8 Best Monsoon Trek Destinations in Maharashtra

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

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