Indore is a major city in Madhya Pradesh, known for its vibrant culture and commercial importance. Pavagadh is a historic hill station and pilgrimage site located in Gujarat, famous for its ancient temples and scenic views. Traveling from Indore to Pavagadh is a popular route for tourists and devotees alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Indore to Pavagadh, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find detailed information on travel times, routes, fares, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and smooth.

Getting from Indore to Pavagadh – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for this route. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and connects major stations near Pavagadh.

• Indore Junction (INDB) is the main railway station in Indore, well connected to Vadodara Junction (BRC), the nearest major station to Pavagadh, approximately 120 km away.

• The train journey takes around 5 to 7 hours depending on the train type, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 in sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during festivals or weekends.

• From Vadodara, you can take local buses or taxis to Pavagadh, which is about 48 km away, taking around 1.5 hours by road.

• Monsoon season may cause minor delays due to fog or waterlogging, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Pavagadh from Indore. Several state transport and private operators run services on this route.

• Indore's main bus terminal, Sarwate Bus Stand, has direct buses to Vadodara and sometimes to Pavagadh, with journey times of 7 to 9 hours depending on the service.

• Bus fares range from ₹300 to ₹700, varying by type such as non-AC, AC, or Volvo coaches.

• MSRTC and GSRTC buses operate on this route, with frequent departures early morning and evening to avoid city traffic.

• Night buses are available but may be crowded during holiday seasons, so booking tickets in advance is advisable.

• Rest stops with food options are available on NH47 and NH48 highways, but carry water and snacks for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Indore to Pavagadh offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The route covers about 300 km via NH47 and NH48.

• The drive usually takes 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with tolls at multiple plazas along NH48.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Indore, with options ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs suitable for hill terrain near Pavagadh.

• Stops for fuel, food, and rest are available at major towns like Ujjain and Vadodara, with several dhabas and restaurants offering local cuisine.

• Monsoon season can make some stretches slippery, so drive cautiously and check weather updates before starting.

• Parking near Pavagadh temples is limited; plan to park at designated areas and use local transport or walk uphill.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Pavagadh, but flying to Vadodara is an option for faster travel combined with road transport.

• Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (IDR) in Indore offers daily flights to Vadodara Airport (BDQ), with flight times around 1 hour.

• Flight fares vary between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on booking time and airline.

• From Vadodara Airport, Pavagadh is about 48 km away and can be reached by taxi or bus in 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Vadodara Airport for convenient onward travel.

• Flight schedules may be limited on weekends and during low season, so check availability in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Indore to Pavagadh, helping you navigate each stage confidently.

• Book your train or bus ticket early via IRCTC or official state transport websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Arrive at Indore railway station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to handle ticket verification and boarding smoothly.

• If traveling by car, plan your route using GPS apps and check for toll plazas and fuel stations along NH47 and NH48.

• On arrival at Vadodara, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach Pavagadh safely and avoid overcharging.

• Carry light luggage and comfortable walking shoes, as Pavagadh involves some uphill walking to reach the temple complex.

• Keep local currency handy for small purchases, tolls, and local transport fares, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of water and light snacks, especially if traveling by bus or train, as food options can be limited or crowded during peak hours.

• Use official prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs at Vadodara and Pavagadh to avoid scams and inflated fares common with local drivers.

• Book your tickets online through IRCTC or state transport portals to get confirmed seats and avoid standing in long queues.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items during travel, especially in crowded stations and bus stands.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling; monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads near Pavagadh hill.

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

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Indore to Pavagadh is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and clear roads for a comfortable journey.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July to September due to heavy rains that can cause roadblocks and train delays. Also, major festivals like Navratri can cause crowding and higher fares.

• Peak traffic occurs during festivals at Pavagadh, especially during Navratri and Diwali, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid overcrowding.

• Fog in winter mornings can delay trains and buses, so schedule departures later in the day if possible.

• Early morning departures from Indore help avoid city traffic and provide a smoother start to your journey.

• Monsoon rains may cause slippery roads on the hill, so avoid traveling during heavy rain spells for safety.

Arrival at Pavagadh & What to Expect

When you arrive near Pavagadh, you will find several local transport options to reach the temple complex. Shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available from Vadodara and nearby towns.

Accommodation options are mostly around the foothills and nearby towns like Champaner. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are less common here, so agree on fares beforehand. The area is pedestrian-friendly but involves uphill walking to the main attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Indore to Pavagadh is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit your preferences and budget. The train and bus routes offer economical choices, while driving or flying combined with road transport provides flexibility and speed.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local travel challenges near Pavagadh. With proper planning, you can enjoy a safe and memorable journey to this historic and scenic destination.