Sailani Baba Dargah, located at Pimpalgaon Sarai in Chikhli Taluka, Buldhana District, Maharashtra, is one of the most visited spiritual shrines in the Vidarbha region. The Dargah is dedicated to Hazrat Sailani Baba, a revered Sufi saint known for his compassion, miracles, and teachings of unity and peace among all faiths. Every year, thousands of devotees from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and other parts of India visit this sacred place to seek blessings. The peaceful surroundings and the spiritual energy of the shrine make it a center of devotion, faith, and harmony.
Location Overview
The Dargah is situated in Pimpalgaon Sarai, about 8 kilometers from Chikhli town and approximately 60 kilometers from Buldhana city. It lies close to the Nagpur–Aurangabad highway, making it accessible by both road and rail. The shrine is surrounded by hills, green fields, and small villages, adding to its serene and devotional atmosphere.
Nearest Railway Stations to Sailani Baba Dargah
Several railway stations connect devotees from different parts of Maharashtra and neighboring states to the Dargah. Here are the main stations nearest to Sailani Baba Dargah:
1. Malkapur Railway Station (Station Code: MKU)
Distance from Sailani Baba Dargah: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: Around 1 hour by road
Overview:
Malkapur is the most convenient and frequently used railway station for visitors traveling to Sailani Baba Dargah. It lies on the Bhusawal–Nagpur main line under the Central Railway Zone. Trains from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhusawal, and other major cities stop here regularly. From Malkapur, one can easily hire a taxi, auto, or bus to reach the Dargah via Chikhli town.
Connectivity:
- Direct trains from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhusawal, and Amravati
- MSRTC buses and shared jeeps available from Malkapur Bus Stand to Chikhli
- Well-maintained roads ensure smooth travel to Pimpalgaon Sarai
2. Nandura Railway Station (Station Code: NN)
Distance from Sailani Baba Dargah: About 48 km
Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours
Overview:
Nandura is another nearby railway station on the same Central Railway route as Malkapur. Although smaller in size, several express and passenger trains halt here. Travelers can take local transport like buses or private taxis from Nandura to reach Chikhli and then proceed to the Dargah.
Connectivity:
- Regular trains from Nagpur, Bhusawal, Akola, and Amravati
- Easy road access via NH753A
- Local auto-rickshaws and mini-buses available near the station
3. Shegaon Railway Station (Station Code: SEG)
Distance from Sailani Baba Dargah: About 75 km
Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes by car
Overview:
Shegaon is one of the most famous pilgrimage towns in Maharashtra, known for the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Many devotees visiting Shegaon also travel to Sailani Baba Dargah to seek blessings from both saints on the same trip. Shegaon station is well-connected with major cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Akola, and Pune.
Connectivity:
- Regular express trains from Mumbai, Nagpur, and Hyderabad
- Taxis, buses, and private cabs available for direct travel to Chikhli and Pimpalgaon Sarai
- Ideal for pilgrims combining visits to Shegaon and Sailani Baba Dargah
4. Akola Junction (Station Code: AK)
Distance from Sailani Baba Dargah: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: Around 2.5 hours by road
Overview:
Akola Junction is a major railway hub in the Vidarbha region. It serves as a good option for long-distance travelers from across India. Though farther compared to Malkapur or Nandura, it provides excellent rail connectivity and more frequent train services. From Akola, buses and taxis are available for Chikhli and Sailani Baba Dargah.
Connectivity:
- Trains from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Nagpur
- Good road connectivity via NH53 and NH753A
- Suitable for pilgrims coming from South or Central India
5. Jalna Railway Station (Station Code: J)
Distance from Sailani Baba Dargah: About 110 km
Travel Time: Nearly 3 hours by road
Overview:
Jalna is another alternate railway station for travelers from the Aurangabad or Marathwada region. It connects to cities like Aurangabad, Parbhani, and Nanded. Though slightly farther, it serves devotees coming from the western side of Maharashtra.
Connectivity:
- Trains from Aurangabad, Nanded, Parbhani, and Manmad
- Buses and private taxis available for Chikhli through Sindkhed Raja
Recommended Railway Route
For most devotees, Malkapur Railway Station remains the best and most convenient option to reach Sailani Baba Dargah. It offers the perfect balance of proximity, train frequency, and good road connectivity to Chikhli and Pimpalgaon Sarai.
Sample Route:
- Board a train to Malkapur (MKU)
- From Malkapur, take a bus or cab to Chikhli (approx. 35 km)
- Continue from Chikhli to Sailani Baba Dargah (approx. 8 km)
Total travel time from Malkapur to the Dargah is around 1 hour, and local drivers are familiar with the route, making the journey comfortable.
Road Route from Railway Station
The roads connecting the railway stations to Pimpalgaon Sarai are well-maintained. The most common route from Malkapur is:
Malkapur → Buldhana → Chikhli → Pimpalgaon Sarai (Sailani Baba Dargah)
Visitors can also use Google Maps navigation for accurate directions, as the Dargah is listed and easily traceable online.
Tips for Travelers
- Book Train Tickets Early: During Urs festival or weekends, tickets fill quickly.
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cabs are available at Malkapur and Chikhli. Always negotiate fares before travel.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February offers pleasant weather for travel and darshan.
- Carry Essentials: Water bottles, light snacks, and a head covering for entering the Dargah.
- Festivals: If traveling during the Annual Urs of Sailani Baba, expect large crowds; plan accommodations in advance.
- Accommodation: Lodges and dharamshalas are available in Chikhli and nearby towns.
- Language Tip: Marathi and Hindi are commonly spoken; local people are very helpful to visitors.
Spiritual Experience
Visiting Sailani Baba Dargah is a journey filled with peace and divine energy. The shrine welcomes people of all faiths, reflecting Baba’s message of universal brotherhood. The rhythmic qawwalis, fragrance of incense, and calm environment around the Dargah create an atmosphere of deep devotion and inner calm. Devotees often describe their visit as spiritually rejuvenating, a moment of connection with the saint’s eternal blessings.
Conclusion
The nearest railway station to Sailani Baba Dargah is Malkapur Railway Station (MKU), located about 40 kilometers away. It offers excellent connectivity and convenient road access to Chikhli and Pimpalgaon Sarai. Whether you arrive from Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, or Hyderabad, reaching Sailani Baba Dargah is easy and comfortable. A visit to this sacred Dargah not only brings peace and hope but also reminds every devotee of the timeless values of faith, compassion, and harmony that Hazrat Sailani Baba preached throughout his life.
