practical tips, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip from Mumbai to the historic Kumbhalgarh fort.