Kolhapur, one of Maharashtra’s most vibrant cultural and educational hubs, is ready to welcome the WordPress community once again. Known for its rich heritage, warm hospitality, and growing tech ecosystem, Kolhapur is well connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible for attendees traveling from across India and beyond.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning for another WordCamp experience, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan a smooth and comfortable journey to Kolhapur.
✈️ Reaching Kolhapur by Air
Kolhapur is served by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport (KLH), located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. It offers a quick and convenient commute to the venue.
1. Flying directly to Kolhapur (KLH):
- Connectivity: Regular flights connect Kolhapur to major metropolitan hubs such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Nagpur.
- Airlines: Carriers like IndiGo and Star Air frequently operate on these routes.
- Commute: From the airport, you can take a prepaid taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or arrange a hotel pickup to reach the city center in about 20–30 minutes.
2. Nearby Airports: For international travelers or those seeking wider connectivity, the following airports are excellent alternatives:
- Belgaum Airport (IXG): ~110 km (2–2.5 hours by road). Closest alternative to Kolhapur.
- Goa International Airport (GOI/Mopa): ~220 km (4–5 hours by road).
- Pune International Airport (PNQ): ~230 km (4–5 hours by road).
- Mumbai International Airport (BOM): ~380 km (8–9 hours by road).
Tip: Pune is the most popular alternate hub. Frequent buses and taxis are available from Pune to Kolhapur.
🚆 Reaching Kolhapur by Train
Train travel is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to reach the city. The Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Station Code: KOP) is located right in the heart of the city, making it very easy to reach your hotel.
From Mumbai:
- Koyna Express (11029): Departs Mumbai (CSMT) ~8:40 AM | Arrives Kolhapur ~8:00 PM.
- Mahalaxmi Express (17411): Departs Mumbai (CSMT) ~8:20 PM | Arrives Kolhapur ~7:20 AM (Overnight, highly recommended).
From Pune:
- Koyna Express: Departs Pune ~12:40 PM.
- Maharashtra Express: Departs Pune ~11:00 PM (Arrives early morning).
- Note: Vande Bharat Express services may also be available seasonally; please check IRCTC for the latest schedule.
From Bengaluru:
- Rani Chennamma Express (16589): Connects Bangalore to Miraj Junction (approx. 1 hour from Kolhapur via taxi/local train).
- Kudachi Express (17321): A direct option if available on your dates.
🚌 Reaching Kolhapur by Road
Kolhapur enjoys excellent road connectivity via National Highway 48 (NH-48). The drive is smooth and scenic, especially the stretch through the Western Ghats if coming from Pune or Goa.
Approximate Travel Times:
- Pune → Kolhapur: ~230 km (5–6 hours)
- Mumbai → Kolhapur: ~380 km (8–9 hours)
- Bengaluru → Kolhapur: ~600 km (10–12 hours)
- Goa → Kolhapur: ~220 km (4–5 hours)
Bus Options:
- MSRTC (State Transport): Reliable “Shivneri” (Electric/Volvo) and “Shivshahi” (AC) buses run frequently from Pune (Swargate) and Mumbai.
- Private Operators: Luxury sleeper and seater buses are available from major cities. Popular operators include Konduskar, VRL, and Mohan Travels.
🚖 Local Transportation in Kolhapur
Once you arrive, navigating Kolhapur is simple and pocket-friendly.
- Auto-rickshaws: The lifeline of the city. They are available everywhere. (Tip: Ask them to use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand).
- City Buses (KMT): Great for economical travel on main routes.
- App-based Cabs: Services like Ola and uber are available but may have limited availability compared to Local Buses. Pre-booking a local taxi is often more reliable for full-day travel.
🔄 Planning Your Return Journey
To Mumbai:
- Mahalaxmi Express (17412): Departs ~8:50 PM.
- Mohan Travels: If you prefer buses, Mohan Travels offers comfortable sleeper buses. Insider Tip: Their boarding point is often very close to popular city venues, making it convenient after the After-Party!
To Pune:
- Intercity Express: Departs in the morning for a quick run to Pune.
- Frequent buses depart from the Central Bus Stand (CBS) every 30 minutes.
🌟 Travel Tips for Attendees
- Book Early: WordCamp attracts a large crowd. Secure your train or flight tickets well in advance.
- Buffer Time: Keep some buffer time for local travel on the event day to avoid the rush.
- Stay Hydrated: If you are traveling by road, carry water and snacks, though there are plenty of food courts on NH-48 (look for “Sai International” or “Virangula” spots).
We Look Forward to Welcoming You!
Reaching Kolhapur is easy, convenient, and well worth the journey. With its perfect blend of tradition, technology, and community spirit, Kolhapur offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable WordCamp experience.
If you haven’t booked your tickets yet , https://kolhapur.wordcamp.org/2026/tickets/
See you at WordCamp Kolhapur 2026!
Jai WordPress!
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