Saputara is a beautiful hill station located in the Dang district of Gujarat, near the Maharashtra border. Kalyan, a bustling city in Maharashtra's Thane district, serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to Saputara for a refreshing getaway.

This route is popular among weekend travelers and nature lovers looking to escape city life. In this guide, you will learn the main transport options, travel tips, and practical advice to plan your journey from Kalyan to Saputara confidently.

Getting from Kalyan to Saputara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable option for part of the journey, especially if you prefer avoiding road traffic. However, Saputara does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train and road travel.

• The nearest major railway station to Saputara is Waghai, about 30 km away, accessible via trains from Kalyan Junction or nearby stations like Vasai Road and Igatpuri.

• Train travel from Kalyan to Waghai typically takes 6 to 8 hours, depending on the train chosen, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹500 in sleeper and second-class coaches.

• Trains are generally clean and safe, but booking tickets in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays when demand rises sharply.

• From Waghai station, you can hire local taxis or take state transport buses to Saputara, which takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour on winding hill roads.

• During the monsoon season, train schedules may face delays due to fog or waterlogging, so plan accordingly and check live train status before departure.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Saputara from Kalyan, with several options including state-run and private operators. This mode suits budget travelers and those who prefer a direct route without transfers.

• MSRTC and Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation operate buses from Kalyan and nearby Thane bus depots to Saputara, with journey times of around 7 to 9 hours covering approximately 250 km.

• Bus fares range from ₹250 to ₹600 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches, with Volvo buses offering better comfort for long journeys.

• Buses usually depart early morning and late evening, but frequency may reduce during off-season months, so booking tickets online or at the depot a day before is advisable.

• The route passes through NH848 and NH53, with several toll plazas and scenic stops; expect short breaks at highway dhabas for refreshments and rest.

• During the monsoon, road conditions can be slippery and slower, especially on the ghat sections near Saputara, so choose daytime travel for better visibility and safety.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kalyan to Saputara is a popular choice for travelers who want flexibility and to enjoy the scenic route at their own pace. The drive covers around 250 km and takes about 6 to 7 hours.

• The most common route is via NH848 and NH53, passing through towns like Vapi and Waghai, with well-maintained highways and toll plazas along the way.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Kalyan or Mumbai, with daily rental costs ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 depending on the vehicle type and season.

• Driving allows stops at local eateries, viewpoints, and rest areas, including popular dhabas on the highway serving Maharashtrian and Gujarati cuisine.

• Be prepared for narrow and winding roads near Saputara hill station, especially after Waghai; drive carefully during monsoon when roads can be slippery and foggy.

• Parking is available near Saputara Lake and main tourist spots, but space can be limited during peak weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.

Flight

There is no airport in Saputara, and the nearest airports are Mumbai and Surat. Flights are not a practical option for direct travel from Kalyan to Saputara but can be considered if coming from distant locations.

• The closest airport to Saputara is Surat Airport, about 150 km away, with limited domestic flights connecting to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

• From Mumbai Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a train or bus to Kalyan and then proceed to Saputara by road or rail.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season and booking time, usually ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 for one-way domestic flights to Surat or Mumbai.

• From Surat or Mumbai airports, road travel to Saputara takes 4 to 6 hours by taxi or bus, so factor in additional travel time and costs.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kalyan to Saputara, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least 2 to 3 days in advance to secure seats, especially during weekends and holidays when demand is high.

• If traveling by train, check the arrival time at Waghai station and pre-arrange a taxi or local bus to Saputara to avoid waiting long at the station.

• For self-drive, plan your route using GPS apps and start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Saputara before dusk, ensuring safer driving on hill roads.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon and warm clothes for evenings, as Saputara’s weather can be cool and wet compared to Kalyan.

• Carry some cash for tolls, local transport, and food stops, as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas along the route.

• Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, since network coverage can be patchy near Saputara hills and forested areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber when available, especially in Waghai and Saputara, to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar to you.

• Drink bottled water and eat at clean, popular dhabas or restaurants along the highway to avoid stomach issues common with roadside food in India.

• Book tickets through official portals like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC or GSRTC websites for buses to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats.

• Use local shared autos or cycle rickshaws for short distances within Saputara, as they are economical and convenient for narrow roads.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded buses and trains can be targets for pickpockets during busy travel seasons.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before traveling, as landslides or waterlogging can cause delays or require route changes.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kalyan to Saputara is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be hot in Kalyan but cooler in Saputara, while monsoon brings heavy rains and slippery roads.

Traveling during festivals or long weekends can lead to crowded transport and higher fares, so plan accordingly if you want a relaxed trip.

• Avoid traveling during Diwali and New Year holidays when roads and trains are heavily crowded, making booking difficult and travel slower.

• Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rains causing slippery roads and occasional landslides near Saputara, so check weather updates before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Kalyan help avoid city traffic and reach Saputara during daylight, which is safer for hill driving.

• Winter mornings can have fog on highways near Igatpuri and Waghai, so allow extra travel time and drive cautiously if self-driving.

Arrival at Saputara & What to Expect

On arrival at Saputara, you will find a small but well-developed hill station with limited public transport. Most visitors rely on local taxis, shared autos, or walking to explore the area.

Accommodation options are concentrated near Saputara Lake and the main market area. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but may be limited, so arrange your return transport in advance.

The main bus stand is close to the town center, and taxis from Waghai station usually drop travelers near popular hotels and attractions. Carry local currency as card acceptance is limited in smaller shops and eateries.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kalyan to Saputara is best done by combining train and road transport or by direct bus services, depending on your comfort and budget preferences. Self-driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning, especially during monsoon.

Booking tickets in advance, checking weather conditions, and planning your route carefully will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. With these tips and options, you can confidently plan your trip to Saputara and experience its natural beauty without hassle.