Mookambika Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in Kollur, Karnataka, nestled in the Western Ghats. It attracts devotees from all over India, especially from Maharashtra and Karnataka. Traveling from Mumbai to Mookambika Temple is a common route for pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and cultural experience.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mookambika Temple from Mumbai. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Mookambika Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for reaching Mookambika Temple from Mumbai. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views, especially as you approach the Western Ghats.

• The nearest major railway station to Mookambika Temple is Kundapura, about 40 km away, well connected by trains from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT).

• Travel time by train ranges from 12 to 16 hours depending on the train type, with fares between INR 400 and INR 1500 for sleeper and AC classes respectively.

• Popular trains include the Mumbai–Kundapura Express and Konkan Kanya Express, which run daily or several times a week, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential during festival seasons.

• From Kundapura station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kollur, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours on the scenic NH66 route through the Western Ghats.

• Monsoon season (June to September) may cause train delays due to heavy rains and landslides along the Konkan Railway route, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Kollur from Mumbai, suitable for budget travelers and those preferring overnight journeys.

• MSRTC and private operators run Volvo and non-AC buses from Mumbai’s Borivali and Dadar bus terminals to Kollur and nearby towns like Kundapura and Udupi.

• The journey covers approximately 800 km and takes 16 to 20 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with fares ranging from INR 600 to INR 1200.

• Buses usually depart in the evening, allowing you to travel overnight and arrive fresh in the morning, but seats fill quickly during festivals like Navratri and Makara Sankranti.

• Rest stops along NH48 and NH66 include clean dhabas and restaurants where you can enjoy South Indian snacks and fresh tea.

• Road conditions are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads in the Western Ghats section.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Mookambika Temple offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes and stops along the way.

• The distance is about 800 km via NH48 and NH66, taking approximately 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and breaks.

• The route passes through Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, and then onto the coastal highway NH66 towards Kundapura and Kollur.

• Toll plazas are frequent on NH48 and NH66, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges may total around INR 800 to INR 1200.

• Plan stops at major towns like Kolhapur and Udupi for meals and refueling; popular eateries serve local Maharashtrian and coastal Karnataka cuisine.

• Driving during early morning hours helps avoid city traffic in Mumbai and Pune; avoid night driving in the Western Ghats during monsoon due to fog and slippery roads.

Flight

Flying is a faster but less direct option since Mookambika Temple does not have a nearby airport. It suits travelers who want to save time and combine air and road travel.

• The nearest airports are Mangalore International Airport (IXE) and Goa’s Dabolim Airport (GOI), both about 150 to 180 km from Kollur.

• Flights from Mumbai to Mangalore or Goa take around 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Mangalore or Goa airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kollur, which takes 4 to 5 hours via NH66; taxi fares may range from INR 2500 to INR 3500.

• Flights are frequent throughout the day, but booking early is advised during peak pilgrimage seasons to secure better fares.

• Airport transfers may require coordination, so plan your arrival and onward journey timings carefully to avoid long waits.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Mookambika Temple. It will help you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets well in advance through IRCTC or MSRTC online portals to ensure confirmed seats, especially during festivals and weekends.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a small first-aid kit, as some stretches have limited food options and medical facilities.

• Reach the departure point (CSMT, LTT, or bus terminal) at least 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute rush and secure your boarding.

• On arrival at Kundapura or Kollur bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair-priced last-mile travel to the temple.

• Carry local currency in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and temple offerings, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

• Check weather forecasts before travel; monsoon rains can affect road and rail schedules, so keep alternative plans ready if needed.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Always use prepaid taxis or trusted app-based cabs for last-mile travel to avoid overcharging or unsafe rides, especially after dark near Kollur.

• Food and Water: Carry bottled water and eat at well-known eateries during stops; avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach, as hygiene standards vary.

• Booking Strategy: Use official websites like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC for buses to avoid scams; book tickets at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak seasons.

• Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are common near Kollur; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter usage to avoid confusion.

• Luggage: Keep your luggage secure and within easy reach during train and bus journeys; avoid carrying valuables in checked baggage on trains.

• Seasonal Warnings: The monsoon season brings heavy rains and slippery roads in the Western Ghats; travel cautiously and check for weather alerts before starting.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Mookambika Temple is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the roads and railways are less affected by rains.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon months of June to September due to frequent delays and slippery roads in the Western Ghats. Also, plan around major festivals to avoid overcrowding.

• Avoid traveling during Navratri and Makara Sankranti festivals when the temple and transport services are extremely crowded, leading to ticket shortages and traffic jams.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides and delays on the Konkan Railway and NH66; always check weather updates before departure.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and provide a smoother journey through Pune and Kolhapur.

• Winter mornings can have fog in the Western Ghats, so allow extra travel time and drive cautiously if self-driving.

Arrival at Mookambika Temple & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kollur, you will find the temple area well connected by local transport options. The temple town is small but busy, especially during pilgrimage seasons.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available near the bus stand and railway station, offering safe and convenient rides to the temple. Auto-rickshaws are also common but negotiate fares before boarding.

Accommodation options range from budget lodges to mid-range hotels near the temple. Staying close to the temple provides easy access for early morning darshan and participation in temple rituals.

Local eateries serve traditional South Indian meals, but it is advisable to carry some snacks if you arrive late or during off-hours as options may be limited.

Temple timings and crowd levels vary seasonally, so plan your arrival accordingly to avoid long queues and enjoy a peaceful visit.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Mookambika Temple is a fulfilling journey that combines spiritual experience with scenic travel through Maharashtra and Karnataka. Train travel to Kundapura followed by a taxi or bus to Kollur is the most efficient and popular option, balancing comfort and cost.

Advance booking, awareness of seasonal weather, and careful planning of last-mile transport are key to a smooth journey. With the right preparation, you can confidently plan your pilgrimage and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Mookambika Temple without stress.