Sailani Baba Dargah is a famous Sufi shrine located in Pimpalgaon Sarai village, near Chikhli in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. It is about 380 kilometers from Nagpur, and thousands of devotees travel every year to seek the blessings of Hazrat Sailani Baba, known for his kindness and miracles. The route from Nagpur to Sailani Baba Dargah is well connected by road and rail, making it easy for devotees to visit throughout the year. This guide explains all possible travel options step by step.
Location Overview
- Destination: Sailani Baba Dargah, Pimpalgaon Sarai, Chikhli Taluka, Buldhana District, Maharashtra
- Distance from Nagpur: Around 380 km by road
- Approx. Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours by car or bus
- Nearest Towns: Chikhli (20 km), Buldhana (32 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Malkapur (35 km)
- Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (240 km)
Route by Road (Nagpur to Sailani Baba Dargah)
The most convenient way to reach Sailani Baba Dargah from Nagpur is by road. The highways are smooth and scenic, passing through small towns and green farmland.
Main Route:
Nagpur → Wardha → Karanja → Washim → Mehkar → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai
Approximate Distance: 380 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours (depending on traffic and rest stops)
Travel Tips:
- The route is mostly on National Highway 53 (NH-53) and State Highway 176 (SH-176).
- Fuel stations, restaurants, and tea stalls are available at regular intervals.
- Early morning travel is best to avoid city traffic.
- During monsoon, drive carefully near hilly areas as roads can be slippery.
Bus Options:
MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) operates regular buses from Nagpur Central Bus Stand to Buldhana, Chikhli, and Mehkar.
- From Chikhli, local jeeps or shared taxis go directly to Pimpalgaon Sarai village where the Dargah is located.
- Total travel time by bus is around 9 to 10 hours.
Route by Train (Nagpur to Malkapur)
Traveling by train is another comfortable option for devotees coming from Nagpur. The nearest railway station to the Dargah is Malkapur Junction (MKU), located about 35 kilometers from the shrine.
Step-by-Step Route:
- Board a train from Nagpur Junction to Malkapur Junction on the Nagpur–Bhusawal line.
- From Malkapur Railway Station, hire a taxi or take a shared jeep toward Buldhana → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai.
- The road journey from Malkapur to Sailani Baba Dargah takes around 1 hour.
Popular Trains:
- Vidarbha Express
- Sevagram Express
- Howrah–Ahmedabad Express
- Nagpur–Bhusawal Passenger
Travel Time: Around 6 to 7 hours by train + 1 hour by road.
Tip: Book train tickets in advance, especially during Urs or festival season.
Route by Air (via Aurangabad or Nagpur)
There is no airport in Buldhana district, but travelers can use Nagpur Airport or Aurangabad Airport for air travel.
Option 1 – From Nagpur Airport:
- Fly to Aurangabad Airport (IXU) — about 1 hour flight.
- From Aurangabad, travel by road to Sailani Baba Dargah via Jalna → Mehkar → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai.
- Distance: 240 km (about 5 hours by car).
Option 2 – Direct Road from Nagpur Airport:
- You can hire a private taxi directly from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur to Sailani Baba Dargah.
- Distance: 380 km (7–8 hours).
- This is best for group travel or families who want comfort and flexibility.
Local Transport from Chikhli
Chikhli is the nearest town to the Dargah and serves as the main connection point. Local transport options are available every hour.
- Shared Jeeps: Common and affordable (₹40–₹60 per person).
- Private Taxis: Comfortable for families, available from Chikhli bus stand.
- Auto Rickshaws: Suitable for short trips to nearby villages.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sailani Baba Dargah is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant. Fridays are the most spiritual days, and the annual Urs festival draws thousands of devotees from all over India. Avoid visiting during heavy rains (July–September), as rural roads may become muddy and slippery.
Accommodation Options
There are several budget and mid-range options for stay near the Dargah.
- Dargah Guest House: Basic rooms available for pilgrims.
- Hotels in Chikhli: Clean and affordable, 20 km away.
- Hotels in Buldhana: AC and Non-AC rooms available for long stays.
- Dharmshalas: Local community lodges offer simple accommodation for devotees.
Tip: During Urs, book your room at least a week in advance.
Food and Facilities
Devotees can enjoy simple vegetarian meals in the langar at the Dargah. Nearby tea stalls and small restaurants serve home-style food. Drinking water, rest areas, and parking spaces are available around the shrine. Volunteers also help elderly visitors reach the inner prayer area.
Travel Time Summary
| Mode of Travel | Route | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road (Car/Bus) | Nagpur → Wardha → Mehkar → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai | 7–8 hours | Most convenient |
| By Train | Nagpur → Malkapur → Chikhli → Dargah | 7–8 hours | Comfortable and fast |
| By Air | Nagpur → Aurangabad → Chikhli → Dargah | 6–7 hours | Best for distant travelers |
Safety and Travel Tips
- Carry drinking water and light snacks during travel.
- Keep mobile phones charged for navigation.
- Avoid night driving on rural roads.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting the Dargah.
- Keep emergency numbers handy for hospitals and police stations in Chikhli.
Conclusion
Reaching Sailani Baba Dargah from Nagpur is easy and comfortable through multiple routes. Whether you choose to travel by car, bus, train, or a mix of both, the journey is filled with beautiful landscapes and warm hospitality. The moment you reach the shrine, you will feel peace and devotion in the air. Visiting this holy place not only connects you to Sailani Baba’s blessings but also reminds you of Maharashtra’s deep tradition of faith and unity.
