Treks in Maharashtra To Explore The Forests Of Western Ghats

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. Half an hour climb from the base village Udhevadi leads to a plateau between the two peaks making it an easy trek in Maharashtra. Khandala.

Known For : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves

Nestled in the bosom of gently rolling hills, there is more than one route to reach the Lohagad Fort via trekking. The fastest and easiest route is driving up to the base village of Lohagadwadi, and then simply walk up the stone steps of the fort. Another one is from the village of Bhaje, which is about 5 - 6 kilometres from Malavali. From the village of Bhaje, a walk will lead you to Gaumukh Khand. This is the place where one might get confused. We need to take a right turn here as taking a left turn will direct us on the path of Visapur fort. After taking a left turn, we need to keep walking until the stairs to the fort come within your sight.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Khandala Attractions

Mt. Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges. The view of this majestic mountain is an amazing sight in Bhandardara. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, as it is the highest peak in the state. The trek is a very tricky one and usually the experienced trekkers find their way to the top with some difficulty. There are now man-made stairs to reach the peak if you don't wish to trek. However, the hills near the Kalsubai peak are relatively easier to scale.

Located in the Sahyadri Mountains, Sinhagad Fort is an ancient fortress known for its historical significance and architecture. Other than sightseeing, trekking is a popular activity at Sinhagad Fort. Thrill seekers would find the steep slopes of the hill completely exhilarating to climb. Several beginner and intermediate level trekkers from around Pune head to Sinhagad Fort for an early morning trek. Those coming to explore the attraction can either opt to drive till the entrance and then walk to the Pune Darwaza or park their vehicles at the foothills and climb the steep slopes or take the stairways.

Soaring to a height of around 820 metres, the captivating Raigad Fort is perched on the Sahyadri mountain range in Mahad, Maharashtra. The majestic fort is accessible only from one side through a pathway which has about 1737 steps as deep valleys surround the other three sides. Alternatively, one can take the ropeway to reach the fort top in 4 minutes.

Pratapgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Situated close to the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar in the district of Satara, the citadel rises to an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground. Much of the fortifications are still intact, and the fort is a popular tourist destination. There are four lakes within the fort, many of which overflow during the monsoons. 

Peth Fort is situated to the east of Karjat. It is famous in Karjat for treks because it's small in height and easy climb. There is also a cave and a small temple at the base of the fort.

Prabalgad Fort, also known as Kalavantin Durg is situated between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, at a height of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats. The fort built at the peak of a rocky plateau very close to Matheran has become a major tourist attraction. A trek to this place is perfect for those who enjoy adventure and the way to the fort is a dangerously steep climb. The steps leading up to the fort are cut into the rock of the hill.

Surrounded by hills and valleys, Ratanwadi is often identified a s a popular trekking destination with several trails around and about the Ratangad fort. It offers some of the most visually pleasing and quieter treks of Maharashtra.

Known For : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves

With its gradual terrain, this trek route is quite easily traversed and is the perfect place to begin your journey as a trekker. There are a lot of trekking groups that one can join; however, one can also plan a day-long trek unguided trek as well. Trekkers can reach the Karjat station and hire an auto or take a state transport bus ride till the base village.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Khandala Attractions

The trekking trail to reach the site begins at Khandala and takes about 4 hours to reach the top of Duke's Nose. The trek from Khandala to Kurvande village and back takes about 7 to 8 hours. From Kurvande Village, trekkers need to walk for another hour and a half to reach the base of the 800-foot tall cliff. The climb to the top goes through rocky trails and narrow pathways. It takes about 3 hours to reach the top. It is advisable to trek in groups. Do explore the valley from the Duke’s Nose to the Duchess Nose. The trail goes through dense forests in a foggy or misty atmosphere that frequently gets windy.

Perched upon a lush green plateau, the Visapur Fort is a popular weekend getaway for people living in Pune and Mumbai. The fort stands at the height of 1084 meters above sea level offering panoramic view hills covered in a thick blanket of green. The majestic fort is a very popular destination for the trek. The trek is not very difficult, but beginners might find it a bit too slippery during the monsoon. However, despite the slippery slope, monsoons are definitely the best time to visit Visapur Fort - the greenery, brimming waterfalls, and the beautiful fog.

Arthur's seat or Suicide point is also known as the Queen of all points. It offers the most mesmerizing and fascinating view of the dense valleys of Brahma-Arayana and the Savitri river. The point is a huge table that stands on a natural pillar. On the way up, one can also see window point and Tiger's spring.
 

Around 15 km outside Panchgani, on the way to Mahabaleshwar, you see a huge rock overlooking the Krishna valley - that is Kate's point. The point gives a great view of the valley and waters of Dhom Dam and Balakwadi.

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

4 Malshej Ghat Attractions

Situated in the quaint valleys of Mahabaleshwar, Tapola is a satellite village where nature has been very generous. Famed as the 'Mini Kashmir', Tapola has some of the most picturesque scenic beauty which makes it an ideal destination for a back to nature experience. This destination will take you back in time when mornings were reserved for milking cows and lazy afternoons gave way to sublime evenings. There are many unknown forts in the dense forest around the lake in Tapola like Vasota and Jaygad, which make for an adventure in its own right. The scenery of these forts and forest nearby is magnificent and you can capture a bird's eye view of the entire region.

Far from the hustle of the city life lies Bhimashankar in the vicinity of nature. Ideal for trekkers, Bhimashankar offers the best treks in Maharashtra during the monsoon season. Due to the diversity of vegetation and wildlife, the place has been turned into a wildlife sanctuary- Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary. The Bhimashankar trek in Maharastra starts from Khandas village, where there is an initial climb up to the first plateau of Bhimashankar followed by a trail through the forest. There are two routes for the trek, one is the Ganesha Ghat, and the other is the Shidi Ghat (Ladder Route) which is comparatively steeper and more adventurous. There is a place called Gupt Bhimashankar where there is a waterfall; a water-sculpted Shivaling is formed under this waterfall. The sanctuary is home to various avifauna and was primarily created to protect the habitat of The Giant Indian Squirrel.

Suryamal being the highest peak in the region offers various opportunities treks trek in Maharashtra coupled with the spectacular views. It has gained the name of 'Paradise of Trekkers'.

The mountain forts of Sarasgad and Sudhagad are popular historically significant forts for treks. There are many trekking and hiking groups that organize regular weekend treks.

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 thereby allowing people to discover new routes for trekking in Maharashtra. Igatpuri is also a major railway station in Maharashtra connecting surrounding major cities.

Best Time: July to September

14 Igatpuri Attractions

Located in Bhira, Raigad district, Maharashtra, Devkund Waterfalls is a popular tourist attraction and a beautiful picnic spot. The Devkund waterfalls are a confluence of three waterfalls and it is believed that it originates from the river Kundalika. You can spot a massive amount of clear water cascading down the waterfall. Enveloped by a forest of the same name, 'Devkund', you can reach the top by taking a three hours long trekking in Maharashtra. The places that fall on the way to the waterfalls are equally beautiful and the experience of the trek is really worth your time and effort. You can relish dipping into the water that flows downstream and collects at the bottom of the waterfall. This place is a respite from the mundane city life and attracts a large number of tourists.

Ratangad is a 400 year old fort, captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his time. It is situated in Ratanwadi which is it's base village and overlooks the Bhandardara. The natural rock formation has an emerging tip at the top known as 'Nedhe' or 'the eye of the needle'. There are many wells on the top each near the four gates of the fort - Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, Trimbak.

Named after Goddess Pebi Devi, Vikatgad Peb Fort is an ancient fort on the Matheran Hill range. The fort is surrounded by the scenic natural landscape of the Western Ghats and is a preferred trekking destination and a weekend picnic spot.

Located approximately 20km to the south of Lonavla near the city of Pune, Korigad is one of the hill forts famous among trekkers in Pune. It is estimated that the fort was built in the early 1500s. In fact, the city's first planned township- Aamby Valley is located on the eastern and southern foothills of Korigad. The fort is so named as it is dedicated to Goddess Koraidevi, whose temple is situated at the peak of the fort.

 

Behind the Ghatandevi Temple lies the Tringalwadi Fort, situated at an altitude of 3000 ft above sea level. The height of the fort offers a scenic view of the entire area.

Built at an elevation of 3700 feet above sea level, Irshalgad Fort is the sister fort of Prabalgad Fort. It was constructed during the Bahmani Sultanate. The attraction is surrounded by dense forestation and has several thrilling trekking trails. The Irshalgad pinnacle also serves as a perfect spot for mountaineering. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats from the top of the attraction is worth the visit.

Behind the Ghatandevi Temple lies the Tringalwadi Fort, situated at an altitude of 3000 ft above sea level. The height of the fort offers a scenic view of the entire area.

Built at an elevation of 3700 feet above sea level, Irshalgad Fort is the sister fort of Prabalgad Fort. It was constructed during the Bahmani Sultanate. The attraction is surrounded by dense forestation and has several thrilling trekking trails. The Irshalgad pinnacle also serves as a perfect spot for mountaineering. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats from the top of the attraction is worth the visit.