Sailani Baba Dargah, located at Pimpalgaon Sarai in Chikhli Taluka, Buldhana District, Maharashtra, is one of the most peaceful and spiritually powerful Sufi shrines in Central India. The Dargah is dedicated to Hazrat Sailani Baba, a revered saint known for his kindness, healing powers, and message of unity among all religions. Surrounded by hills and greenery, this Dargah welcomes thousands of devotees every year from Maharashtra and neighboring states. For those planning a visit, understanding the distance and travel routes from major cities like Aurangabad, Pune, and Mumbai helps in planning the journey smoothly and comfortably.
Location Overview
Sailani Baba Dargah lies in Pimpalgaon Sarai village, about 8 km from Chikhli town and approximately 60 km from Buldhana city. The Dargah is well-connected by road and rail, making it accessible for devotees from across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. The nearest major railway station is Malkapur (40 km), while the nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (155 km).
Distance Chart from Major Cities
| City | Approx. Distance (in km) | Travel Time (by Road) | Recommended Route | Nearest Railway Station En Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurangabad | 155 km | 3.5 – 4 hours | Aurangabad → Jalna → Sindkhed Raja → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai | Jalna / Malkapur |
| Pune | 360 km | 7 – 8 hours | Pune → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad → Jalna → Sindkhed Raja → Chikhli | Aurangabad / Jalna |
| Mumbai | 490 km | 9 – 10 hours | Mumbai → Nashik → Aurangabad → Jalna → Sindkhed Raja → Chikhli | Aurangabad |
| Nagpur | 350 km | 7 – 8 hours | Nagpur → Khamgaon → Malkapur → Buldhana → Chikhli | Malkapur |
| Akola | 110 km | 2.5 – 3 hours | Akola → Buldhana → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai | Malkapur |
| Shegaon | 75 km | 1.5 – 2 hours | Shegaon → Buldhana → Chikhli | Malkapur |
| Jalna | 115 km | 2.5 – 3 hours | Jalna → Sindkhed Raja → Chikhli | Jalna |
| Parbhani | 165 km | 4 – 4.5 hours | Parbhani → Jalna → Sindkhed Raja → Chikhli | Jalna |
| Nanded | 220 km | 5 – 6 hours | Nanded → Hingoli → Buldhana → Chikhli | Malkapur |
| Hyderabad | 460 km | 8 – 9 hours | Hyderabad → Nanded → Hingoli → Buldhana → Chikhli | Akola / Malkapur |
Road Connectivity
The Dargah is well-connected via National Highway 753A and State Highway 176, making road travel the most convenient mode of transportation. The routes from Aurangabad and Jalna are particularly scenic, passing through rolling farmlands, hills, and small villages.
- Best Route from Aurangabad: Aurangabad → Jalna → Sindkhed Raja → Chikhli → Sailani Baba Dargah
- Best Route from Pune: Pune → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad → Jalna → Chikhli → Sailani Baba Dargah
- Best Route from Mumbai: Mumbai → Nashik → Aurangabad → Jalna → Chikhli → Sailani Baba Dargah
The roads are in good condition, with ample petrol stations, eateries, and rest points along the way.
Rail Connectivity
The nearest railway station is Malkapur (MKU), located approximately 40 km from Sailani Baba Dargah.
- Malkapur lies on the Bhusawal–Nagpur main line, part of the Central Railway Zone.
- Trains from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Bhusawal halt here regularly.
- From Malkapur, local taxis, buses, and auto-rickshaws are available to reach Chikhli and then Pimpalgaon Sarai.
Other nearby stations include Nandura (48 km) and Shegaon (75 km).
Air Connectivity
The nearest airports are:
- Aurangabad Airport (IXU) – 155 km (Approx. 3.5 hrs by road)
- Nagpur Airport (NAG) – 360 km (Approx. 7 hrs by road)
- Pune Airport (PNQ) – 360 km (Approx. 8 hrs by road)
Aurangabad is the most convenient option for devotees traveling by air, offering direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
Bus Connectivity
MSRTC and private buses operate regular services to Chikhli, Buldhana, and Malkapur from major Maharashtra cities like Aurangabad, Pune, and Nagpur. From Chikhli, the Dargah is only 8 km away, accessible by local auto-rickshaws or private cabs.
Common bus routes:
- Aurangabad → Chikhli → Sailani Baba Dargah
- Pune → Aurangabad → Chikhli → Sailani Baba Dargah
- Nagpur → Malkapur → Chikhli → Sailani Baba Dargah
Ideal Travel Plan
For devotees traveling from major cities, here’s a simple guide to plan the trip:
From Aurangabad:
- Travel by car or bus to Chikhli (via Jalna and Sindkhed Raja).
- Visit the Dargah and return the same day or stay overnight in Chikhli.
From Pune:
- Start early morning and reach Aurangabad by noon.
- Continue the journey to Sailani Baba Dargah in the evening or stay overnight in Aurangabad.
From Mumbai:
- Take an overnight bus or train to Aurangabad.
- Travel from Aurangabad to Chikhli (3.5 hrs) by car or taxi.
Accommodation Options
While Pimpalgaon Sarai and Chikhli have small guest houses and lodges, most pilgrims prefer staying in:
- Chikhli Town: Affordable hotels and dharamshalas available.
- Buldhana City (60 km): Mid-range hotels with restaurants.
- Aurangabad: Ideal for travelers combining sightseeing with pilgrimage.
During the annual Urs festival, advance booking is highly recommended due to large crowds.
Travel Tips for Devotees
- Best Visiting Time: October to February for pleasant weather.
- Festive Period: Urs and Eid attract thousands; expect long queues for darshan.
- Local Transport: Autos and shared jeeps are available between Chikhli and the Dargah.
- Carry Essentials: Water, snacks, and a head covering for Dargah entry.
- Respect Tradition: Follow Dargah customs—remove footwear, maintain silence, and avoid crowding near the sanctum.
- Google Maps: Use navigation for exact driving directions to Sailani Baba Dargah Pimpalgaon Sarai.
Nearby Tourist and Spiritual Sites
- Shegaon Gajanan Maharaj Temple – 75 km
- Lonar Lake and Daitya Sudan Temple – 65 km
- Sindkhed Raja (Birthplace of Jijabai) – 40 km
- Ajanta Caves (World Heritage Site) – 110 km
- Tulja Bhavani Temple, Tuljapur – 220 km
Conclusion
The Sailani Baba Dargah is easily accessible from Maharashtra’s major cities—Aurangabad (155 km), Pune (360 km), and Mumbai (490 km)—through well-connected roads and railways. The nearest railway station is Malkapur (40 km), making it the best choice for devotees arriving by train. Whether you are a pilgrim or a traveler exploring Buldhana’s cultural and spiritual heritage, a visit to Sailani Baba Dargah offers a soul-stirring experience of peace, devotion, and divine harmony that stays with you long after you return.
