Pune

Bus Travel

Several competing companies run luxury buses from Pune to Mumbai; it's a four- or five-hour journey. But the Asiad buses run by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation are the quickest and most efficient buses to take (no extra stops or waiting for more passengers); they go from Pune's main bus station close to the railway station. Raj National Express Volvo (can be booked online) and Metrolink Volvo bus services are also competent services; Raj is better among the two. Bus travel in Maharashtra does not involve overcrowded buses and "roof top bus travel" and such like and is relatively safer than other parts of the country. You can arrange such a ride through your Pune hotel or travel agent or easier still just head over to the bus station and catch the next bus. They go every half hour or even more frequently. Driving to Pune by car is an even better option, however. Metrolink (Opposite Hotel Aamir, Sadhu Vaswani Rd., near Pune Station. 20/2612-3137).

Raj National Express (G7, Metro House, Mangaldas Rd., Opp Tata Management Training Centre, Behind Wadia College. 20/3058-1414 or 20/3058-1415. www.rajnationalexpress.in/contact.htm).