Treks in Mumbai For An Adventurous Wildlife Experience

Rajmachi has two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Half an hour climb from the base village Udhevadi leads to a plateau between the two peaks.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 314 kms

Trekking to Matheran takes place via Garbett Plateau to reach Garbett Point, starting from Bhivpuri station. The climb up to Garbett Point is easy. However, the route is a bit long.The difficulty level is otherwise easy, barring the sun and heat which can drain you off energy.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 47.4 kms

Mahuli is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Located in the district of Thane, the peak of the fort rises to an elevation of 2700 feet from the ground. The summit is actually a collection of 2-3 hills, all having typical names. Much of the fortifications are still present, and the crumbling remains of an old guesthouse can be seen, devoid of its arch though.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 74.2 kms

Gorakhgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Gorakhgad and Machindragad are twin forts in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Gorakhgad is situated at an elevation higher than its twin fort.  There are many cisterns of water within the fort. Water in a few of them is potable. There are numerous caves scattered near the base of the peak, and some of them are inhabitable.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 92.6 kms

When one thinks about Mumbai, trekking is probably the last thing that crosses your mind. However, Kanheri Caves in the city are an unlikely and very popular destination for this adventure sport. The two-hour trek to the caves takes you through the forest areas in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 26.3 kms

Harishchandragad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. It is situated at an elevation of about 4670 feet in the district of Ahmednagar. Within the fort there are several temples dedicated to Vishnu and Ganesh. The monument dates back to the 6th century and finds home at an altitude of 1424 meters and more often than not, given its altitude finds itself marked on a number of trekking trails in and around the area.
Difficulty Level: Tough
Distance from Mumbai: 223 kms

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. nother one is from the village of Bhaje, which is about 5 - 6 kilometres from Malavali.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 98.6 kms

Situated at a height of 2,600 feet, Naneghat is a mountain pass through the Sahyadri Mountain Range in Maharashtra that connects the Konkan sea coast with the old town of Junnar in the Deccan. Once an important corridor link through the Ghatghar forest between the coastal region and the important towns inland, Naneghat is now a loved and much-frequented route for the trekkers and explorers.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 102 kms

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.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 105 kms

The steps leading up to the fort are cut into the rock of the hill. Reaching the fort is one of the toughest trekking challenges in Maharashtra and only if you are an experienced trekker should you go for this trek. This trek which commences from base village of Shedung, takes about 3 hours and you need to climb rock-cut stairs through a steep slope.
Difficulty Level: Medium 
Distance from Mumbai: 47.4 kms

A trek to this magnificent fort is a treat for the adventure enthusiast in everyone. The terrain of the trek is suited for both- an amateur who seeks an experience of a lifetime and an expert trekker who wants to cater to his adrenaline filled hobby. The climb to the Visapur fort is a rocky but welcoming. Enveloped by the dense forests of a thousand greens, the trek is a serene and tranquil one.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 97.5 kms

The spot is famous for its spectacular trekking opportunities. Located at 3500 feet from the mean sea level, the Tikona fortress has the ideal altitude and atmosphere for beginners. The base camp for the trek is the village of Tikona Peth. Trekkers from different places gather here for yet another walk of 1.5 kilometres up to the actual starting point of the trek route. Picturesque view of the green slopes and serene valley accompanies the trekkers all along the uphill walk from the starting point right to the fort.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 121 kms

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.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 177 kms

Kulanggad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. It is the highest hill fort in the state, with the summit rising to an elevation of about 4800 feet. The fort presents a very scenic view of the other peaks surrounding it. The peaks of Kalsubai, Dhakoba and Naneghat, among others, are visible in different directions from the peak of the fort.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 121 kms

A long trek of 18 kms, Tungareswar Trek, located in Vasai, is a must for those hoping to build stamina and strength for longer Himalayan treks. It is a challenging trek taken during the monsoon that is divided into three parts: 1st to the Shiva Temple, then on to the Balyaogi Ashram and then back to Vajreshwari Road. It offers a lot for nature lovers - birds and butterflies, scenic view of the Pelhar Lake and Tansa river, and the waterfall during Monsoon.
Difficulty Level: Tough
Distance from Mumbai: 59.1 kms

Located in the district of Pali, Maharashtra, the Sudhagad Fort provides a medium-level trekking experience for a day. It is a short trek at the top of which one can see the majestic peaks of Sarasgad, Taila Baila, and Ghangad. One can also visit the Bharoi Devi Temple, after whom this fort was named Bhorapgad and the chor darwaza. One can also do night camping to extend the trek.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 87.4 kms

Around an 8 km trekking, the Shivenri Fort is located in Junnar - one of the oldest cities in India. The fort carries a lot of historical value as it is the birthplace of Maharaja Chhatrapati Shivaji. It is a small day trek, and one can witness a variety of ancient artefacts after crossing seven doors of the fort. Some of these are Shiva Temple, Ambarkhana, Kadelot, Badami Talav, Ganga and Jamuna (water springs at the fort) and statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Jijabai.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 155 kms

Rajgad trek is a moderate level trek that begins at the Gunjavane Village in Pune District and ends at the Rajgad Fort. It is a favourite trekking trail among intermediate level trekkers who are looking for a great location to satisfy their urge for the thrill. The climb is through a hill called Murum Dev Dongar in the Sahyadri Mountain Range. The fort is located over 1400 metres above sea level amidst scenic surroundings of the Western Ghats of India. This provides for a beautiful and thrilling terrain for the adventure activity.

Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate
Distance From Mumbai: 165 kms

The mountain forts of Sarasgad and Sudhagad are popular historically significant forts for treks in Pune. There are many trekking and hiking groups that organize regular weekend treks. These cliffs are just 98 kms from Pune.

Trekking Duration: Depends on the trek
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance From Mumbai: 76 kms

Also known as Prachandagad due to its gigantic size, Torna Fort is the tallest fort of Pune. Although in ruins, the fort stands tall as a testimony to the battles of the bygone era. Nestled in between mesmerizing surrounding, the fort has one of the most beautiful locales in the region and is a popular trekking spot.

Trekking Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Distance From Mumbai: 210 kms