Treks and Maharashtra is having a charming bond. Have you ever asked any trekker about some of their most memorable moments of trekking? Which are the top treks in Maharashtra to explore?
The blissful experience of listening to the roar of a majestic waterfall. The feel of dipping your feet in the cold stream will absolutely relax you to extend. And it is a fact that everyone on a Himalayan trek can not dare to stand under a waterfall or rinse their feet in a glacial stream. This is not advisable to do so in the Himalayas, but when you are on a trek in the Western Ghats of India, these are possible happiness that you can experience.
The entire surroundings of Western Ghats give your mind-blowing treat with a lush green site. The admiring view of cross streams and trails will add to your excitement. Visualizing the Seasonal waterfalls that cascade down from the mountain face with a full roar will give you a stunning feel. You can witness flowers with varieties of shapes, colors, and sizes blooming all around the wild areas. The delights of lakes that are filled with cool and clear water give you heavenly freshness. In this blog let us check some of the top treks in Maharashtra.
Treks in Maharashtra are one of the most famous activities happening here. There are various trekking spots here from moderate to higher difficulties.
Trekking around spots of Maharashtra during rains is to enjoy your monsoon with the magic of the rains to its fullest. You can have nothing more blissful than the experience of exploring all the trekking destinations near Maharashtra. This is a one of refreshing trekking to escape from your bust-out out-of-world experience. Every trekking spot in Maharashtra will help you rejuvenate and with a worth break from your daily hustle. You can plan well to go trekking around Maharashtra outer and dig your soul and get reconnect with nature. Here on this traveler benefiting page, you can see the following most highlighted trekking destination around Maharashtra, which you can never miss to go.
Kalsubai trek is one of the most popular and busy treks in Maharashtra. Kalsubai is known as the Everest of Maharashtra with its peak of 5400ft. It’s positioned in the Kalsubai mountain range which is an offshoot range from the main Sahyadri range and pealed from west to east. Kalsubai has got an excellent trekking view that attracts thousands of visitors every day. Kalsubai is known for its regular and night trek experience. It is a 2 to 3 hour climb of 6.6 km to the top where government and villagers made some required staircases at places to make the trekking safe and possible for all. November to may is the best time to visit the Kalsubai fort. Kalsubai is 153 km from Mumbai and 165 km from Pune.
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The trekking trail way to Bhimashankar is an all-time favorite among regular trekkers around the world. And most of them perform trekking here during the mid of monsoons. The trail way of this trekking takes you straight to the heart center of Bhimashankar Wildlife sanctuary. This is a most stunning jungle, where you could see various flying birds, cute langurs, and spotted dears all around. If you are luckier with your trekking, you can even have a chance to spot a shekru which is the highlight species of the Bhimashankar trek. You can also witness the Malabar Giant Squirrel within the jungle of Bhimashankar sanctuary. During your first-timer trekking experience alone or with chunks and a crew of friends who are also beginners, then you can have a more challenging face at the Shidi Ghat route, which keeps your best trekking adventure. If you are not fond of more adventure, then you can prefer to take the Ganesh Ghat route peace full trekking.
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Kalavantin trek is a 2,250 ft (686 m) highest peak located, which is the highlight of Western Ghats. This trekking destination is located near the Prabalgad fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This spot is popularly known by trekkers as Kelve Teen, Kalavantinicha Sulka, or Kalavantin Pinnacle. Some of the other country trekkers also term this location as Kalawantin, Kalavati, and Kalavanti. With more regular visitors and satisfied trekkers, this designation is considered one of the popular trekking destinations around Maharashtra.
The trek trail way to the top height of the Kalavantin trek is considered one of the toughest routes among a few other trek ways in the Western Ghats. You can reach this peak via a 3 km (2 miles) trek from the Thakurwadi village in Karjat taluka. At once, when you reach Prabalmachi village, which is just 2 km (1¼ miles) from Thakurvadi. On the way to the Kalavantin trek, reach the point the peek route diverges into two paths. One is the short way towards the Kalavantin trek, and the other is a little longer option of the way towards Prabalgad fort. The peak climbing to the top of Kalavantin is challenging with a 60-degree incline angle of the hill. And to cross that way, you can have experience climbing several rock-cut steps that are high up to 2 feet. Al together no wonder why Kalavantin is among the top treks in Maharashtra.
Harihar Fort is also known as Harshagad fort, which is one of the best forts in Maharashtra. The fort is located 40 km from Nashik City and Ghoti in Nashik district, 48 km from Igatpuri, of Maharashtra, India. It is considered as one most important forts in Nashik district, which was constructed to look upon the trade route through Gonda Ghat. The location marks its importance with many visitors due to its peculiar rock-cut steps. You can have the ultimate view experience from an altitude of 3,676 ft from sea level. From the base village, the hill shapes appear like perfect rectangular. But the actual built structure is a triangular prism of rock. And it is constructed during the period of the Yadava dynasty. The best trekking experience at the edges of the Harihar fort, which is almost vertical. The most attractive feature of the Harihar fort meets the iconic steps which are constructed at 80 degrees vertically inclined. The Harihar Fort Trek is among the top treks in Maharashtra because of its regular trek and night trek also.
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Sondai fort is a rarely visited fort near Karjat Chowk Phata, which is one of the best options for trekkers. The whole trail way of Sondai Fort Trek covers nine kilometers from Karjat railway station. You can have an admiring view of many locations when you reach this singing trekking spot. You can have a blissful view with Morbe Dam, Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Rajmachi, Songiri forts, Karnala Fort, and Matheran, a few other mountain ranges in the long site. Sondai Fort Karjat is often considered a watchtower that visualizes your trade routes. To reach the sondai fort trek, you have to cross Sondewadi and Wavarle, which are the base villages of the Sondai fort. Sondewadi village is located in located at 1/4th height of sondai Fort, from where you can start your trekking. At sondai fort trek, there are two water cisterns, and on the way, you can have steps that are carved out of rocks. When you climb up through rock steps, you can reach the topmost point of the Sendai fort. At the top, you can see the idol of Sendai Devi stands.
Location– Lonavala
Altitude– 3556 feet
Difficulty level- Moderate
Duration-3 hours
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Rajmachi Fort is located at a 15 km distance from Lonavala. You can also reach Khandala at 15 km. If you are selecting a long route, then you can reach 82 km from Mumbai and 82 km from Pune. Rajmachi Fort is one of the most popular and ancient forts situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Rajmachi Fort is also considered a popular tourist place near Mumbai for trekking. You can plan your Lonavala trip and add Rajmachi fort among the best places to visit in Lonavala and one of the top treks in Maharashtra. The unique and famous Rajmachi fort in Maharashtra lies at an altitude of 2710 feet from the land surface. Due to the historical significance of the Rajmachi fort, it is one of the protected monuments. Almost every visitors admire the most popular attraction, and so it is a not to miss the place in Lonavala in Maharashtra district. The trekking experience to Rajmachi Fort includes two citadels, namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Forts. The night to trek to Rajmachi is one of the best treks in Maharashtra that you should not miss. Rajmachi is also known for its Fireflies camping.
Irshalgad trek is located at a distance of 40 km from Matheran. You can easily reach with 19 km of traveling from Karjat, 66 km from Mumbai, and from Pune, you need to travel 115 km. The Irshalgad trek is a fort located between Matheran and Panvel in the Maharashtra district. Irshalgad plays a major role in trade and history due to its identification. It is identified as a twin fort to Prabalgad and has its significance with the choice of destination for the ideal weekend. This location is the best tour getaways near Mumbai. Even though the area of the fort is not large still, the location consists of several waters cut from the rock. Irshalgad peak can easily be reached by a moderate 3 km trek and which takes about 1.5 hours to reach the peak. During this trek travel, you will start from Karja village, which is just 11 km from Karjat Railway Station. For peaceful trucking from Karja village, you can travel through a well-defined path extending to Irshalwadi village. This nature-filled path from Karja continues through a vertical ridge and then shifts to an easy climb till Irshalwadi makes it one of the must try treks in Maharashtra. You have to climb straight up from the village to reach a small temple devoted to a local idol. When you take a left from the temple to the fixed point, you can see the beautiful sight of the Irshalgad peak on the right side. To reach back to the base pinnacle, you must traverse from the left.
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Harishchandragad is located at a distance of 8 km from Khireshwar. And you have options of alternative ways like 15 km from Malshej Ghat, 50 km from Bhandardara, 166 km from Pune, and 218 km from Mumbai. Harishchandragad is one of the stunning historical hill forts which is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The popularity of this heritage location in Maharashtra has spread among various people. Harishchandragad is situated at an altitude of 1,424 m from the base village. This fort has played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding areas at once. The literature significance of this fort will make you proud when you reach the spot after effortful trekking. If you are a trekking person who loves history, then this is one of the requisite treks in Maharashtra you cant avoid.
Location– Kasara
Altitude– 4665 feet
Difficulty level- Moderate
Duration-3.5-4 hours
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At 18 km from Lohagad Fort (3 km by Walk) and 24 km from Lonavala Railway Station, Visapur Fort or Visapoor Fort is a hill fort near Visapur village in the Pune at Maharastra district. Visapur fort is one of the special parts of Lohagad-Visapur fortification. Due to its structure, travel Visapur fort is considered as one of the popular trekking spots in Lonavala and also one of the important places of interest in Lonavala. Visapur Fort is longer and higher with an elevation more than Lohagad fort. You can visit this famous fort and find the historical significance for its grading walls with intricate royal designs. You can witness several structures like caves, cisterns of water, and the ruins of a large stone-built house that are known as the living area of Peshwa’s. With all these views, you can also have additional exciting features with the huge carving of Hanuman and various temples that are scattered all over around Visapur port.
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At 11 km from Lonavala, 66 km from Pune & 114 km from Mumbai, the Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) is a historical fort situated along the Sahyadri hills in the Lonavala region of Maharashtra. Lohagad fort is one of the best tourist places in Lonavala and one of Maharashtra’s popular heritage. The Lohagad fort is designed with the shape identification of the tail of a black scorpion. You can witness that all the four gates of Lohagad fort are still intact. The excellent sculpting can be seen on the Maha Darwaja, and there is a small stone cave at the third gate, which was initially used to store food material.
Lohagad is an ideal trekking spot for passionate trekkers from all over the world. People in Maharashtra prefer this spot because of its smooth reach, moderate trekking, and delightful green surroundings. Special Lohagad trek is very popular during monsoons with the surprising spot. Malavli is the trek base, which is around 7 km from Lohagad. reaching the trekking destination is a simple task where you can have a very scenic and pleasant trek experience. the tracking traveling distance covered from Malavli and Lohagad can be crossed in two hours. Lohangad is one of the must try treks in Maharashtra for all kind of trekkers.
The Lohagad fort trek highlights the ‘Vinchu Kata’ fortification resembling a scorpion’s tail. You can see this scorpion structure from outside of the fort’s main section. You can easily reach the edge of Lohagad fort with a small walk of 15-20 minutes. The location of the dargah is another major landmark within Lohagad which is located near Maha Darwaja. You can experience the aerial views of Karla, Bhaja caves, and Pawna Lake from the fort.
Location– Lonavala
Altitude– 3556 feet
Difficulty level- Moderate
Duration-3 hours
Kanai fort is one of the notable hill forts located at Kavnai village in the Igatpuri region of Nashik district. The location of Kanai fort trek is the heart of Nashik city. The complete location of the Kanai trek is surrounded by several forts that include Harihar fort, Tringalwadi fort, Brahmagiri, and various others. Most of the trekkers reach Sahyadris for exciting trekking around various others during the monsoon season. But especially at this trekking spot, very few treks will allow beginners to trek and enjoy the monsoon. Kanai fort trekking is the most suggested one, which any fit beginner can attempt during the initial stage of monsoon season. This great trekking fort was constructed by the Mughals. And later, the complete fort was handed over to the Peshvas. The trekking way to the top of Kanai fort is straight, which keeps a complete peace trekking experience. The exciting feature of trekking is the rock-cut steps to the peak point. You can also have a safety metal ladder that takes you to the fort’s entrance. The entire trekking way is divided into two sections. The Kavnai village is the entrance-way to the fort through the metal ladder.
Rathangad fort is located at a distance of 6 km from Ratanwadi. You can also travel 23 km from Bhandardara, 183 km from Pune, and 197 km from Mumbai to reach Rathangad fort. This trucking spot is one of the ancient hills which can easily reach to peak from Ratanwadi village in Ahmednagar. Rathagad is considered one of the best forts in Maharashtra, which is an ideal place for trekking around the Maharashtra district. Ratangad has a unique natural rock peak with a cavity at the top. This stunning part of the rock is called Nedhe or Eye of the Needle rock. To reach this fort, you can choose to go with options of four gates. The first one is known as Ganesh, and the second one is termed Hanuman, the third and fourth are called Konkan and Trimbak. You can see two caves on the Ratangad Fort, which gives you a great exploration feel. The first one is a smaller cave, which can house 8-10 people. In comparison, the other one is larger than the first cave and can provide accommodation to 40-50 people. You can stay in this cave as part of your trekking and have more fun. You can also enjoy exploring several wells on the top.
Garbett peak is located at a distance of 17 km from Matheran and 8 km from Diksal. The complete surrounding of Garbett Point or Garbut Point is a spot near the plains of Matheran. From here, you can have a grand view of the plateau. You can visually see various waterfalls flowing on neighboring mountains from this huge plateau. This site can make you delight with complete freshness and admiration. You can easily reach Garbut Point within a 5 km walk from Matheran Railway Station. This location is popular with the Flanked view and experience of the gorgeous valley on one side. The other side of Garbett point consists of a thick jungle. If you want to have a moderate difficulty trek with awesome view, Garbett is among the few of treks in Maharashtra that you should visit.
14- Vikatgad or peb fort
Vikatgad fort is located at a distance of 3.5 km from Neral Railway Station, which is easier to reach. If you prefer to take a long way route, then you can prefer to take13 km from Matheran or 88 km from Mumbai and 117 km from Pune. The most frequent trekker also term Peb Fort as Vikatgad. This trek spot is an ancient fort situated near Neral and is considered one of the popular places for trekking around Maharashtra. The peak of Vikatgad is situated at an altitude of 2100 feet. The name of its fort is derived from the Goddess Pebi, who is located at the base of the fort.
This is a different trekking location which is located at a distance of 13 km from Panvel. You can also make your trip from 53 km from Matheran. from Lonavala, and you can spend a few minutes reaching Karnala bird sanctuary. This trekking location also extends to 66 km from Mumbai Central and 112 km from Pune. Due to the ultimate nature experience, Karnala bird sanctuary is considered one of the popular treks in Maharashtra. The whole surroundings of Karnala bird sanctuary are spread to the extent of 12.11 sq. km.
If you are planning simple trekking, you can travel to Vasota from Bamnoli with an 18 km distance. If not from Bamnoli, you can have options with 56 km from Satara, 70 km from Mahabaleshwar, and 82 km from Panchgani. With all the ways you can reach the base of Vasota Fort with transport services. From there, you can start to climb the ancient hill fort situated at a high altitude of 1171 m. The Vasota fort is located in the middle of deep forests with valleys of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. If you love to merge with nature, then you must immediately plan for this trekking. This is the best one-day treks in Maharashtra for beginners.
This hill fort trekking spot is located at a short distance of 48 km from Malshej Ghat, Ajoba. You can also reach this location by searching as Ajaparvat, which is one of the highest peaks among the Sahyadri ranges from a wide range of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Ajoba hill is excitingly located near Dehaene village, which can also be considered the base of this fort. This majestic construction of this hill fort height up to 4,511 feet. Whit this height record, Ajoba Hill is considered the highest peak in the Western Ghats. During your trekking route at the Midway of the fort, you can visit Valmiki Ashram.
With your trip to Maharashtra, if you are wise to have peaceful trekking, you can drive 13 km from Malshej Ghat. This ancient fort, termed Sindola or Shindola Fort, is notably a small hill fort situated on the peak of the Malshej Ghat Plateau. This wonderful place of trekking is situated at an altitude of 1128 feet. Sindola mountain is more significant by its pinnacle structure which can be viewed anywhere. At this small fort, you can also have a look at Ruins of bastions and several couples of water cisterns. You can also have devotional sessions with idols of Ganesh, which is present on the top of Sindola fort.
Naneghta trekking point is situated at a distance of 30 km from Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra. You can reach this spot between Kalyan – Ahmednagar Highway near Vaishakhare village. Naneghta trek is one of the wonderful trekking places which trekkers must never miss. You are dreaming of a safe nature adventure trekking, and then you can start chasing your dream with the first trekking attempt from the Naneghta trek. This is a hill that is situated at an altitude of 2,600 feet. These are the best treks in Maharashtra for adventure lovers and fitness freaks.
From Naneghta, you can easily reach Jivadhan by crossing just 2 km of distance. And a distance of 32 km, you can reach this trekking spot from Malshej Ghat. This trekking location gives you a stunning feel with dense forest at the base and during the trucking trail. This exciting spot for trucking is located just near Malshej in the district of Maharashtra. Suppose you are traveling for all the forts around Maharashtra, then never miss this spot which is extended with a height of 3,757. From the peak of this trekking spot, you can have a clear view of 5 major Maharashtra forts. Never miss grabbing a camera with a wide-angle lens to cover the amazing view of this location.
From a 10 km distance, you can reach this sport with any mode of transport via Igatpuri. You can reach even soon when you prefer to take 50 km distance from Nashik. Tringalwadi is located at an elevation of 3000 feet from the base of this fort. The trekking experience at Tringalwadi will never disappoint you with your trekking goals.
Maharashtra is also known for its forts and Trekking Places. Finding the top treks in Maharashtra itself is a task. You will get a lot of option with each competing each other with its beauty and adventures.
Plan your trekking with the spots around Maharashtra and have better nature connecting experience. Contact us for any queries or to explore the best treks in Maharashtra .