Here are some of the top treks in Maharashtra. The sprawling Sahyadris offer thick forests to explore, rivers and waterfalls to splash in, rock faces and boulders to clamber over, and ancient forts to trek to. Trekking in Sahyadris takes you to peaks with spectacular views of the surrounding ranges and valleys.
01-Kalsubai trek
Kalsubai Peak Trek with a height of 1646 meters or 5400 Feet is famous as the highest peaks in Maharashtra. It is a thrilling trek, especially when the rain clouds unleash their fury on the land below. On a clear day, you also get imposing views of other surrounding forts such as Harihargad, Harishchandragad, and Ratangad. There are steel railings, chains, and ladders at places where it is difficult to climb. It is believed that a young village girl named Kalsubai, lived in the mountains. During that time she cured villagers and animals and also helped in village activities. One day she left for the summit and never returned back. Best Time to Visit Kalsubai Peak – June to August for Monsoon Trek, September to October for blooms trek, November to May night treks are prescribed. Taking the trek in monsoon is an incredible time to trek to Kalsubai, the climate is fabulous and the cool temperatures make it simpler for trekking.
02-Andharban trek
The Andharban forest is located at an altitude of 2160 feet in Tamhini Ghats and the entire trek time is about 5 hours to cover 13 kilometers of the trail. You will have the greenery of the dense Sahyadri forest for company and will encounter misty and dreamy forest landscapes in the Tamhini Ghats. There are plenty of ponds here as well as huge cascading waterfalls, which makes for a great backdrop for photography. You will enjoy stunning views of Kundalika Valley and amazing species of flora and fauna. People also go night trekking in Andharban. The name ‘Andharban’ is a compound word, coming from Andhar, meaning ‘dark’, and ban, which means ‘forest’. Literally the ‘dark forest’, Andharban is a trail through dense overgrowth. It is a beautiful experience to embark upon an exhilarating Monsoon Trek to Andharban forest and is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. Trekking here during monsoons is all about hiking across delightful green hills, soaking in gorgeous waterfalls, and witnessing massive fur of clouds right beside you! Blissful, isn’t it? Andharban – The Dark Forest Trek offers this all!
03-Sandhan Valley trek
Sandhan valley is one of the most challenging and enjoyable treks of the Sahyadri region. Sandhan Valley is famous for its other name also that is -” Valley of Shadows”. This valley is formed by the canyons of the Western Ghats in the Sahayadri Mountain region. The valley is stretched as 1.5 km long and 200 ft deep in the rocky terrains of Sahayadri. This valley is surrounded by Alang-Kulang- Madan forts, Ratangad fort and it is also nearby Kalsubai Paek Trek which is the highest peak of Maharashtra with the elevation of 1,646 meters above the sea level. A 2 km long, valley is brilliantly carved with deep narrow rock floor, weaving its way between the two high walls of mountain range. There are points on the way which are as narrow as 3 fts and also are the points where sun rays are unable to reach. After relaxing for a while, have lunch and then rappelling will be started at halfway. At the end of valley you get see magnificent view of high cliffs & deep valleys.
04-Devkund trek
Devkund waterfall Trek is about 170 km from Mumbai and 110 km from Pune. The journey to the base village is about 7 hours long from Mumbai and 5 hours long from Pune. The trek route is plain in the majority of the portions, with some medium ascent of 300 ft at the end of the trail. The route to the secluded falls is an enchanting one as it meanders through lush jungles, gushing rivers, tiny hamlets, and mountain valleys. En route to Devkund, trekkers come across a hydroelectric power generating dam called Mulshi Dam Or Tata Power Dam, in the quaint village of Bhira. The hydroelectric plant of Bhira was the third plant installed by the Tata Power Company Ltd in 1927. Your trek will lead you through many unexplored trails, you will be navigating slippery rocks trek would contain medium to easy obstacles along the way. Once you reach Devkund Waterfall you will be overwhelmed with its beauty and filled with joy. That perfect waterfall hidden inside the jungle which is unknown to the world. The place is magic- unspoiled and pure.
05-Harishchandragad trek
It is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district situated in the Malshej Ghat. It climbs up to an altitude of 4,670 ft. The Harishchandragad trek takes you over rocky patches, steep inclines, and some scary drops. Get scenic of the Saptatirtha lake and the Kedareshwar temple. Harishchandragad is one of the top treks in Maharashtra because it takes you to the famous Konkankada, a cliff shaped like the hood of a cobra. Most experienced trekkers yearn to complete this trek and see the cliff. Sunset from kokan kada, night camping under a million start hotel and if you are lucky the majestic view of clouds will be in your memories forever.
06-Visapur trek
The picturesque Fort is located near the village of Visapur and built as a twin fort to the famous Lohagad fort is of its kind experience for thrill-seekers and trek enthusiasts. Visapur Fort is located near Visapur village in Pune district. Known as a trekking destination, Visapur Fort is popular with trekkers from both Mumbai and Pune. The excursion is fun, with a moderate difficulty level, and you could trek and/or camp your way to the top. This trek is a perfect escape away from the crowded cities into the wilderness and mountains that keep calling you again and again.
07-Rajmachi fort trek
Rajmachi is a famous spot for trekking in popular Lonavala Hill Stations. Lonavala to Rajmachi Fort is a 16 km trekking distance from Lonavala. There are many routes to reach Rajmachi Fort. If you’re staying overnight, you’ll also get to camp 3000 feet above sea level. Rajmachi Trek is a perfect trek which promises most scenic views Sahyadri Hills and its flora-fauna. This trek is also known as the Rajmachi fireflies trek. Here the environment at Sahyadri Hills region is very easy for fireflies to live and flourish. Rajmachi Fort is located strategically overlooking Borghat a historical trade route in Sahyadri Mountains. These belong to the bug family and exhibit bioluminescence which makes them special. During the night from the campsite, you can easily spot them which will make you spellbound. During monsoon, you will experience many small waterfalls throughout the route which makes it wonderful. It is the perfect spot for shutterbugs for quenching the thirst for photography. The perfect getaway for a weekend, spend time in the fresh air of the mountains.
08-Lohagad trek
The trek to the fort is an easy one and perfect for the first-timers, making it a favourite haunt of hiking enthusiasts. In addition to its thrilling trek route, Lohagad Fort in itself is a massive structure that was once under the control of the mighty Maratha Empire and is connected to its twin Visapur Fort as well. Perched atop an impressive hill near Malavali, this destination is the perfect amalgam of ancient architecture and natural beauty. Lohagad Fort was built in the 18th century and is an ideal destination for trekking and nature lovers. To the western side of the fort is Vinchu Kata. It is 1500 meter long & 30 meters wide part of the mountain, separated from the main part. Viewing from the fort this area looks like scorpion’s sting and hence it is called Vinchu Kata. Panoramic views or illustrious history, Lohagad Fort is certainly worthy of a visit..
09-Prabalgad and Kalavantin trek
Situated at around 2,205 feet in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, the trek is a perfect one for beginners or adventure seekers. Kalavantin Durg is easily seen from Panvel. Opposite Matheran and next to Prabalgad Fort. Trek up to the Prabal plateau, which is a fairly easy and scenic trek in itself. You can rest at the plateau and admire the views for a while, but after that, the fun really begins. Kalavantin Pinnacle is an almost 2000-foot tall sturdy rock spire that reaches upwards to the sky, with narrow steps leading to the top. Kalavantin trek begins from Thakurwdi village. Top of Kalavantin rewards, panaromic view of Matheran mountain range.
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. Alang Madan Kulang is not a solo trek. We recommend going in a group with at least two people having expert knowledge in mountain climbing and who know how to use mountaineering equipment. It attracts hundreds of avid trekkers and adrenaline junkies from all parts of the country with its exhilarating rock climbing and rappelling techniques. Standing at a height of 4000-5000 fts, the AMK trek peaks provide a glimpse of Kalsubai, Harihar fort, and other mountains in the Sahyadri range. The trail takes you through thick woods and dense forest while you see Alang, Madan and Kulang standing tall and high that will leave you in awe
11-Sinhgad Fort
Sinhgad, which roughly translates to Lion’s Fort, stands at about 30 kilometers away from Pune city. Towering about 1,312 meters above sea level, Sinhagad becomes exquisitely green and beautiful during the rains and so trekking up the fort in those misty early morning is the best way to explore it. The ghat road is scenic and nice to drive during a weekday. However, on weekends, there’s a lot of rush at Sinhagad that causes traffic jams in the ghat area. The forts of Torna, Rajgad, and Purandar are clearly from Sinhagad Fort. The trek itself can be divided into two sections- the first stretch is a tar road from Donje Gaon that gently climbs up to the parking spot for two wheelers. The Battle of Sinhgad that was fought by Tanaji Malusare, right here on this historic site. He was a general of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire who helped to recapture the fort. The second half of the trek is a steep but incredibly rewarding climb to the top of the fort. Eating bhajis [Pakodas] during the rainfall is a heavenly experience. Apart from the food, nature is at its best when it rains here.
Difficulty level is Easy.
12-Ratangad Fort
The height of Ratangad Fort from sea level is 1297 meter (4255 Ft) high. At a distance of 6 km from Ratanwadi, 23 km from Bhandardara, 183 km from Pune & 197 km from Mumbai, Ratangad is an ancient hill fort situated at Ratanwadi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. On the way of the fort from Ratanwadi you have walk in dense forest which is thrilling experience. Many time you have to cross Pravara river. This fort is the origin of River Pravara. Ratangarh fort Maharashtra vests in the lovely scene with thick woodlands on one side and the vast spread Bhandardara Lake, on the opposite side. It is one of the best forts in Maharashtra and an ideal place for trekking around Mumbai & Pune.
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