Pune is a major city in Maharashtra known for its cultural heritage and educational institutions. Kolhapur, located in southern Maharashtra, is famous for the historic Mahalaxmi Temple, a revered pilgrimage site attracting thousands of devotees every year.

This route from Pune to Kolhapur is frequently traveled by pilgrims and tourists who want to visit the temple and explore Kolhapur's rich history. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mahalaxmi Temple from Pune using different transport modes, along with practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable.

Getting from Pune to Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for reaching Kolhapur from Pune. The rail network connects both cities well, offering a comfortable journey with scenic views.

• Pune Junction (PUNE) is the main railway station to board trains towards Kolhapur, with several direct trains available daily covering approximately 230 km in 5 to 6 hours.

• Kolhapur railway station (KOP) is located about 3 km from Mahalaxmi Temple, and you can hire auto-rickshaws or local cabs for the last-mile connectivity.

• Train fares range from ₹150 for sleeper class to ₹700 for AC classes, making it affordable for most travelers.

• Trains like the Mahalaxmi Express and Sahyadri Express are popular, with good frequency but can get crowded during festivals like Navratri and weekends.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is advised, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and frequent option for traveling from Pune to Kolhapur. Both government and private operators run services connecting the two cities.

• MSRTC buses depart from Pune’s Swargate Bus Station to Kolhapur’s Central Bus Stand, covering around 230 km in 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

• Options include ordinary, semi-deluxe, and Volvo AC buses, with fares ranging between ₹200 and ₹600 based on comfort and operator.

• Volvo buses offer comfortable seating and are preferred for night travel, but tickets sell out quickly during holidays.

• Frequent departures throughout the day make it easy to choose a convenient time, but avoid peak festival days to escape overcrowding.

• Bus routes pass through NH48, with toll plazas and well-maintained highways, ensuring a smooth ride except during heavy monsoon rains.

• Food stalls and rest stops are available en route, especially near Satara, for refreshments and breaks.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Kolhapur gives you flexibility and comfort, allowing stops along the way to explore or rest.

• The distance is approximately 230 km via NH48, and the drive usually takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• The highway is well-maintained with multiple toll plazas; toll charges may total around ₹200 to ₹300 for the one-way trip.

• Popular rest stops include Satara and Karad, where you can find clean eateries and fuel stations.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Pune with providers like Zoomcar and Revv, offering hourly and daily packages.

• Driving during early morning hours helps avoid city traffic in Pune and Kolhapur, making the journey faster and more pleasant.

• During monsoon, be cautious of slippery roads and reduced visibility, especially on ghat sections near Satara.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Pune and Kolhapur due to the short distance and lack of a commercial airport in Kolhapur city. The nearest airport to Kolhapur is Kolhapur Airport (KLH), but it has limited connectivity.

• Pune Airport (PNQ) is well connected nationally and internationally, but no direct flights operate to Kolhapur.

• Travelers can fly from Pune to Mumbai and then take a train or bus to Kolhapur, but this is time-consuming and not cost-effective.

• Considering the short distance, road or rail transport is recommended over flights for this route.

• Kolhapur Airport mainly serves limited regional flights, so check flight availability before planning.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Train and bus are economical, while car offers flexibility.

• Step 2: Book your tickets in advance through IRCTC for trains or MSRTC online portals for buses, especially during festival seasons to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Step 3: Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some journeys may last 5 to 6 hours with limited stops.

• Step 4: Reach the departure point early—Pune Junction for trains, Swargate Bus Stand for buses, or your car rental pickup location—to avoid rush and secure good seats.

• Step 5: Upon arrival at Kolhapur railway or bus station, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and transparent last-mile travel to Mahalaxmi Temple.

• Step 6: Plan your temple visit timings to avoid peak crowds, usually early mornings or late evenings, for a peaceful experience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photo ID and your ticket confirmation, as Indian transport services require verification before boarding.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues, especially on longer journeys.

• Book tickets online in advance to secure confirmed seats, as last-minute bookings can be difficult during weekends and festivals.

• Use prepaid or app-based taxis at Kolhapur station to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel to the temple or hotel.

• Pack light luggage with comfortable footwear, as visiting Mahalaxmi Temple involves walking and standing in queues.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather updates, as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Kolhapur is during the cooler months from October to March. Weather is pleasant, making road and rail travel comfortable.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon months of July and August when heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads on NH48. Also, plan around major festivals to avoid crowding.

• Navratri and Diwali festivals in Kolhapur see a surge in visitors, so book transport and accommodation well in advance.

• Summer months (April to June) can be hot, especially during daytime travel, so start early mornings to avoid heat.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Pune and reduce travel time.

• Monsoon rains may cause occasional train delays and slippery roads; check weather and train status before traveling.

Arrival at Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur & What to Expect

Kolhapur railway and bus stations are well connected to the city center where Mahalaxmi Temple is located. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for easy local travel.

The temple is situated in the heart of Kolhapur city, with several budget and mid-range hotels nearby. Auto-rickshaws are also available for short distances but agree on fares beforehand to avoid confusion.

Expect moderate crowds during weekdays and heavy footfall during weekends and festivals. The temple area has clean drinking water facilities and local eateries offering traditional Maharashtrian snacks.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur is straightforward with multiple transport options. Trains and buses offer affordable and frequent services, while driving gives you flexibility and comfort. Flights are not practical for this route.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, choosing travel times that avoid peak traffic and weather challenges, and using prepaid or app-based local transport upon arrival. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy your pilgrimage or visit to the historic Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur.