Monsoon is the time when the nature is at
its best. The rain transforms the dry, parched earth into a lush meadow with
various shades of green. Monsoon is also the perfect time to go for a trek and
walk in the midst of nature, discover a small waterfall or a new trekking trail
and relax at the summit. Maharashtra is one of the most popular monsoon
destinations in India. The Sahayadri mountain range with lakes, forts and lush
green forest is a paradise for people who love trekking and other similar
outdoor sports. Here is a list of some of the best trekking trails in
Maharashtra.
1. Mahuli Fort
Trek, Thane
Located near Asangaon, Mahuli fort is the highest point in
Thane district and a popular trekking destination. It is also famous among rock
climbers as there are many pinnacles close by. At the top, there is an open
Shiva temple, three caves and a small perennial drinking water cistern.
How to reach: Get off at
Asangaon railway station and cross the national highway, which is also called
as Agra Road. From there, reach Mahuli village. There is a Shiva temple at the
base of the fort where you can stay the night and start your trek the next day
early in the morning. The trek will take at least three hours.
Difficulty level: Easy
2.
Vasota Trek, Satara
Located in the midst of the thick
evergreen forest of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in Satara district, Vasota
Fort also known as Vyaghragad, is one of the popular forts for trekking. The
region is known for its beauty and wilderness. The beauty of the place will
mesmerise you and you will forget the tiredness and the distance you covered.
This is the most exciting jungle trek in Maharashtra. Make sure you stay in
group as you may encounter wild animals on your way.
How to reach: Get down at
Satara bus station and reach Bamnoli, which is the base village. From Bamnoli,
you will have to take a boat to reach the base of the fort. The boat ride will
take one to one and half hours and will cost Rs 2,000 for one to 12 people. The
total trek will take around three hours.
Difficulty level: Hard
3.
Harishchandra Trek, Malshej Ghat
Located in the Ahmednagar district in
Maharashtra, Harishchandragad is a fort is famous among trekkers. Besides
trekking, you can try rock climbing, rappelling and valley crossing. At the top
of the hill, there are nine caves. The fort gives you a sweeping view of
surrounding area, including the beautiful Konkan Kada or Konkan cliff.
How to
reach: Harishchandragad
is located at the boundary of Pune, Thane and Ahmednagar districts. Take a bus
from Kalyan and alight at Khubi Phata. From there, reach Khireshwar Vilage,
which lies at the foot of the fort. You will take about six hours to complete
the entire trek.
Difficulty level: Moderate to hard
4.
Korigad Trek, near Pune
Located in Pune district, Korigad fort is at
around 923 m above sea level. The fort has two lakes and two caves along with
several temples, including a temple dedicated to Koraidevi. The fort has
several ruins of older building and six cannons. The largest cannon is kept
near the Koraidevi temple.
How to
reach: You from Lonavala
as there are very few options of transportation. Take the Amby Valley road and
reach Peth Shahpur Villagem, which is the base village for the trek.
Difficulty level: Easy
5.
Ratangad Trek, Ratan Wadi
Located in Ratan Wadi, Ratangad is a 2000
years old fort that overlooks Bhandardara. There is a natural rock peak with a
10 feet high and 60 feet wide cavity in it at the top of Ratangad. The fort
also has several wells at the top. The main attraction here is the Amruteshwar
temple, which is built in Hemadpanthi style.
How to
reach: Reach Bhandardara
and from there, take a boat to reach the base village, Ratanwadi.
Difficulty level: Moderate
6.
Tikona Trek, Maval
Located in Maval, Tikona also called as Vitandgad
is a hill fort. The pyramidal shaped hill is 3500 ft high and is near Kamshet.
This trekking destination is popular for the Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple,
large doors, a water tank and several caves. You can enjoy a superb view of
Pawna dam and surrounding forts of Lohgad and Tung.
How to
reach: From Lonavala,
reach Kamshet and from there reach Gavhande Village, which is also called as
Tikona Peth. This is the base village for the trek. The entire trek will
approximately take one and half hours.
Difficulty level: Easy
7.
Lohagad Trek, near Lonavala
Located a height 3,389 ft above sea
level Lohagad is a hill fort, near Lonavala. The fort has many structures like
temples and water tanks that were built by people who ruled it. It attracts
many trekker and is usually seen as the beginner’s trek. During monsoon, the
fort is covered with clouds and mist.
How to
reach: Take a suburban
train from Lonavala and get down at Malavli station. From there you can easily
reach Lohagad.
Difficulty level: Easy
8.
Kalsubai Peak Trek, Igatpuri Taluka
Kalsubai, a mountain which rises to an
elevation of 5400 ft, is known as the Everest of Maharashtra. Every trekker
dreams of reaching its summit as it is a challenge for them. The mountain has
rugged terrain and the pinnacle is a steep climb. Kalsubai is part of the
Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wild-life Sanctuary. The peak has Kalsubai temple and
a Hanuman temple.
How to
reach: You can reach
Kalsubai by road via Igatpuri. Bari village is the base village for the trek.
If you are travelling by train, get off at Kasara station and reach the base
camp by road. The entire trek will take about three hours.
Difficulty level: Moderate to hard