Trekking in Maharashtra presents the perfect getaway option for city citizens of Mumbai, Pune and neighboring cities. You can easily escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and set off to explore the lush green hills of Sahyadris. The Maharashtra trekking region is just a short drive away and is plentiful in forts, hills, gentle slopes for beginners and steep, rock-abundant terrain for experienced trekkers.
Trekking places in Maharashtra attract many nature lovers, bird watchers, and trekkers. Some of the most popular trekking destinations in Maharashtra include Sandhan Valley, Harishchandragad, Lohagad Fort, and Rajmachi.
Sandhan Valley trek
Sandhan Valley is a water-carved canyon in the Sahyadris that offers one of the most fantastic trekking experiences. You'll trek through deep gorges and 200-feet rock walls that keep the sunshine from reaching the ravine. It's aptly known as the 'Valley of Shadows' and trekking here is cool and pleasant, even during the day.
These walls are also perfect for some rappelling adventure. You'll also walk past many naturally formed rock ponds and enjoy camping in the valley under starry skies.
Harishchandragad trek
Harishchandragad is one of the trekking places in Maharashtra that offers a challenging climb for those seeking it. It has one of the toughest trails for trekking in Maharashtra and is branded as difficult thanks to the trails covered in rocks, steep inclines, and some scary drops. You'll encounter boulders of all shapes and sizes and there's a lot of scrambling involved to reach up. The views you'll be treated to on the way are spectacular, especially the Konkankada, which you can admire on your many breaks.
Lohagad Fort
The Lohagad Fort offers a relatively easy trail with some of the most incredible views in the Maharashtra trekking region. Situated near Lonavala, this fort trek is a popular choice owing to the famous Vinchu Katta which is the winding rampart walls that are shaped like the tail of a scorpion. When the monsoon season rolls around, the experience of trekking to the Lohagad fort is truly magical, much like most treks in Maharashtra. The clouds hang low and shroud the entire region in a layer of mist.
Rajmachi trek
The Rajmachi trek is a popular getaway destination from Mumbai, especially during the monsoon. It's an endurance-testing trek that takes you through lush paddy fields, flowing streams and gushing waterfalls. The Rajmachi trek demands walking for long stretches but the glorious views you'll be rewarded with makes it worth it. The Rajmachi trek is also glorious right before the monsoon begins when you can witness the dance of glowing fireflies fill the air.
Korigad trek
Located about 20 km from Lonavala, near Aamby Valley in Maharashtra, Korigad is a beautiful fort sitting atop a hill. The trek to Korigad Fort is an easy 6 km walk and there are stone-cut steps leading you up, making it ideal for beginners. The hilltop is flat forming the perfect foundation for the fort ramparts and offers sweeping views in every direction. You'll also spot lakes, water tanks, and temples.
Kalsubai trek
Kalsubai peak looks down on the rest of Maharashtra from an elevation of 5400 feet, making it the highest peak in the Sahyadris. It is one of those trekking places in Maharashtra that offers a thrilling experience from start to finish. This trek may be a little challenging for beginners, especially during the monsoon.
The trail is characterized by a few rocky sections that can get really slippery in the rain and some steep slopes. On your way up, you'll come across many gorgeous pools and streams that you can sit beside for much-needed breaks and when you conquer this peak, you’ll surely be filled with pride.
Andharban Trek
Andharban trek is a unique trek that takes you deep down into an evergreen forest. The vegetation is extremely thick and restricts the rays of the sun from reaching you as you trek. Hence, even when the sun shines bright and hot outside, it'll be dim and you'll stay cool inside.
The Andharban forest is abundant in numerous species of birds and butterflies fluttering about and during the monsoon, you'll spot many streams, natural ponds and cascading waterfalls.
The Andharban trek starts from Pimpri Dam and then descends downwards along moss-covered rocky paths. It is a slightly challenging trek in Maharashtra and you'll come upon beautiful views of the Kundalika Valley and Bhira Dam.
Kalavantin Durg trek
The Kalavantin Durg or Kalavantin Fort is a massive pinnacle that stands at a height of over 1600 feet on top of a plateau called Prabalmachi that's over 1200 feet high. The Kalavantin Durg trek is strictly an experienced trekker terrain. You can easily enjoy a fun trek to Prabalmachi and beginners are recommended to stop there, especially those who suffer from vertigo or have a fear of heights.
The Kalavantin pinnacle is reachable by a winding rock-cut staircase on the side of the mountain which gets steeper and steeper as you get closer to the top. The trek is dangerous but thrilling and nothing can beat the magnificent views from the top.
Bhimashankar trek
Bhimashankar trek is one of the more challenging treks in Maharashtra. The trek begins with an easy trail and then turns into steep slopes that will take you over a great mountain passing through secret waterfalls, ancient temples, and desolate ruins. The monsoon covers the trail in a layer of moss, making the trek extra tricky.
The main attraction of this trek is the Shiva temple that sits at the top, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India so your trekking group will consist of a mix of devotees and adventure-seekers.
It can be accessed through two routes, Ganesh Ghat, and the Shidi route. Ganesh Ghat is the easier one and suits beginners looking for treks near Mumbai for the first time, while the Shidi Ghat route is longer, and involves some rock climbing.
Visapur Fort trek
The bigger sister of Lohagad Fort, the Visapur Fort is not as well conserved as Lohagad Fort. It is one of those treks in Maharashtra that offers easy trails and spectacular views all around. This trek can be enjoyed in the company of friends and family, and beginners can even manage some of the steep sections that will come along the way.
The Visapur Fort provides exciting explorations of caves, ancient carvings, broken cannons, secret passages, and water cisterns.
Rajgad Fort trek
‘The King of Forts’, Rajgad Fort was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom. Now, it serves as a fantastic trekking location in Maharashtra with spectacular scenes of green hills all around.
Situated 4600 feet above sea level, this trek is even more glorious during the monsoon. Once you reach the top, you’ll take in the beautiful sights of the Bhatghar Dam, Sinhagad and Torna Fort.
Raigad Fort trek
The capital of the Maratha Empire was shifted to Raigad Fort after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1656. This trek in Maharashtra requires you to climb 1700 steps to reach the top. The views from the top are stunning and there’s much to explore. It’s a beginner-friendly trek; however, the trails and steps can get covered in moss and become slippery during the monsoon.
Tikona Fort trek
Tikona Fort takes you over a triangular hill in the Western Ghats. The name ‘Tikona’ means a triangle. This trek is suitable for beginners, has easy trails and involves walking along a mountain ridge with valleys on either side. Standing atop the fort, you’ll be able to catch beautiful views of the Pawna Lake, Tung, Lohagad and Visapur Forts.
Torna Fort trek
One of the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj, the Torna Fort is an enormous fort and sits at an elevation of 4,603 feet. It is also known as Prachandagad due to its massive size.
The trek to this fort in Maharashtra involves slippery, narrow trails and navigating a few tricky sections. As you trek up, you can take in the views of the Sahyadri mountains and once you reach the top, there's a lot more to discover.
You can experience the thrill of trekking in the dark by opting to go for a moonlight trek to Torna fort. Enjoy the hill views in the light of the moon and watch a spectacular sunrise from the top.
Duke’s Nose trek
The Duke's Nose is a cliff named after a certain Duke's pointed nose. It is also known locally as Nagphani and the trek to this point is easy and packed with incredible views of the Sahyadris. Once at the summit of this cliff, you can engage in an exciting rappelling session.
Sudhagad Fort Trek
The Sudhagad Fort was once a contender for the capital of the Shivaji Maharaj's empire. The trek to the fort is extremely scenic and sitting at an elevation of 2030 feet, it offers stunning views from the top and plenty to explore. The name 'Sudhagad' was given by the Marathas after they took over. The fort was previously known as 'Bhorapgad'.
Kaas Plateau Trek
Experience trekking through Maharashtra's very own Valley of Flowers on the Kaas Plateau trek. Located high in the Western Ghats, this beautiful plateau is a host to over 150 species of wildflowers, tiny vivid birds and shimmering insects.
It is a natural magical wonderland for botanists, researchers, photographers, and nature lovers. Declared as a World Natural Heritage Site, the Kaas Plateau is the perfect adventure for first-timers and families with children. It involves less trekking and more exploring and sightseeing.
Best season
For anyone who enjoys the outdoors, monsoon season is the best time to embark on a trekking trip in Maharashtra. Low hanging clouds burst out in showers and drenches the Sahyadris in all shades of green. Your trail is abundant with flowing streams, rivulets, and gushing waterfalls.
Wear trekking shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping on the wet trails and protect yourself against the rain with a raincoat or poncho. It’s also a good idea to have a rain cover for your bag.
The winter season is also a great time to go trekking in Maharashtra. You can also ideally combine it with a camping trip. The mornings are crisp and cool and the low-hanging mist casts an ethereal spell on the entire region. The day thereafter remains extremely pleasant. The nights bring in a considerable amount of chill that you can abate in front of warm campfires, swaddled in warm layers and jackets.
Packing list
The packing list for this trekking adventure in Maharashtra begins with a comfortable daypack that can hold all your stuff. Make sure it’s protected with a rain cover. Likewise, carry a raincoat to protect yourself from the rain.
Carry rain appropriate trekking shoes that give ample grip. You don’t want to be slipping while you trek.
Pack enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek and also carry some dry snacks to maintain your energy levels. Never forget to carry sunscreen before you embark on any outing. Also, pack an insect repellent to save yourself from mosquito bites.
Apart from this, your operator will provide you with all the necessary trekking equipment.
Trekking in Maharashtra Summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Mumbai
- Total days: 1 to 3 days
- Grade: Moderately easy to moderately challenging
- Max altitude: 5400 feet
- Season: July to January
- Avg temperature:12 to 35 degrees Celsius
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