Saptashrungi is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site located near Nashik in Maharashtra. It is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini, perched on a hill surrounded by seven peaks. Pilgrims and tourists often visit this site for spiritual reasons and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Saptashrungi from nearby cities like Nashik and Mumbai. You will learn about various transport options including trains, buses, cars, and practical travel tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Nashik to Saptashrungi – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable if you are coming from farther cities to Nashik before proceeding to Saptashrungi. Nashik Road Railway Station is the nearest major railhead.

• Nashik Road Railway Station is well connected to Mumbai, Pune, and other major cities with frequent trains, making it a convenient entry point for pilgrims heading to Saptashrungi.

• From Nashik Road station, you will need to use road transport as there is no direct train to Saptashrungi; the temple is about 60 km from Nashik city center.

• Train fares vary depending on the class and distance but generally range from ₹100 to ₹600 for common routes to Nashik, with journey times from 2 to 5 hours.

• Trains can be crowded during festival seasons like Navratri, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Night trains are available from Mumbai to Nashik, allowing you to reach early morning and start your onward journey to Saptashrungi by road.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Saptashrungi from Nashik and nearby towns. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates regular services.

• MSRTC runs frequent buses from Nashik Central Bus Stand to Vani, the town at the base of Saptashrungi hill, with journey times around 1.5 to 2 hours covering approximately 60 km.

• From Vani, you can hire local shared autos or taxis to reach the temple entrance, which is about 6 km uphill and requires a short trek or use of a ropeway.

• Bus fares from Nashik to Vani typically range between ₹50 and ₹100, making it a budget-friendly option for pilgrims.

• During weekends and festival days, buses can get crowded, so arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a seat.

• Some private operators also run buses from Mumbai and Pune to Nashik and Vani, but schedules may vary and are less frequent than MSRTC services.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Saptashrungi offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore the surrounding region at your own pace.

• The temple is about 180 km from Mumbai and 60 km from Nashik via NH160 and state highways, with well-maintained roads suitable for cars and bikes.

• Driving from Nashik to Saptashrungi takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, with toll plazas on the route.

• Parking is available near the temple base at Vani, but during peak pilgrimage seasons, parking spots fill quickly, so arriving early is advisable.

• Self-drive allows you to stop at local eateries and rest points along the way, where you can enjoy Maharashtrian snacks and refreshments.

• Monsoon season may cause slippery roads and occasional landslides in the Western Ghats, so drive cautiously between June and September.

Flight

There is no airport near Saptashrungi, but the nearest airports are in Nashik and Mumbai. Flights are useful for travelers coming from distant cities.

• Nashik Airport (Ozar) is about 50 km from Saptashrungi and handles limited domestic flights, mainly connecting to Mumbai and Pune.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the major airport nearby, approximately 180 km away, with extensive domestic and international connectivity.

• From either airport, you will need to use road transport such as taxis or buses to reach Saptashrungi, which can take 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at both airports, offering convenient last-mile connectivity to Nashik or directly to Vani.

• Flight fares vary widely, so booking well in advance can help secure better prices, especially during festival seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Saptashrungi, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets to Nashik in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to ensure availability, especially during Navratri and other festivals.

• From Nashik, take an MSRTC bus or hire a taxi to Vani, the base town for Saptashrungi; buses are economical but taxis offer more comfort and flexibility.

• At Vani, arrange for local transport or prepare for the uphill trek; consider using the ropeway service to save time and energy if available.

• Carry light luggage and wear comfortable shoes suitable for trekking, as the path to the temple involves climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain.

• Plan your return trip by checking bus timings or arranging a taxi in advance, as public transport frequency reduces in the evening.

• Keep local currency handy for small expenses like entry fees, donations, and food stalls, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of drinking water and some snacks, as food options near the temple can be limited and crowded during peak times.

• Wear modest clothing and respect local customs, especially inside the temple premises, to ensure a respectful pilgrimage experience.

• Book your travel tickets early during festivals to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, using official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from Nashik and Vani to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel, especially if unfamiliar with the area.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash, as crowded pilgrimage spots can attract pickpockets.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, as heavy rains during monsoon can make roads slippery and the trek challenging.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Saptashrungi is during the cooler months from October to February when the weather is pleasant for trekking and sightseeing. Avoid the peak summer months due to heat and humidity.

Monsoon season brings lush greenery but also slippery roads and occasional landslides, so travel cautiously if visiting between June and September.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Navratri if you prefer less crowded conditions, as the temple attracts large crowds and long queues.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid traffic jams and secure parking near the temple during busy days.

• Fog and mist can reduce visibility in the Western Ghats during winter mornings, so plan your travel accordingly for safety.

• Weekend travel tends to be busier; weekdays offer a quieter and more peaceful pilgrimage experience.

Arrival at Saptashrungi & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Vani, you will find several options to reach the temple entrance, including shared autos, taxis, or a ropeway. The last stretch involves climbing steps or trekking through forested paths.

Local transport is affordable but can get crowded during festivals. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but may not operate on the hill itself. Accommodation options are limited in Vani, so many visitors stay in Nashik or nearby towns.

Conclusion

Traveling to Saptashrungi is best done by first reaching Nashik via train or flight, then continuing by bus or car to Vani. The bus is economical and frequent, while self-drive offers flexibility. Planning your journey during the cooler months and booking transport in advance will make your pilgrimage comfortable and hassle-free.

With proper preparation and awareness of local conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and spiritually fulfilling visit to Saptashrungi. This guide equips you with all the essential information to plan confidently and experience one of Maharashtra’s most revered pilgrimage sites.