Day treks in Maharashtra, India

Going on a day trek in Maharashtra offers city-dwellers in Mumbai, Pune and surrounding cities a quick and easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It only takes a short drive to enter the rolling green Sahyadris, a hotspot for nature-lovers, bird-watchers, and trekkers. Any day trekking Maharashtra trip takes you into a region that is abundant with forts, hills, rock-climbing areas, rough terrain to challenge experienced trekkers and gentle slopes for beginners. Some of the most popular destinations for Maharashtra treks include the Sandhan Valley, Harishchandragadh, Lohagad Fort, and Rajmachi.

1. Kalsubai trek trek

Kalsubai Peak, with an elevation of 5400 feet, is the highest peak in the Sahyadris, and one of the best day treks in Maharashtra, especially in the monsoon. The view from the top of this 'Everest of Maharashtra' is stunning and offers great photography opportunities, but the real reward is the thrill of conquering this peak. There are some rocky sections that can get very slippery in the rains, and some slopes that are quite steep, making the Kalsubai trek on of the most challenging day treks in Maharashtra. En route to the Kalsubai peak, you’ll find beautiful streams and pools that invite you to take a break and enjoy your surroundings.

2. Bhimashankar trek

The Bhimashankar trek is one of the most popular spots for day trekking in Maharashtra. You can choose between two different routes: The Ganesh Ghat route (easier route, takes about 5 hours) or the Shidi Ghat route (tougher route, involves some basic rock- and ladder-climbing, takes about 4 hours). While this is a popular day trek in Maharashtra during winters, it really comes to life in the monsoon. There are waterfalls raging down the sides of the rocks, water gushing under your feet, and strong winds blowing around you.

3. Harishchandragad trek

Considered to be one of the most challenging day treks in Maharashtra, this is not for complete beginners. The trail goes over rocky patches and steep inclines, and has some scary drops. There are boulders of all sizes along your route, and you'll be clambering over them all the way up. The biggest attraction here is Konkankada. Also known as a 'Cobra's hood', the spot attracts a lot of adventure lovers throughout the year.

4. Rajmachi fort trek

Rajmachi treks can be scheduled to be one-day trips, overnight trips and weekend trips. As a day trek in Maharashtra, this is a challenging one, suitable for those with some experience, or for fit beginners who can manage long stretches of walking. A total of 36 km to and fro, the Rajmachi trek is a long one, but is one of the best monsoon treks in Maharashtra. Nature lovers will revel in the streams, waterfalls, and lush green paddy fields that surround this trek. You can even spot crabs and fireflies along the way, and if you're lucky, you may even spot nightjars, sambhars and palm civets on this exciting day trek in Maharashtra.

5. Sandhan Valley trek

Also known as the Valley of Shadows, the Sandhan Valley is a canyon in the Sahyadris. For day trekking in Maharashtra, this location offers a spectacular experience. You’ll go deep into a valley carved by ancient rivers, walking through rock walls that are 200 feet tall in some places. The walls keep the sunshine out, making this a cool, sometimes chilly trek even during the day. You’ll trek past naturally formed rock ponds and rope up for some rappelling sections. Some trekkers spend the night here as well, camping amidst the rocks. This day trek in Maharashtra does not run in the monsoon months because there is a risk of falling rocks and flooding.

6. Prabalgad and Kalavantin trek

The twin forts of Prabalgad and Kalavantin stand next to each other, offering adventurers some very tempting day trekking in Maharashtra. Kalavantin has the added thrill of a steep rock pinnacle at the top. The trek up to Kalavantin is moderate, but the pinnacle is a tricky climb. The steep trail goes around the pinnacle, offering some spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’re fully exposed to the winds and the rain, and the rock-cut steps are often slippery. But this trek is one of the most exciting day treks in Maharashtra.

7. Andharban trek

When it comes to day trekking in Maharashtra, the Andharban trek is a unique experience because it descends into the evergreen forest instead of going up, and it has a rock-hewn path most of the way. This day trek in Maharashtra takes you downhill for almost 4 hours, and you will be walking along a ridge, past waterfalls, and amidst butterflies, birds and flowers. It is a downhill trek, but don't be fooled into thinking that this is an easy trek. The path can be slippery, and there are spots that you'll have to climb over very carefully.

8. Lohagad trek

Of all the day treks in Maharashtra, the Lohagad fort one is one of the best known. It’s not a hard climb, but it gives you a chance to some of the most spectacular views that a day trekking Maharashtra experience can give you. This is especially true during the monsoon, when the rain clouds descend onto the mountains and there are clouds of mist. One of the numerous reasons why Lohagad is a popular choice for day trekking in Maharashtra is also because of the main attraction of Vinchu Kata, which resembles the tail of a scorpion.

9. Korigad trek

Korigad fort is a beautiful fort located on top of a hill around 20 km, near Aamby Valley. It is a great trek for beginners or those looking to get their muscles in working order for the trekking season. It is an easy 6 km trek, with stone-cut steps leading up for the most part. The top of the fort has a large, flat plateau, with the ramparts completely intact. That means you can explore the edges of the fort summit, take great pictures from vantage points all around, and get a closer look at the sturdy construction of the walls. You'll also find 6 ancient cannons, the largest of which is the Lakshmi Top near the Koraidevi temple, and a couple of large water bodies where enthusiastic trekkers enjoy a quick dip. This is a top day trek in Maharashtra because of how easy it is, and how much there is to see at the top.

10. Alang Madan Kulang trek

This is one of the tough treks in Maharashtra, because it takes you to three different forts across a span of 2 or 3 days. You’ll walk through a densely forested trail, scrambling over rocks and boulders, and sleep in caves at night. There are some steep sections on this trail, and long hours of trekking. But you’ll find the ruins of ancient forts, natural water bodies, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and mysterious caves, making this one of the top treks in Maharashtra.