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From Mumbai you can catch the early state bus that leaves around 4 a.m. from the CST bus stand and drops near the Raigad gate, just like the Pune route. It costs a few rupees more than a Pune bus but saves a taxi ride. After the hike, The Green Gate Resort Mulshi is a budget friendly option a short drive away; it offers simple rooms and is only about 27 km from the fort. If you prefer a quieter spot, staying in a nearby village instead of Mahabaleshwar keeps the nightly rate lower. Have you checked if any homestays in Mulshi offer shared rooms?