Trekking in Lonavala

Trekking in Lonavala

Trekking near Lonavala 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. The Lonavala trekking region is abundant with forts, hills, rock-climbing areas, gentle slopes for beginners and rough terrain to challenge experienced trekkers. Read our blog post about the Western Ghats.

Tough treks in Lonavala

Thanks to the hilly terrain dotted with rocks and boulders, there are some fairly tough treks near Lonavala. Almost all treks increase in difficulty during the monsoon when strong winds and slippery trails slow down your progress.

Treks for beginners in Lonavala

Trekking near Lonavala is a good option for beginners as it is not too far from the cities of Mumbai and Pune, so anyone can do a day trip. If you are a first-timer, choose one of the shorter treks like Korigad or Tikona so that you can take your own time and enjoy the views.

Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort is also known as the 'iron fort' and is a must-visit during the monsoon. It is one of the most popular treks near Lonavala and consists of an easy trail. The rain makes this trek a truly magical experience and you can see the clouds wrap around the fort, shrouding it in mist. The most distinctive feature of the Lohagad fort is the Vinchu Kata, one of the ramparts of the fort, which resembles the tail of a scorpion.

Visapur Fort

Visapur Fort is located close to Lohagad and is a popular trek near Lonavala for beginners. The trek to the huge ruins of Visapur Fort is easy and there are many thrilling surprises on the way. You can explore cannons, mysterious caves, small shrines, secret escape routes and many cisterns.

Tikona Fort

The trek to Tikona fort is easy even though the triangular shape of the mountain makes it appear difficult to climb. There is a narrow staircase carved into the rock on this mountain for the ease of trekkers and the top of the fort offers some spectacular views of Tung Fort, Lohagad Fort, Pawna Lake and Visapur Fort.

Weekend trek to Rajmachi

This trek near Lonavala is a high-endurance trek and perfect for experienced trekkers and fit beginners. It offers a quick weekend escape from Mumbai city. The Rajmachi trek is a paradise during the monsoon and the trails are dotted with streams, waterfalls and puddles. The entire region is covered in a blanket of green and you'll enjoy magnificent views of misty mountains and rain-drenched forests. You can also expect to see glimmering fireflies fill the air.

Kataldhar Waterfall trek

Kataldhar waterfall is a spectacular gushing waterfall hidden deep within the forests around Lonavala. It is a lush paradise during the monsoon and you'll trek on narrow trails through dense forests. The flow of the water is also stronger and more abundant during the monsoon than other seasons. From the vantage point at the waterfall, you can also catch views of Rajmachi and Shrivardhan Fort as well as the Shirota Lake.

Torna Fort

Torna Fort is one of the highest forts in the region and is a large structure with two major wings stretching out of it. It is also known as Prachandagad, which literally means 'massive fort'. Ascribed to its size and structure, it is graded as a challenging trek and is not recommended to beginners. The top of the fort offers spectacular views of the Sahyadri range and the surrounding landscape.

Duke’s Nose

Duke's nose is a popular trekking spot near Lonavala and is suitable for beginners. It involves a short trek and offers some epic views of the lush greenery of the Sahyadris. Named after the nose of a nobleman, this trek is best enjoyed in the thrill of the rain. You can also try your hand at some very exciting adventure sports like rappelling, slacklining, and more.

Korigad Fort

Korigad Fort is a beautiful hill fort situated around 20 km from Lonavala near Aamby Valley, Maharashtra. This is an easy 6 km trek that takes you through the lush green countryside of Maharashtra. You'll climb 510 steps carved into the mountainside to reach the top of Korigad Fort. It is perfect for beginners who are looking to get away from the city for a weekend and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Tung Fort

The Tung fort offers a fun trek where you'll climb up a steep rock-cut staircase to the top of the fort. It is a relatively easy trek, but the monsoon makes way for some slippery sections. You'll explore the ruins of ancient temples and water reservoirs and catch gorgeous views of the Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona and Korigad, as well as the waters of Pawna dam.

Best season for trekking near Lonavala

The monsoon is the best time for Lonavala trekking. It is during this season that the entire region gets showered by rain and waterfalls and pools are abound. All the highest points of the hills have streams and rivulets gushing down, and you’ll be drenched by the time you get back. The views are spectacular, with clouds rolling in as you trek, and sudden showers to cool you off.

In the winters, Lonavala gets very cold in the evening, thanks to the hills around. The morning mist hovers in the air till late morning, making it a perfect time for camping.

Trekking in Lonavala Summary

• State: Uttarakhand
• Nearest city: Mumbai
• Total days: 1-2 days
• Grade: 4400 feet
• Max altitude: Rishikesh rafting on the Ganges River
• Max total trekking distance: 10 km
• Season: Monsoon and winter
• Avg temperature: 12-35 degree Celsius

Best time to go/Weather

The best time to go trekking near Lonavala is during the monsoon season. The rain transforms the Lonavala trekking region into a lush green paradise. The region also gets studded with streams, flowing rivulets, gushing waterfalls and countless pools. The atmosphere is cool and you'll be treated to some spectacular views. Expect to be drenched in the rain as you trek through the greenery.

The winter blankets the whole region in a layer of cool mist that hangs around in the air till late in the morning. It is the ideal time to embark on camping trips. The evenings are really cold, so be sure to bundle up.