Pachmarhi is a beautiful hill station located in the Satpura range of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its lush green forests, waterfalls, and serene environment. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is a major starting point for travelers heading to Pachmarhi.

This route is popular among nature lovers and weekend travelers looking for a peaceful retreat from the city. In this guide, you will learn the best ways to reach Pachmarhi from Mumbai, including train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Pachmarhi – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Pachmarhi from Mumbai. Although there is no direct train to Pachmarhi, you can take trains to nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway station to Pachmarhi is Pipariya, about 50 km away. Trains like the Mumbai CST–Jabalpur Express connect Mumbai with Pipariya in approximately 14 to 16 hours, with fares ranging from INR 300 to 1200 depending on class.

• Trains depart regularly from Mumbai CST and LTT stations, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance through IRCTC, especially during holiday seasons when trains are crowded.

• From Pipariya station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Pachmarhi; the road journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Shared jeeps are also available but may be less comfortable with luggage.

• Train travel is comfortable and scenic but can be affected by monsoon delays between July and September, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Pachmarhi from Mumbai, though the journey is long. Both government and private operators run services on this route.

• MSRTC and private buses operate from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Pachmarhi, with journey times ranging from 14 to 18 hours depending on the service and route taken.

• Volvo and deluxe buses are available for more comfort, but sleeper buses are recommended for overnight travel to rest well during the long journey.

• Bus fares typically range between INR 700 and 1200. Booking tickets online or at the depot a day in advance is advisable to secure seats.

• Road conditions on NH52 and connecting state highways are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads, so check weather forecasts before traveling.

• There are several rest stops with food options along the route, including at Indore and Khandwa, which are good places to stretch and refresh.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Pachmarhi is a great option if you prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The distance is about 900 km and takes approximately 16 to 18 hours.

• The most common route is via NH48 to Indore, then NH52 towards Pachmarhi. This route passes through cities like Dhule, Khandwa, and Burhanpur, offering multiple fuel and food stops.

• Driving allows you to stop at scenic spots and towns along the way, but be prepared for toll plazas on the national highways, with toll fees totaling around INR 500 to 700.

• Road quality is mostly good, but some stretches near Pachmarhi are hilly and require careful driving, especially during the monsoon season when roads can be slippery.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai from companies like Zoomcar and Revv, with daily rates starting around INR 2500, excluding fuel and tolls.

• Start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Pachmarhi before dark, as driving in hilly areas at night can be challenging.

Flight

There is no airport in Pachmarhi, but you can fly from Mumbai to nearby cities and continue by road. This option saves time but involves multiple transfers.

• The closest airports to Pachmarhi are in Bhopal (about 190 km) and Indore (about 210 km). Both have regular flights from Mumbai, with flight durations around 1.5 hours.

• From Bhopal or Indore airports, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pachmarhi. The road journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Taxi fares from Bhopal or Indore to Pachmarhi range from INR 2500 to 3500. Shared buses are cheaper but less frequent and less comfortable for luggage.

• Flight tickets vary widely but generally cost between INR 2500 and 6000 one way, depending on the season and how early you book.

• This option is suitable if you want to save time and don’t mind the extra road travel from the airport to Pachmarhi.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Pachmarhi. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least a week in advance using IRCTC or MSRTC websites to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure seat availability during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan to arrive at Mumbai CST or LTT station early to find your platform easily and avoid crowd rush, especially during festivals.

• Upon reaching Pipariya railway station, pre-book a taxi or confirm local bus timings for Pachmarhi to avoid waiting long hours at the station.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, carry a physical map or GPS device, and plan rest stops at major towns like Indore or Khandwa to stay refreshed.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks, especially if traveling by bus or car, as food options may be limited on some highway stretches.

• Download Ola or Uber apps and keep local taxi numbers handy for last-mile connectivity in Pachmarhi, as public transport options within the town are limited.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, as crowded stations and bus depots can attract pickpockets.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from reputable stalls to avoid stomach issues during your journey.

• Book tickets well in advance during holidays and weekends, as trains and buses fill up quickly due to Pachmarhi’s popularity as a weekend getaway.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and fair-priced local travel in Pachmarhi, avoiding unmetered taxis.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon season, as Pachmarhi experiences heavy showers that can disrupt travel plans.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as medical facilities in Pachmarhi are limited and pharmacies may not stock all medicines.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pachmarhi is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be warm, while monsoons bring heavy rainfall that may cause travel delays.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip accordingly helps avoid discomfort and unexpected disruptions.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July to September due to slippery roads and possible landslides in hilly areas.

• Festive periods like Diwali and Christmas see heavy traffic on highways and crowded trains, so book tickets early or consider traveling on off-peak days.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help you avoid city traffic and reach Pachmarhi with daylight for easier navigation.

• Winter mornings can have fog on highways, especially near Pachmarhi, so drive carefully and allow extra travel time.

Arrival at Pachmarhi & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pachmarhi, you will find a small, peaceful town with limited public transport. Most travelers rely on taxis, auto-rickshaws, or walking to reach their hotels or sightseeing spots.

Accommodation options are concentrated near the market area and main road, making it convenient to explore local attractions. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare, so agree on fares before starting your ride.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Pachmarhi offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Taking a train to Pipariya followed by a taxi is the most economical and popular choice, while flying to Bhopal or Indore saves time but involves extra road travel.

Planning your trip with advance bookings, checking weather conditions, and preparing for last-mile transport in Pachmarhi will ensure a hassle-free journey. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of Pachmarhi after your journey from Mumbai.