Marleshwar Temple is a famous Hindu shrine located in the Sahyadri mountain range near Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. It is known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance, attracting many pilgrims and nature lovers every year. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Marleshwar Temple from major nearby cities and towns.

Whether you are traveling from Mumbai, Pune, or Ratnagiri, this article covers all transport options including trains, buses, and self-drive routes. You will also find practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai/Pune to Marleshwar Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable if you want a comfortable and scenic journey to the nearest railway stations close to Marleshwar Temple. It is popular among pilgrims coming from Mumbai and Pune.

• The closest major railway stations are Chiplun and Ratnagiri on the Konkan Railway line, approximately 45 to 60 km from Marleshwar Temple by road. Trains from Mumbai CST and Pune to Ratnagiri run frequently, taking around 6 to 8 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 200 to 600 depending on class (sleeper, second sitting, or AC). Booking via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats during weekends and festivals.

• Trains can get crowded during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and monsoon season, so plan accordingly. The Konkan Railway route offers beautiful views but may face delays in heavy rains.

• From Ratnagiri or Chiplun stations, you need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Marleshwar Temple, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road on winding mountain roads.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Marleshwar Temple, especially for budget travelers and locals. State transport and private buses connect nearby towns.

• MSRTC runs regular buses from Ratnagiri, Chiplun, and Kolhapur to Devrukh, the nearest town to Marleshwar Temple, about 15 km away. Bus fares range from INR 50 to 150 depending on distance and bus type.

• From Devrukh bus stand, shared jeeps and local taxis are available to reach Marleshwar Temple. The last stretch involves narrow forest roads, so confirm timings in advance.

• Private buses from Mumbai and Pune to Ratnagiri or Chiplun are frequent and comfortable, with travel times around 8 to 10 hours. Night buses are available but can be crowded during holidays.

• During monsoon, some bus routes may face delays or diversions due to landslides on NH66 and connecting roads. Check local updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving your own car or renting one is ideal for flexibility and comfort, especially if traveling in a group or family. The route offers scenic views but requires careful driving on mountain roads.

• From Mumbai or Pune, take NH66 south towards Ratnagiri and then follow state highways to Devrukh and onward to Marleshwar Temple. The total distance is about 350 km from Mumbai and 250 km from Pune, taking 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic.

• The roads are well-maintained on NH66 but become narrow and winding near the temple. Drive cautiously, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery and visibility low.

• There are toll plazas on NH66, so keep cash or FASTag ready. Fuel stations are available in major towns like Chiplun and Ratnagiri but scarce near the temple.

• Rest stops with food options are available in Chiplun and Devrukh. Carry water and snacks for the last stretch as eateries near the temple are limited.

Flight

Flying is not a direct option to reach Marleshwar Temple as there is no nearby airport. However, you can fly to Ratnagiri airport and continue by road.

• Ratnagiri Airport has limited flights from Mumbai and Pune, mainly small aircraft. Check schedules in advance as flights may not operate daily.

• From Ratnagiri Airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to Marleshwar Temple, which is about 60 km away and takes around 2 hours by road.

• Flight fares vary widely and may not be economical compared to train or bus, but it saves travel time if available.

• Local transport options from the airport are limited, so pre-book a cab or arrange pickup for convenience.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers to Marleshwar Temple to help them organize their journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least a week in advance, especially during weekends and festivals, using IRCTC or MSRTC online portals to avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, choose Ratnagiri or Chiplun station as your arrival point. Confirm local taxi or bus availability from the station to Devrukh or Marleshwar Temple before your journey.

• From Devrukh, hire a shared jeep or taxi to Marleshwar Temple. Shared jeeps are cheaper but may not run late in the evening, so plan your arrival accordingly.

• If driving, start early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic on NH66 and reach the temple before dusk. Carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile signals can be weak in the hills.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, rain gear during monsoon, and comfortable walking shoes for the temple trek.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water near the temple to prevent stomach issues common in hill stations.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Ratnagiri and Chiplun for safer and transparent fares rather than haggling with local drivers.

• During monsoon (June to September), check weather and road conditions as landslides and roadblocks can cause delays or cancellations.

• Book train and bus tickets online to avoid queues and scams at stations, especially during festival seasons.

• Keep your valuables safe and avoid traveling alone in remote areas after dark, as mobile coverage can be patchy and help may be far.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medication, as medical facilities near the temple are limited.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Marleshwar Temple is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Avoid monsoon months if you want to skip travel disruptions.

Winter mornings can be foggy, so plan your travel timings accordingly to ensure safety on mountain roads.

• Avoid traveling during Ganesh Chaturthi and other major festivals when the temple and transport services become overcrowded.

• Monsoon season brings heavy rains and slippery roads, increasing the risk of landslides and delays on NH66 and connecting routes.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid traffic jams and reach the temple before sunset, especially if driving.

• Summer months (March to May) can be hot and humid in the plains but cooler in the hills; carry sun protection and stay hydrated.

Arrival at Marleshwar Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive near Marleshwar Temple, you will find limited public transport options. Most visitors use shared jeeps or taxis from Devrukh or nearby towns. The temple is located on a hilltop requiring a short trek up stone steps through forested paths.

Local transport is basic, so pre-arrange your return trip or stay overnight in Devrukh or Ratnagiri. Accommodation options range from budget lodges to simple guesthouses. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available in Ratnagiri and Chiplun but rare near the temple itself.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Marleshwar Temple is by train to Ratnagiri or Chiplun followed by a taxi or bus to Devrukh and then a short local ride to the temple. This option balances comfort, cost, and scenic travel. Self-driving is great for those who want flexibility but requires careful planning and driving skills on mountain roads.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather updates, and arranging local transport in advance. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a peaceful pilgrimage and the natural beauty of the Sahyadri hills without stress. Marleshwar Temple awaits with its spiritual charm and breathtaking views, ready to offer a memorable travel experience.