Malshej Ghat is a scenic mountain pass located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is well known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and trekking trails. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is the nearest major city and a common starting point for travelers heading to Malshej Ghat.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, or driving yourself, this article will prepare you for a smooth journey.

Getting from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and economical option for reaching Malshej Ghat from Mumbai. Although there is no direct train to Malshej Ghat, you can reach nearby stations and then take local transport.

• The nearest railway stations to Malshej Ghat are Kalyan Junction and Kasara, both well connected to Mumbai by frequent local and express trains. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the train type.

• From Kalyan or Kasara station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Malshej Ghat, which is around 50 to 60 km away, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

• Trains from Mumbai CST or Dadar to Kalyan run every 15-30 minutes during the day, with fares ranging from ₹20 to ₹100 depending on the train class and type.

• During monsoon season, trains may face delays due to heavy rains and fog in the Western Ghats, so plan accordingly.

• Booking tickets via the IRCTC website or app is recommended for reserved trains; local trains do not require advance booking but can be crowded during peak hours.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Malshej Ghat from Mumbai. State-run and private buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Malshej Ghat, with journey times around 4 to 5 hours covering approximately 130 km.

• Private buses, including Volvo and non-AC options, are available but less frequent; fares range from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the service.

• Buses usually depart early in the morning and late afternoon; avoid traveling during monsoon evenings due to slippery roads and landslide risks.

• Rest stops along the Mumbai-Nasik highway offer basic food and restroom facilities; carry water and snacks for comfort.

• Tickets can be booked online via MSRTC’s website or at bus depots; buses tend to fill up during weekends and holidays, so book in advance.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat is a popular choice for travelers who want flexibility and to enjoy the scenic route at their own pace.

• The distance from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat is about 130 km via NH160 and NH61, taking roughly 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through Kalyan, Murbad, and Jawhar, with well-maintained highways and toll plazas; toll charges may total around ₹150 to ₹250 one way.

• Driving during monsoon season requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides; avoid night driving in the ghat section for safety.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highway, including popular stops near Kalyan and Murbad for refreshments and breaks.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai through services like Zoomcar and Revv, with daily rates starting around ₹1500 depending on the vehicle type.

Taxi

Hiring a taxi or cab from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat is convenient for those who prefer door-to-door service without driving themselves.

• Ola and Uber offer outstation taxi services from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat, with fares typically ranging from ₹3500 to ₹5000 one way depending on the car type and demand.

• Prepaid taxis can be booked at Mumbai airports or railway stations, but confirm the fare and return trip charges before starting.

• The journey by taxi takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, with stops possible on request.

• Taxi drivers usually know the best routes and can help with local information about Malshej Ghat and nearby attractions.

• Booking taxis in advance during weekends and holidays is advisable to avoid last-minute price surges and availability issues.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat. It will help you prepare and make the journey smooth and enjoyable.

• Step 1: Decide your mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. If you prefer scenic drives and flexibility, choose self-drive or taxi. For budget travel, opt for train or bus.

• Step 2: Book your tickets in advance using IRCTC for trains or MSRTC website for buses. For taxis or car rentals, use trusted apps like Ola, Uber, Zoomcar, or Revv to avoid scams.

• Step 3: Pack essentials like water, snacks, rain gear during monsoon, and a power bank. Carry ID proofs as required for train or bus travel and keep your phone charged for navigation and communication.

• Step 4: Start early in the morning to avoid Mumbai traffic and reach Malshej Ghat during daylight. This also helps in enjoying the natural beauty and safer driving conditions.

• Step 5: On arrival at Malshej Ghat, use local shared jeeps or taxis to reach trekking spots or waterfalls. Confirm fares beforehand and avoid unlicensed vehicles.

• Step 6: Keep emergency contacts handy, including local police and medical facilities. Inform someone about your travel plans, especially if trekking in remote areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone on narrow ghat roads, especially during monsoon or after dark. Always wear seat belts and follow traffic rules strictly.

• Food and Water: Carry bottled water and light snacks as food options on the route can be limited and sometimes unhygienic. Prefer freshly cooked meals at trusted eateries.

• Booking Strategy: Book tickets and cabs well in advance during weekends, holidays, and monsoon season to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Local Transport: At Malshej Ghat, local shared jeeps and auto-rickshaws are common but may not operate frequently; plan your return transport accordingly.

• Luggage: Travel light to manage last-mile transport easily. If trekking, carry only essentials in a comfortable backpack.

• Seasonal Warnings: Monsoon brings heavy rain and slippery roads; check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey to avoid delays or hazards.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Malshej Ghat is from August to October when the monsoon rains have refreshed the landscape. However, heavy rains can cause roadblocks and landslides. Winter months from November to February offer pleasant weather and clear skies.

Summer months can be hot and dry, making trekking less enjoyable. Planning your trip outside peak monsoon and festival seasons ensures a safer and more comfortable journey.

• Avoid traveling during Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali festivals when Mumbai experiences heavy traffic and accommodation is scarce near Malshej Ghat.

• Monsoon rains from June to September may cause road closures and delays; always check local news and weather updates before traveling.

• Early morning departures help avoid Mumbai city traffic and allow you to reach Malshej Ghat before afternoon rains or fog set in.

• Winter mornings can be foggy in the ghat area, so plan your drive with extra caution during this season.

Arrival at Malshej Ghat & What to Expect

When you arrive at Malshej Ghat, you will find a small town with limited public transport options. The main arrival points are the bus stand and local taxi stands near the highway.

Local commute includes shared jeeps, private taxis, and auto-rickshaws that connect you to popular spots like Harishchandragad, waterfalls, and trekking trails. Prepaid taxis are rare, so agree on fares before starting your journey. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to small resorts near the ghat.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat is best done by car or taxi if you want flexibility and comfort, especially for first-time visitors. Trains and buses offer economical alternatives but require local transport arrangements for the last leg. Planning your trip with advance bookings and starting early will help you avoid traffic and seasonal challenges.

With the right preparation and knowledge of routes, you can enjoy the scenic beauty and peaceful environment of Malshej Ghat without stress. This guide equips you with practical information to make your journey safe, comfortable, and memorable.