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How to Get to Sangli

How to Get to Sangli

Sangli Maharashtra, India Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Sangli

The closest airport is Kolhapur Airport (KLH), about 50 km away, with limited domestic flights. Pune International Airport (PNQ), about 220 km north, is a larger hub with more domestic and some foreign flights. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM), about 375 km northwest, is a major international and domestic hub with the widest range of options.

Airlines & Routes

  • Kolhapur (KLH): Air India, IndiGo, Star Air to main Indian cities.
  • Pune (PNQ): IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air (domestic & some international).
  • Mumbai (BOM): All major international and domestic airlines.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Kolhapur (KLH) offers basic facilities. Pune (PNQ) & Mumbai (BOM) feature extensive facilities including lounges, duty-free, food options, car rental services, currency exchange, and ATMs.

Transfer Options to Sangli

  • From Kolhapur: Taxis/private cabs (1.5-2 hrs).
  • From Pune: Taxis (4-5 hrs), MSRTC bus (5-6 hrs), Train to Miraj Junction.
  • From Mumbai: Domestic flight to Kolhapur/Pune, direct trains to Miraj Junction (7-9 hrs), overnight buses (8-10 hrs), private cabs (7-8 hrs).

Flight Deals

Find cheap flights with Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Compare prices across airlines with Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Book car rentals with DiscoverCars.com.

Flight Availability & Price

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

  • Flight prices within India generally rise during peak season (October-February).
  • Prices also higher around major festivals and holidays.
  • Booking domestic reserving flights ahead of time recommended for better rates.
  • No direct international flights to Kolhapur or Pune from major global hubs.

International Travel

  • The majority of foreign visitors fly into Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi (DEL).
  • Then take a domestic flight or land transport to Sangli.
  • Plan your itinerary to include these transfer points.
  • Allow ample time for transfers connecting international and domestic connections.

Departure Information

Exit Fees/Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing India by air or land; these are generally included in your ticket price.

Departure Timing

Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights. For trains/buses, 30-45 minutes prior to departure.

Station Facilities

Airports have extensive facilities. Rail depots and bus stops typically have waiting rooms, food stalls, and public restrooms.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Sangli is well-connected by rail, making it a convenient option for many travelers.

Stations & Services

  • Miraj Junction: Major railway junction (7 km from Sangli), connections to Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru.
  • Sangli Railway Station: Direct trains to major destinations.
  • Reservations highly recommended, reserve online via IRCTC or at station counters.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Land travel offers a direct way to reach Sangli from various parts of Maharashtra and adjoining states.

Bus Operators & Stands

  • MSRTC: State-run, frequent, economical bus services.
  • Private companies: More comfortable AC/non-AC sleeper or seater buses.
  • Sangli Central Bus Stand: Main hub for both state and private services.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-drive car hire is available from major cities like Pune or Mumbai (e.g., Zoomcar, Revv).

Requirements & Tips

  • Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with home country license.
  • National highways (e.g., NH48) generally good; rural roads vary.
  • Indian traffic can be chaotic; defensive driving is a must.

Car with Driver

Hiring a private car with a driver is a common and often recommended option for foreign tourists.

Advantages & Booking

  • Offers comfort and eliminates the stress of navigating local traffic.
  • Drivers are familiar with local routes and conditions.
  • Arrange through hotels or local tour operators.

Road Safety & Regulations

  • Drive cautiously, especially at night, due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.
  • Helmets are mandatory for two-wheelers.
  • Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Traffic can be unpredictable with diverse vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.
  • Google Maps is a reliable tool for navigation.
  • Border crossing information is not applicable for Sangli.

Public Transportation

Bus Network

Sangli does not have a metro or tram system. The main form of public transportation is the bus network. The Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad City Transport operates local bus services, connecting various parts of Sangli city, Miraj, and Kupwad. This an affordable option and covers most courses within the urban area.

Routes & Fares

  • Route maps typically can be found at major bus stops and the Central Bus Stand.
  • Purchase tickets directly from the conductor on the bus.
  • Fares are low and determined by distance.

Hours & Accessibility

Buses generally operate from early morning, around 6:00 AM, until late evening, usually 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Frequency varies by route, with more frequent services during peak hours.

Tips for Navigating

  • Ask locals for directions or bus numbers, many people are helpful.
  • Public buses in India are generally not wheelchair accessible.
  • Travelers with mobility challenges may find them difficult to use.

Licensed Taxis

Less common than auto-rickshaws. Negotiate fare or insist on meter for private cabs.

Ride-Sharing

Ola and Uber are available in Sangli, offering car and auto-rickshaw services.

Scooter Rentals

Local shops may offer scooter rentals. IDP needed for foreign nationals.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Areas like Ganpati Peth or Maruti Road are bustling and offer interesting walks, despite the crowds. Riverfront promenades, if developed, along the Krishna River is able to supply pleasant walking opportunities. Local parks offer green spaces for leisurely strolls.

Walking Tours

  • No established guided walking tours specifically for Sangli.
  • Self-guided exploration is possible, allowing you to discover the city at your own pace.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking through markets and city areas.

Cycling & Safety

Dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited in Sangli. Quieter rural roads around the city offer safer cycling experiences.

Cycling Considerations

  • Bicycle sharing programs are not prevalent in Sangli.
  • Exercise caution on main roads, especially during peak hours.
  • Avoid walking or cycling alone in deserted areas at night.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Transport

Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not available in Sangli. Boat taxis and water transportation are also not available for public or tourist transport on the Krishna River.

Unique Local Transport

Cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport options are not available in Sangli. Auto-rickshaws are the main local transport for short distances.

Accessibility Services

Public transportation largely is without accessibility features. Private car hire with a driver is the most viable and comfortable option for travelers with mobility needs.

Seamless Travel

Plan your transportation in advance to enjoy a stress-free journey through Sangli.