The short answer: from Mumbai, take the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, bypass Pune via Katraj or the bypass, and continue south on NH48 to Shirwal: about 180 km and 3.5–4 hours. From Pune it's 58 km, about 1 hour 15 minutes, with no ghat section after the Katraj tunnel. In the monsoon, leave early, drive on low beam, double your following distance, and stop only at proper service areas. Avior Resorts is a short run from the Shirwal exit.
The routes
| From | Route | Distance | Time (normal conditions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Expressway → Pune bypass / Katraj → NH48 south → Shirwal | ~180 km | 3.5–4 hrs |
| Pune (central) | Katraj → tunnel → NH48 south → Shirwal | ~58 km | 1 hr 15 min |
| Hinjewadi / Wakad | Bypass → NH48 south → Shirwal | ~75–80 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Kharadi / Magarpatta | City roads → Katraj → NH48 south | ~70–75 km | 1.5 hrs |
Add time for heavy rain, weekend traffic and the Khed Shivapur toll plaza. More detail: Shirwal distance guide.
When to leave
| Departure | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Friday after 8–9 pm (from Mumbai) | Quiet Expressway; you'll arrive late, so call the resort |
| Saturday before 7 am | The best option: smooth run, arrive for breakfast |
| Saturday 8–11 am | Heavy Expressway and ghat traffic |
| Friday 5–8 pm | The worst time, especially on long weekends |
| Sunday return before noon | Easier than the evening rush back into Mumbai and Pune |
Monsoon driving rules
- Slow down early. Standing water is the biggest hazard on fast roads.
- Low-beam headlights on. Hazards only if you've stopped safely.
- Double your following distance. Wet roads need far longer to stop.
- Avoid sudden braking or steering on wet surfaces.
- Check tyres and wipers before the trip.
- Keep the fuel tank above half.
- Don't stop on the shoulder for waterfalls or photos.
- Watch for fog in the ghat early in the morning.
Where to stop
- Expressway food courts (around Lonavala) for a break and washrooms.
- After Pune, NH48 has highway restaurants; choose busy places with fresh food.
- Khed Shivapur area is a popular chai stop, but expect a queue at the toll plaza on weekends.
If the weather turns bad
- Pull into a fuel station or service area and wait it out.
- Avoid driving through flooded stretches; you can't see the depth.
- Check traffic and weather updates on your phone while stopped.
- Call the resort if you'll be late; dinner can often be held for delayed arrivals.
Car checklist before a monsoon trip
- Tyre tread and pressure (including the spare).
- Wiper blades and washer fluid.
- Headlights, tail lights and indicators.
- Brakes.
- An umbrella, a torch, a phone charger and a power bank.
- FASTag topped up.
- Water and snacks.
Driving with family in the rain
- Leave earlier to avoid rushing.
- Plan one stop for children and older passengers.
- Keep a change of clothes handy.
- Avoid night driving with young children if possible.
Arriving in Shirwal
The Shirwal exit is signposted on NH48. Use your map pin for Avior Resorts (Opposite Kpra Masala Factory, Wadgaon, Shirwal, Satara district, Maharashtra 412801). Check-in is from 2 pm, and stays include a welcome drink, dinner and breakfast.
Make it a weekend
Once you've arrived, you won't need the car again. See our monsoon getaways guide, monsoon weekend getaways from Mumbai and indoor activities for rainy days.
Monsoon road hazards to watch for
| Hazard | Where | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water | Expressway, low stretches of NH48 | Slow down well before; avoid sudden braking |
| Fog and low cloud | Expressway ghat, early mornings | Low beam, increase distance, use lane markings |
| Potholes | City roads and service roads | Reduce speed; don't swerve suddenly |
| Slow trucks | Ghat climbs | Overtake only with clear visibility |
| Landslide debris | Ghat sections after heavy rain | Follow diversions and police instructions |
A simple pre-departure routine
- Check the weather and any traffic advisories.
- Share your route and expected arrival time with someone.
- Charge your phone and carry a power bank.
- Keep water, snacks and an umbrella in the car.
- Save the resort's number (+91 72619 62666) in case you're delayed.
Travelling with children or older parents
Plan a stop every 60–90 minutes, avoid night driving, and pack a change of clothes in the car. If the rain is very heavy, it's better to arrive late than to push on.
When to postpone
If there's a red alert for heavy rain along the Expressway or NH48, consider shifting your trip by a day. Call the resort to discuss options; it's always safer to travel when conditions improve.
Book your stay before you set off
- Call: +91 72619 62666
- WhatsApp: +91 72619 63666
- See rooms: rooms page · Enquire: contact page
Also see: weekend getaway from Mumbai · resorts near Pune.