Is there a direct bus?

No, you must change buses at Jabalpur.

Which is the nearest airport?

Jabalpur Airport is the closest, located 160 km from Umaria.

Are there trains from Pipariya?

Yes, but most require a change at Jabalpur or Katni.

Is it safe for solo travelers?

Yes, but stick to main highways and travel during daylight.

What is the best vehicle?

An SUV is recommended for the road conditions in this region.

Pachmarhi

Umaria

Train Driving

Pachmarhi to Umaria

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from the hill station of Pachmarhi to Umaria spans approximately 350 km through the heart of Madhya Pradesh. You will primarily navigate via NH 45, passing through Pipariya and Jabalpur. The drive takes about 8 to 9 hours depending on road conditions near the forest patches. While there is no direct train, you can reach Pipariya station and take a connecting train to Umaria. This route is the gateway to the famous Bandhavgarh National Park.

Total Distance: 350 km by road, 260 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Private taxi takes 8 hours 30 minutes via NH 45.

Cheapest Way

Train from Pipariya to Umaria via Jabalpur costs approximately 800 INR.

Compare Pachmarhi to Umaria Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	10 hours	8 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	800-1500 INR	4500-6000 INR
Operator	Indian Railways	Private Taxi
Route	Pipariya Station to Jabalpur to Umaria Station	Pachmarhi - Pipariya - Jabalpur - Umaria via NH 45
Tip	Book the Amarkantak Express from Jabalpur for a convenient arrival in Umaria.	Start early from Pachmarhi to avoid heavy truck traffic near Jabalpur.

Travel Tips

Road Condition
Expect some rough patches between Jabalpur and Umaria during the monsoon.
Booking
Book your Bandhavgarh safari permits online at least 60 days in advance.
Connectivity
Mobile network can be spotty in the forest areas near Umaria.
Food
Carry dry snacks as highway dhabas are limited between Jabalpur and Umaria.
Transport
Pre-book your taxi from Umaria station to your resort for a hassle-free arrival.

Safety Tips

Night Driving
Avoid driving on the Jabalpur-Umaria stretch after sunset due to wildlife movement.
Emergency
Keep the contact number of your hotel in Umaria saved offline.
Hydration
Carry sufficient water as the region gets very hot in summer.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your vehicle has a spare tire and basic toolkit before leaving Pachmarhi.