Maharashtra, with its numerous hill stations, offers perfect opportunities for trekking. Some trekking trails make their way through scenic vistas, while others are interspersed with historical ruins.
Whether it’s for experiencing that adrenaline rush, becoming one with nature, shedding those extra kilos, or pure contemplation, the reasons for going trekking are many.
This blog brings you the 10 best treks of Maharashtra:
1. Matheran Trek
Matheran, with its amicable climate and various trekking trails, attracts tourists year-round. There are almost 28 viewpoints scattered all around the place. One Tree Hill is one of them.
Amongst the various trekking routes, the most famous one goes through the Garbert Plateau. Apart from this, trekking to Chanderi caves is an adventure in itself. Kalavantin Pinnacle Trek allows you to explore the fort at the peak.
Location – Matheran
Height – The average height of these locations is approximately 2,506ft.
Difficulty Level – Medium
Avg. Duration – 1 day
Best time to go – March to May
2. Kalsubai Trek
Kalsubai, with a height of 5,400ft, is the highest peak in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It’s also a part of the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary which extends from Kalasubai to Harischandragad. Trekking here is best experienced during the rainy season.
Once comes across drenched green valleys, cool winds, hovering clouds, and thrilling waterfalls during this time. From the peak, one can spot places like Ahivant, Saptashrungi gad, and Markindya, besides others.
Location – Igatapuri Taluka
Height – 5,400ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Medium to Hard
Avg. Duration – 2 days
Best time to go – June to September
3. Korigad Fort Trek
The impressive Korigad Fort is located about 20km away from Lonavala in the Pune district. Korigad Fort Trek is amongst the popular treks in Maharashtra. There are two routes to reach the peak. One is from a village called Peth Shahpur and the other is from Ambavne village.
One finds two lakes upon reaching the top of the fort. A temple to the patron goddess Korai Devi exists here, along with other smaller temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. One can also walk along the entire perimeter of the wall of this fort.
Location – Lonavala
Height – 3,050 feet above sea level
Difficulty Level – Easy
Avg. Duration – 1 day
Best time to go – Throughout the year
4. Lohagarh Trek
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was famous for his forts scattered all around Maharashtra, and Lohagarh Iron Fort is one of them. Seated on a single side range of the Sahyadris, it divides the basins of Indranayi and Pavna.
The four large gates of Lohagarh Fort are still in impressive condition after so many years. Some of the other attractions here are The Ganesh Darwaja, The Narayan Darwaja, and The Hanuman Darwaj.
Location – Near Lonavala
Height – 3450ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Easy
Avg. Duration – 3 hours
Best time to go – June to February
5. Tikona Trek
Tikona, also known as Vitandgad, lies near Kamshet around 60km from Pune. It’s an impressive and dominating hill fort in Maval in Western India. The hill, measuring up to 3500ft, derives its name from its pyramidal shape.
As a trekking destination, it’s famous for its large doors, seven water tanks, the temple of ‘Trimbakeshwar Mahadev’, and some Satvahan Caves. At the summit, one comes across Pawana Lake. One can get spectacular views of the Pawna dam from here.
Location – Near Kamshet
Height – 3500ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Easy
Avg. Duration – 1 day
Best time to go – September to March
6. Rajmachi Trek
Rajmachi, located around 15km from Lonavala, is one of the most popular trekking destinations in India. There are two forts here, namely, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Located on the historical trade route, they provide mesmerizing views of the valley.
The entire route is enveloped by dense forests on both sides. One can approach this place from two routes. One from Karjat, and the other from Lonavala.
Location – Near Lonavala
Height – 2,710ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Easy
Avg. Duration – 1 day
Best time to go – June to September
7. Ratangad Trek
From Ratangad, one can get incredible views of the Sahaydri Ranges near Bhandardara Lake. Situated amidst the forest in Bhandardara hill, it still showcases the remains of a fortress with bastions and stone walls.
This place also possesses a natural rock peak with a cavity atop it, which is called “Nedhe,” or “Eye of the Needle.” The base village Ratanwadi is approachable by boat from Bhandardara.
Location – Ratanwadi
Height – 4,250ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Medium
Avg. Duration – 1 day
Best time to go – May to September
8. Peb Vikatgad Trek
Peb Vikatgad Trek brings alive the pleasures of trekking in monsoons. Although it derives its name from the Goddess Pebi, it has been named “Vikatgad” due to its resemblance to Lord Ganesh – an elephant god. Vikatgad Fort lies just 4km away from Neral station.
This trail presents a mixture of rocky paths, forests, caves, and ladders, thus making it extremely exciting and adventurous. It is said that Shivaji Maharaj used the caves in the fort as silos for storing grains.
Location – Karjat
Height – 2,100ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Medium
Avg. Duration – 1 day
Best time to go – Throughout the year
9. Rajgad Fort Trek
Rajgad Fort is one of the grand forts located in the Sahaydri Range. This place is a trekker’s delight. Much of the fortifications of this fort still remain intact. The highest part of the fort has remains of caves, water cisterns, and palaces.
One can get incredible views of the magnificent Sahyadri range when the entire place is bathed with blossoming flowers. This fort also possesses great historical significance.
Location – Gunjavane
Height – 2901ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Medium
Avg. Duration – 2 days
Best time to go – October to March
10. Raigad Fort Trek
Raigad Fort is undoubtedly one of the magnificent fortresses in Maharashtra. Located 125km away from Pune, it serves as one of the prominent getaways for locals. This magnificent fort is located at an altitude of 4,350ft.
Approximately 1400-1450 steps lead up to the fort. The jungle trail that leads to the fort is itself an exciting one. Some of the structures inside the fort are the Queen’s Quarters, Public Durbar, and Watch Towers.
Location – Raigad
Height – 2700ft above sea level
Difficulty Level – Medium
Avg. Duration – 1 day
Best time to go – November to March
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