How to Reach Saputara from Mumbai: Complete Travel Guide

Tucked away in the Western Ghats of Gujarat, Saputara is a tranquil hill station that boasts lush greenery, misty hills, and serene lakes. Known as Gujarat’s only hill station, Saputara is a popular getaway for those seeking respite from Mumbai’s bustling city life. With its pleasant weather, adventurous trekking trails, and cultural richness, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and solo travelers alike.

Saputara is located approximately 248 kilometers from Mumbai, making it a convenient destination for a short trip. Whether you prefer traveling by road, rail, or a combination of both, there are several options to reach Saputara efficiently. This guide provides detailed insights into the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Saputara, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.

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1. By Road: The Most Popular and Scenic Option

Traveling by road is the most convenient and scenic way to reach Saputara from Mumbai. The journey takes you through winding roads, lush green landscapes, and quaint villages, offering an immersive experience.

Option 1: Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Saputara is a rewarding experience, especially for road trip enthusiasts who enjoy exploring at their own pace. The well-maintained highways and scenic routes make this a comfortable and enjoyable option.

Key Route:

The best route to Saputara is via the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH160). After reaching Nashik, you’ll take the Nashik-Vani-Saputara Road, which leads directly to the hill station.

Route Overview:
Mumbai → Nashik (NH160) → Vani → Saputara
Total Distance: 248 km
Total Time: 5–6 hours, depending on traffic.
Toll Booths: Carry cash or FASTag for toll payments along the NH160.
Best Stops Along the Way:
- Nashik: A popular city for its vineyards and temples. Stop for a meal or to visit Trimbakeshwar Temple or Sula Vineyards.
- Vani: Located on the way to Saputara, Vani is home to the famous Saptashrungi Devi Temple, a popular religious site.

Benefits of Self-Driving:

Complete control over your itinerary.
Freedom to stop at scenic locations or explore Nashik and nearby villages.
Ideal for groups, families, or couples looking for a private experience.

Pro Tip: Avoid traveling during heavy monsoons (June–September), as the winding roads leading to Saputara can become slippery and foggy.

Option 2: Private Taxi or Cab

If you prefer a comfortable and stress-free journey without driving yourself, hiring a private taxi is a great alternative.

Taxi Costs:

Sedan: ₹5,000–₹6,500 (one-way)
SUV: ₹6,500–₹8,000 (one-way)

Booking Options:

Use apps like Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity, or trusted cab services such as Savaari and MakeMyTrip.

Why Choose a Private Taxi?

Door-to-door service.
Professional drivers who are familiar with the route.
A convenient option for families or travelers with luggage.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with a group, split the cost to make it more economical.

Option 3: By Bus (Affordable Option)

Buses from Mumbai to Saputara are a budget-friendly option and are widely available. Both government and private operators run buses on this route.

Types of Buses:

Sleeper Buses: Suitable for overnight travel.
AC Buses: Comfortable for daytime journeys.
Non-AC Buses: Cheaper but less comfortable, especially during summer.

Where to Book:

Online platforms like RedBus, AbhiBus, and MSRTC allow you to book tickets in advance.

Bus Fares:

Non-AC: ₹300–₹500 per person.
AC: ₹600–₹900 per person.

Travel Time:

6–7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Pick-up and Drop Points:

Mumbai Pick-up: Dadar, Borivali, Chembur, Sion.
Saputara Drop-off: Saputara Bus Station or nearby locations.

Pro Tip: For overnight journeys, choose an AC sleeper bus for added comfort.

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2. By Train: An Alternative with Multiple Options

While there is no direct train to Saputara, you can take a train to the nearest railway station and then continue the journey by road.

Nearest Railway Station: Bilimora Junction (BL)

Bilimora is the closest railway station to Saputara, located about 50 kilometers away. From Bilimora, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Saputara. The drive takes around 1–1.5 hours.

Step 1: Train from Mumbai to Bilimora

There are several trains from Mumbai to Bilimora that run daily. Some of the popular options include:

Gujarat Express
Flying Ranee Express
Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express

Train Details:

Duration: 3–4 hours
Ticket Cost: ₹100–₹400, depending on the class.
Departure Stations: Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, or Borivali.

Step 2: Bilimora to Saputara

Once you arrive at Bilimora Junction, hire a private taxi or take a local bus to Saputara.

Taxi Fare: ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Bus Fare: ₹50–₹100.

Pro Tip: Check train schedules in advance, as seat availability can be limited during weekends and holidays.

Alternate Train Option via Nashik

If you prefer a longer train ride, you can take a train to Nashik Road Railway Station, which is around 80 kilometers from Saputara.

From Nashik to Saputara: Hire a cab for a 2-hour scenic drive (₹2,000–₹2,500).

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3. By Air: A Quick Option for Travelers from Other Cities

If you’re flying in from another city and planning to visit Saputara, the nearest airport is in Surat. While there is no direct airport in Saputara, Surat Airport offers good connectivity with major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

Step 1: Fly to Surat Airport

Duration: 1-hour flight from Mumbai to Surat.
Cost: ₹2,000–₹4,000 (one-way, depending on the airline).

Step 2: Surat to Saputara

From Surat Airport, hire a cab to Saputara. The distance is approximately 120 kilometers, and the drive takes around 2.5–3 hours.

Taxi Fare: ₹2,500–₹3,500 (one-way).

Pro Tip: This option is best suited for travelers flying in from distant cities or international locations.

Best Time to Visit Saputara

Saputara offers a pleasant climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.

Summer (March to June): A great escape from Mumbai’s heat, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 32°C.
Monsoon (July to September): Lush greenery and misty views make this a magical time to visit, though roads can be slippery.
Winter (October to February): Cool weather, clear skies, and outdoor activities like trekking and boating make winter the most popular season.

Local Transport in Saputara

Once you reach Saputara, getting around is simple and convenient.

Taxis: Local taxis are available for sightseeing. Negotiate a fair rate for the day.
Bikes/Scooters: Rentals are available for exploring Saputara at your own pace.
Walking: Many attractions, like Saputara Lake and the Sunset Point, are within walking distance of most hotels.

Which Option is Best for You?

Mode of Transport	Cost	Duration	Best For
Self-Drive	₹2,000–₹3,500 (fuel)	5–6 hours	Scenic road trips and flexibility.
Private Taxi	₹5,000–₹8,000	5–6 hours	Families or groups who value comfort.
Bus	₹300–₹900	6–7 hours	Budget-friendly solo travelers.
Train + Cab (via Bilimora)	₹1,000–₹2,000	5–6 hours	Train lovers who enjoy relaxed travel.
Flight + Cab (via Surat)	₹4,500–₹7,500	5–6 hours (including transfers)	Travelers from other cities.

Conclusion

Saputara’s serene landscapes and cool weather make it a perfect getaway from Mumbai, whether you’re planning a weekend escape or an extended holiday. With multiple travel options—road, rail, and air—you can choose the one that suits your preferences and budget. Whether it’s a scenic self-drive, a comfortable taxi ride, or a convenient bus journey, reaching Saputara is just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Pack your bags, pick your route, and get ready to experience the peace and beauty of Gujarat’s only hill station. Saputara awaits!

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How to Reach Saputara from Mumbai: A Complete Guide