Top Trekking Destinations in West India
Here is the list of 12 Top Trekking Destinations in West India
1. Matheran, Maharashtra - Cutest little hill-station of India
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to “overhead forest”, Matheran is the smallest hill station in all of India, but it is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Best Time: Throughout the year
2. Rajmachi, Maharashtra
Known For : Trekking in Rajmachi
Rajmachi is a small village situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Rajmachi has two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, located near two famous hills of Lonavala and Khandala.
Best Time: June to September
3. Suryamal, Maharashtra
Known For : Trekking in Suryamal Suryamal Peak
Suryamal is the highest peak of the region, located in Thane district of Maharashtra. The small but beautiful hill is a popular place among people for the sheer breathtaking views that it can be seen from the hilltop.
Best Time: September to May
4. Ratanwadi, Maharashtra
Known For : Trekking in Ratanwadi Ratangad Fort Trek Amruteshwar Temple
Ratanwadi is a village near Bhandardara of the Kalsubai peak in Maharashtra. It houses the famous Ratangad fort and the popular Shiva temple called Amruteshwar. It is a famous trekking spot as it is far from the main town and has a rustic charm to it.
Best Time: September to May
5. Lonavala, Maharashtra - Misty Weekend Getaway
Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla is the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
6. Panvel, Maharashtra
Known For : Karnala Bird Sanctuary Karnala Fort Prabalgad Fort
Panvel is best known for all the forts that dot this city and its proximity from Mumbai. Called the gateway of the Konkan coast, Panvel is the most crowded city of Navi Mumbai. Most travellers have their base in Panvel to travel long and short distances to nearby forts at Raigad and Khopoli. Matheran, a hill-station of Maharashtra is also located nearby.
Best Time: July to February
7. Khandala, Maharashtra - Misty Mountains
Known For : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves
Perched on the foothills of Sahyadri, Khandala provides for a perfect weekend respite for the Mumbai population, with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes and misty waterfalls.
Best Time: Throughout the year
8. Durshet, Maharashtra
Known For : Durshet Forest Lodge Uddhar Hot Springs Water sports in Durshet
Durshet is a little village found on the banks of the river Amba, nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. Due to its proximity to Mumbai and Pune it serves as a weekend getaway for people to move away from the crowded cities.
Best Time: September to February
9. Igatpuri, Maharashtra
Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak
Igatpuri is blessed with picturesque beauty and is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It also has some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range. Igatpuri is also a major railway station in Maharashtra connecting surrounding major cities.
Best Time: July to September
10. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad
A beautiful hill station with its numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers.
Best Time: July to March
11. Bhandardara, Maharashtra
Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak
Bhandardara, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, has all the nature's blessings a place can get. The lush greenery, the humble waterfalls and surrounded by high mountains makes for the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers.
Best Time: June to March
12. Chiplun, Maharashtra
Known For : Vashishti River Marleshwar Temple Guhagar Beach
In the quiet, far away from the city port district of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, lies Chiplun, the city that offers you time among mango groves next to the beautiful lake, Vashishti. This town is most known for its white sand beaches and beautiful mango and cashew groves by the Vashishti river.
Best Time: July to February