It will become easier for Mumbai to travel to Bengaluru when it comes to a new special train in Indian Railways during the upcoming festive season. This will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai with Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru to offer passengers another rail service between Mumbai and Karnataka.
The special train, 01013/01014, will make seven trips in each direction. The Mumbai-Bengaluru service will run from October 10 to November 21, and the return service from Bengaluru will run from October 11 to November 22. The journey will take around 23 hours and 30 minutes and will cover 24 stations.
Although the train is primarily designed for the increased passenger demand surrounding Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, its journey also passes through many destinations that can be turned into short stopovers or longer travel plans.
Here are six must-visit places along the Mumbai-Bengaluru rail corridor.
1. Pune, Maharashtra
Pune is one of the most prominent cities on the route and makes for an easy cultural and heritage stop between Mumbai and Karnataka.
The city has a strong connection with the Maratha and Peshwa period. Visiting Shaniwar Wada, the historic fortress that once housed the Peshwas, or Aga Khan Palace, is closely related to India's freedom movement.
Pune also has a vibrant food and café culture, making it appropriate for travellers who want to marry heritage sightseeing with modern city experiences.
The new special train has Pune among its scheduled stops.
2. Satara, Maharashtra.
Satara is in western Maharashtra, among the Sahyadri hills, and is the centre of its forts, waterfalls and natural landscapes.
The city is linked with Ajinkyatara Fort, which is situated on a hill overlooking Satara. Travelers who are interested in nature should visit the hills and seasonal waterfalls around as well.
The Kaas Plateau, home to a seasonal bloom, is also a major attraction in the whole Satara region. Most of the flowers bloom during the monsoon period and after the monsoon period, but the exact experience depends on the weather.
Satara is one of the stops on the Mumbai-Bengaluru special train, so it could serve as a base for exploring the area.
3. Sangli, Maharashtra.
Sangli is located on the banks of the Krishna River and is famous for its agricultural development, temples and cultural heritage.
The city is associated with turmeric, grapes, raisins, and jaggery. Travellers can visit the historic Sangli Fort and Shri Ganapati Temple, and nearby vineyards have something similar to the agricultural environment of this part of the world.
Sangli's location along the Mumbai-Bengaluru railway line is also convenient for those looking to travel through part of southern Maharashtra before continuing to Karnataka.
The new special train will stop at Sangli as part of its scheduled route.
4. Belagavi, Karnataka.
Once the train is in Karnataka, Belagavi is one of the major destinations along the route.
The city has a rich history and is home to the Belagavi Fort, an important landmark surrounded by several religious and historical places. The fort area comprises the Kamal Basadi Jain temple and other structures reflecting the city’s diverse heritage.
Belagavi is also associated with the freedom movement and is located near the Western Ghats.
If history and nature are to be combined in the way travellers might want to, then the city can also be used to explore nearby parts of northwestern Karnataka.
Belagavi is among 24 stops of the new Mumbai-Bengaluru special train.
5. Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka
Hubballi and Dharwad, both quite close to each other, are important urban centres in northern Karnataka and are among the stops on the railway line.
Dharwad is particularly noted for its cultural and musical traditions, and Hubballi is a commercial and transport hub.
Visiting attractions around the twin cities, such as Unkal Lake in Hubballi and heritage and cultural sites in Dharwad, are all to see for the visitor to visit for a trip. The region also gives access to Dandeli and other places in northern Karnataka for long-distance trip destinations for travelers.
The special train will stop at Dharwad and SSS Hubballi, and passengers can access the region.
6. Davangere, Karnataka
Another scheduled stop is Davangere, where travellers can experience a bit of the local aspect of Karnataka.
The city is famous for Davangere benne dosa, a buttery version of the popular South Indian dish that has come to be associated with the city.
Besides food, Davangere can also be a convenient base for exploring nearby historical and cultural attractions. The region is also situated close to several important heritage sites in central Karnataka.
The Mumbai-Bengaluru special train will stop at Davangere before continuing towards Bengaluru through Ranibennur, Harihar, Birur, Arsikere and Tumakuru.
New train connects 24 stations.
The Mumbai-Bengaluru special train will cover a much longer list of stations than the regular Bengaluru-Mumbai Express introduced earlier in 2026.
The newly introduced festive special will be operating in 24 stations including Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, Pune, Lonand, Satara, Karad, Sangli, Miraj, Kudachi, Raybag, Ghataprabha, Belagavi, Londa, Dharwad, Hubballi, Haveri, Ranibennur, Harihar, Davangere, Birur, Arsikere and Tumakuru.
The train will leave CSMT Mumbai at 12:35 am every Saturday from October 10 to November 21 and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 pm the same day. In the opposite direction, it will leave Bengaluru at 4:30 am every Sunday from October 11 to November 22 and arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 4:05 am the following day.
The service will have 22 coaches, including two AC 2-Tier coaches and 18 AC 3-Tier coaches.
For travellers, the route provides more than just a link between two major cities. And with Maharashtra’s historic towns, the landscapes of the Sahyadris and several cultural centres in Karnataka along the way, a long train journey can also be turned into a multi-stop holiday with some planning.
