Sailani Baba Dargah is a famous Sufi shrine located in Pimpalgaon Sarai village, near Chikhli in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. It is about 410 kilometers from Hyderabad, and many devotees from Telangana and nearby states visit the Dargah every year. Traveling from Hyderabad is simple and comfortable because the region is well connected by both bus and train routes. This guide explains each option step by step to help you plan your journey easily.
Route Overview
- Starting Point: Hyderabad (Telangana)
- Destination: Sailani Baba Dargah, Pimpalgaon Sarai, Chikhli Taluka, Buldhana District, Maharashtra
- Distance: Around 410 km
- Travel Time: 8 to 9 hours (bus or train + short taxi/jeep ride)
- Nearest Major City: Chikhli (20 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Malkapur Junction (35 km)
Reaching Sailani Baba Dargah by Bus
Step-by-Step Bus Route
- Board an MSRTC or TSRTC bus from Hyderabad to Chikhli or Buldhana.
- Most buses depart from JBS (Jubilee Bus Station) or MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station) in Hyderabad.
- Choose an overnight bus to reach comfortably by morning.
- Route followed by buses:
Hyderabad → Nizamabad → Nirmal → Adilabad → Karanja → Washim → Mehkar → Chikhli - From Chikhli:
- Take a shared jeep, auto-rickshaw, or local taxi to Pimpalgaon Sarai, the village where the Dargah is located.
- Distance: Around 20 kilometers (about 30–40 minutes).
Bus Details
| Type | Travel Time | Approx. Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Luxury / Express Bus (TSRTC / MSRTC) | 8–9 hours | ₹600–₹900 | Comfortable, night buses available |
| Private AC Sleeper Coach | 7–8 hours | ₹1000–₹1300 | Faster, available via online booking |
Bus Booking Options
- https://tsrtconline.in – Telangana RTC official site
- https://msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in – Maharashtra RTC
- https://redbus.in or https://abhibus.com – private bus operators
Tip: Choose buses going toward Karanja Lad, Washim, or Buldhana — all pass near Chikhli. Book seats at least two days before weekends or Urs festival.
Reaching Sailani Baba Dargah by Train
Step-by-Step Train Route
- Take a train from Hyderabad (Secunderabad, Kacheguda, or Begumpet) to Malkapur Junction (MKU).
Malkapur is the nearest railway station to the Dargah, located about 35 km away. - Popular Trains from Hyderabad to Malkapur:
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|————-|————|———-|———–|
| Hyderabad – Ajni Express (17062) | 3:10 PM (Secunderabad) | 11:00 PM | ~7 hrs 45 min |
| Kacheguda – Akola Intercity (17639) | 6:00 AM | 1:30 PM | ~7 hrs 30 min |
| Hyderabad – Nanded Express (17664) | 10:30 PM | 5:30 AM | ~7 hrs |
| Ajanta Express (17064) | 6:50 PM | 3:00 AM | Overnight option | - From Malkapur Junction:
- Hire a taxi, cab, or shared jeep toward Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai (Sailani Baba Dargah).
- Travel time: Around 1 hour by road.
- Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are easily available outside the railway station.
Train Booking & Tips
- Book tickets on https://www.irctc.co.in.
- For a comfortable journey, choose sleeper or 3-tier AC coaches.
- Overnight trains are best if you wish to reach early morning and visit the Dargah the same day.
- Carry a printed ticket or e-confirmation on your mobile.
Combined Travel Option (Bus + Train)
If direct trains or buses are unavailable, you can combine both:
- Take a train from Hyderabad to Akola Junction or Malkapur Junction.
- From Akola or Malkapur, board a bus or taxi toward Chikhli or Buldhana.
- Then take a local jeep or cab to Pimpalgaon Sarai.
This mixed route is useful during festival times when direct bookings are full.
Distance and Time Summary
| Mode | Route | Approx. Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Direct) | Hyderabad → Nirmal → Adilabad → Washim → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai | 8–9 hrs | Most convenient |
| Train + Road | Hyderabad → Malkapur (by train) → Chikhli → Dargah | 8 hrs total | Comfortable and fast |
| Hybrid Option | Train to Akola → Bus to Chikhli → Local Jeep to Dargah | 9 hrs | Flexible alternative |
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel from Hyderabad to Sailani Baba Dargah is between October and February when the weather is pleasant. Avoid peak summer or heavy monsoon travel. For Urs or Friday prayers, start one day early to manage crowd and transport timing.
Travel Tips
- Carry a scarf or handkerchief for head covering at the shrine.
- Keep water and light snacks for the journey.
- Book return tickets early during festival days.
- Reach Chikhli before evening to find local transport easily.
- Follow local customs and avoid littering near the Dargah.
Conclusion
Traveling from Hyderabad to Sailani Baba Dargah is comfortable and affordable through both bus and train routes. Overnight buses and direct trains to Malkapur make the journey easy for devotees and families. Once you reach Chikhli or Malkapur, local jeeps and taxis will take you to Pimpalgaon Sarai, where the holy Dargah welcomes everyone with peace and blessings. Whether by road or rail, this trip offers a mix of faith, comfort, and the spiritual energy of Maharashtra’s sacred land.
