Overview

Monsoon in Maharashtra isn't always synonymous with flooding and traffic jams. Some of the most beautiful trekking spots in Maharashtra can be found near Mumbai and Pune, with green hills, lush forests, flowing springs, and gleaming waterfalls. Some of the best monsoon getaways in the Sahyadri ranges make for incredible trekking places in Maharashtra.

Trekking in Maharashtra

Exploring the places for trekking in Maharashtra. is a blissful experience. It is a rejuvenating escape that can help you recharge and take a break from the daily grind. It is always beneficial to get out and explore your surroundings in order to reconnect with nature.

1. Lohagad Fort (Near Lonavala)

The Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) is a historical fort located in the Lonavala region of Maharashtra, 11 kilometers from Lonavala, 66 kilometers from Pune, and 114 kilometers from Mumbai. It is among the best tourist attractions in Lonavala as well as a popular heritage site in Maharashtra. It is one of the best places for trekking near Mumbai.

The Lohagad Fort, perched atop a hillock at an elevation of 1050 m, separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin. It is also one of the most popular trekking destinations near Pune and Mumbai. As part of Lonavala tour packages, it is among the most visited forts in Maharashtra. Guru Govind Singh built the fort in 1564 CE to serve as a prison. The Treaty of Purandar forced Shivaji Maharaj to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 CE after capturing it in 1648 CE. In 1670 CE, Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort and used it to house his treasury. Later in Peshwa's reign, Nana Phadnavis lived in the fort and built several structures within it, including a large tank and a step-well. The government recently designated the fort as a protected monument. It is one of the easy treks near Mumbai.

2. Kalsubai Peak / Mount Kalsubai (Near Bhandardara)

Kalsubai Peak is a mountain peak in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, 12 kilometers from Bhandardara, 165 kilometers from Mumbai, and 174 kilometers from Pune. This is a popular trekking destination in Maharashtra and one of the must-see attractions in Bhandardara tour.

The highest peak in Maharashtra is Kalsubai, which stands at an elevation of 5400 feet (1646 m). It is among the best treks near Mumbai. The Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary contains the peak. For adventure seekers, it is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara. The summit is a small plateau with a commanding view of nearby forts and the Bhandardara Dam. During the Maratha rule in the region, it was used to keep an eye on their enemies. Kalsubai Temple is situated at the highest point of Maharashtra's Sahyadri mountain range. Book for Kalsubai trek from Mumbai with Sea Water Sports.

Mount Kalsubai is a popular trekking location in Maharashtra. The trekking route attracts a lot of visitors, some of whom trek to Kalsubai to visit the Mandir and offer prayers to the local deity Kalsubai. The temple contains an old well with a water level that never falls below 3 feet. During Navratri, the locals organize a religious fair at this temple.

3. Sinhagad Fort (Near Pune)

Sinhagad or Sinhagarh, which means "Lion Fort," is a fortress located 32 kilometers southwest of Pune City. Sinhagad Fort is a popular trekking destination in Maharashtra and one of the must-see attractions in Pune packages. It is the best place for trekking in Pune.

The fort, formerly known as Kondana, has seen many major battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad in 1671 CE. It is one of the best trekking places in Pune. According to legend, the fort was built 2,000 years ago, and the name Kondana was derived from the sage Kaundinya. In 1340 CE, Mohammed bin Tughalak managed to capture the fort from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik. Malik Ahmad, the founder of the Nizam Shahi dynasty, took control of the fort in 1496 CE.

The fort was captured nearly 200 years later by Maratha leader Shahaji Bhonsale. Shivaji took control of the stronghold in 1647 CE and renamed it Sinhagad. According to the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji handed over Sinhagad to the Mughals in 1665 CE and recaptured it again in 1670 CE, this time under the command of Tanaji, Shivaji's favorite general. Aurangzeb besieged Sinhagad in 1701-03 CE, but was unable to keep it for long. Finally, in 1818 AD, the British seized the fort from the Marathas. The fort was later used as a retreat for many of Pune's European residents. It is among the best treks near Pune.

4. Ratangad Fort (Near Bhandardara)

Ratangad is a historic hill fort located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, 6 kilometers from Ratanwadi, 23 kilometers from Bhandardara, 183 kilometers from Pune, and 197 kilometers from Mumbai. It is one of the best forts in Maharashtra and an excellent location for hiking near Mumbai and Pune. It is one of the best trekking places in Maharashtra.

The Ratangad Fort is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Bhandardara, and its rich legacy captivates visitors. The fort is 4250 feet above sea level. Ratangad Fort is a 400-year-old fort built by Maratha warrior Shivaji. The Mughals ruled the fort until it was seized by Shivaji Maharaj.

Ratangad is home to Nedhe, or the Eye of the Needle, a natural rock peak with a hole at the top. Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, and Trimbak are the fort's four gates. The Ratangad Fort has two caves; one is smaller and can accommodate 8-10 people, while the other is larger and can seat 40-50 people. It also has a lot of wells on top. Amruteshwar Temple, near the base of Ratanwadi, is famed for its carvings. Ratangad Fort is where the Pravara River begins. Sage Agastya meditated and conducted penance in Ratangad, according to local mythology. Two drops of Amrut were spilled at that location, and water began to flow continually out of Ratangad, resulting in the river Pravara, hence the name 'Amrutvahini.' It is best for a one day trek near Mumbai.

5. Pratapgad Fort / Pratapgarh Fort (Near Mahabaleshwar)

Pratapgad, also known as Pratapgarh, is a massive hill fort located in Maharashtra's Satara district, 20 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, 140 kilometers from Pune, and 221 kilometers from Mumbai. It is one of the top heritage spots to visit near Mumbai and one of the most popular sights not to miss when visiting Mahabaleshwar.

The fort is located at an elevation of 1080 meters and is erected on a spur overlooking the route between the villages of Par and Kinesvar. The Maratha monarch, Shivaji Maharaj, had commissioned his prime minister, Moropant Pingle, to begin construction of this fort to defend Nira and the Koyna River banks, as well as to secure the Par pass. It is one of the most beautiful spots in Mahabaleshwar to visit. The construction of the fortification was finished in 1656. On November 10, 1659, the fort witnessed the momentous Battle of Pratapgarh between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate. After losing the third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, the Maratha forces were forced to surrender the Pratapgad Fort.

6. Garbett Point / Garbut Point (Near Matheran)

Garbett Point or Garbut Point is located near Matheran and is 17 kilometers from Matheran and 8 kilometers from Diksal. It has a beautiful view of the plateau below. The vast plateau provides views of many waterfalls on adjacent mountains. This is also one of the top things to do in Matheran hill station and one of the must-see attractions in Lonavala packages.  It is one of the best treks in Mumbai.

Garbut Point, about 5 kilometers from Matheran Railway Station, is a more remote and less popular observation point. Garbett Point, surrounded by a beautiful valley on one side and dense vegetation on the other, offers breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset. It is the best place for Lonavala trekking.

Trekking from Garbett to Matheran is popular among Mumbai and Pune adventurers. The journey is somewhat lengthy and requires some patience to complete. The hike begins in Diksal village. After about 5 minutes of strolling, one can see a large man-made lake. Visitors must walk around the lake's circumference and cross a fast-flowing stream. During the monsoon season, crossing the stream requires a rope. The plains and mountains are lush green, and there are waterfalls all around.

7. Rajmachi Fort (Near Lonavala)

Rajmachi Fort is a historic fort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, 15 kilometers from Lonavala, 15 kilometers from Khandala, 82 kilometers from Mumbai, and 82 kilometers from Pune. It is a popular tourist destination near Mumbai for trekking and one of the greatest locations to visit in Lonavala. It is one of the best trekking places in Mumbai. This historic Maharashtra fort is located at an elevation of 2710 feet. This is a protected monument and one of the most popular attractions not to miss when visiting Lonavala. Rajmachi fort Lonavala is one of the best treks in Maharashtra.

Historically, Rajmachi fort was a vital fort to protect Bor Ghat (a historical trade route between Khopoli and Khandala on the Mumbai-Pune route). It is an excellent one-day journey from Mumbai. The Satavahanas built the fort complex in the beginning. Shivaji Maharaj took this fort, along with other nearby forts, from the Adilshahi monarch of Bijapur in 1657 CE. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb seized the fort from the Marathas in 1704 CE. However, in 1705 CE, the Marathas reclaimed control. Shahu Maharaj handed over Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre in 1713 CE. The Rajmachi Fort was eventually taken over by the British after the Marathas were defeated in 1818 CE. It is the toughest trek in Maharashtra.

8. Raigad Fort (Near Mahabaleshwar)

Raigad is a hill fort located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, 26 kilometers from Mahad, 83 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, 105 kilometers from Alibaug, 118 kilometers from Lonavala, 136 kilometers from Mumbai, 138 kilometers from Pune, and 196 kilometers from Ratnagiri. This is one among the most popular forts in Maharashtra, as well as a popular hiking destination near Mumbai. This fort is a must-see on any Maharashtra tour, as well as one of the ancient forts included in Mahabaleshwar Tour Packages and Lonavala Tour Packages. It is one of the best trekking places in Pune.

Raigad, formerly known as Rairi, was previously under the jurisdiction of Chandrarao More of Jawali before being taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's forces in 1656 CE. After acquiring the Rairi Fort, Shivaji Maharaj repaired it and renamed it Raigad (the King's Fort). When Shivaji Maharaj was crowned King in 1674 CE, he declared it his capital. The British destroyed the fort after conquering it in 1818 CE. It is the best trek in Maharashtra.

Raigad Fort is located in India's Sahyadri Mountain range at an elevation of 2700 feet above sea level. The fort is built on an uneven wedge-shaped rock mass that is inaccessible from three sides. The primary structures inside the Raigad Fort, which is mostly in ruins today, include the Public Durbar, Queen's Quarters, Watch Towers, Darwajas, and so on.

9. Vikatgad / Peb Fort (Near Matheran)

Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, is a historic fort located near Neral, 3.5 kilometers from Neral Railway Station, 13 kilometers from Matheran, 88 kilometers from Mumbai, and 117 kilometers from Pune. This is one of the most famous trekking destinations near Mumbai, and it is included in Matheran Tour Packages. It is best for one day trekking near Mumbai.

The fort gets its name from the Goddess Pebi, who lives at the fort's base and is located at an elevation of 2100 feet. The fort is also known as Vikatgad because of its alleged resemblance to the Elephant-Headed God, Ganesh. The caves on the fort were undoubtedly utilized to store grains by Shivaji Maharaj, according to historical texts. It is one of the most popular attractions in Matheran. It is best for a 2 days trek in Maharashtra.

The fort is famed for its caverns, which are maintained by Swami Samartha's disciples, and the meditation chambers carved out of the mountain's granite. To enter the meditation chamber, one must crawl down a tiny passage and then descend into the chamber. The area is immaculately kept, with tiles on the floor for guests to sit and contemplate. On top of the fort is a temple dedicated to Swami Samartha, as well as the footwear or Padukas worn by the great saint. The view from the summit of the Neral and Karjat region is well worth the effort.

10. Karnala Bird Sanctuary (Near Lonavala)

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located in the Panvel Taluk in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, 13 kilometers from Panvel, 53 kilometers from Matheran, 56 kilometers from Lonavala, 66 kilometers from Mumbai Central, and 112 kilometers from Pune. It is one of the picnic sites close to Mumbai. It is one of the very easy treks near Pune.

Karnala was the first bird sanctuary in Maharashtra when it was established in 1968. The sanctuary initially encompassed an area of 4.45 square kilometers, but this was enlarged in 2003 to 12.11 square kilometers. This bird sanctuary is located directly beneath the Karnala Fort. The bird sanctuary is a popular location for Mumbai-area birdwatchers and hikers.

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to about 150 resident bird species and 37 migratory bird species. During the monsoon season, visitors can see a diverse range of bird species, including the racket-tailed drongo, golden-backed woodpecker, and heart-spotted woodpecker. Three rare birds have been spotted here: the ashy minivet, three-toed kingfisher, and Malabar trogon. Many migrating species, in addition to resident birds, can be spotted during the winter season. Among the migrant birds are the blackbird, blue throat, blue-headed rock-thrush, red breasted flycatcher, and black-headed cuckoo-shrike, to name a few.

11. Prabalgad Fort / Prabal Fort (Near Matheran)

Prabalgad Fort or Prabal Fort is situated between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, 46 kilometers from Matheran, 16 kilometers from Panvel, 61 kilometers from Mumbai, and 117 kilometers from Pune. It is located in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 2300 feet. This is one of Maharashtra's most stunning little forts and an excellent destination for trekking near Mumbai. Go here for trekking near Mumbai this weekend.

The fort was constructed on a plateau near Matheran. During the Bahmani Sultanate, Prabalgad Fort was established to keep a watch on Panvel Fort and Kalyan Fort in North Konkan. It was known as Muranjan till it was captured and renamed by Maratha forces during Shivaji's reign. Chhatrapati Shivaji took this splendid fort from the Mughals. Historians think that when the fort was captured, there was a treasure concealed inside. It is the best trek near Mumbai.

Prabal Fort, which is currently in ruins, is located on the flat crest of the Prabal hills in Matheran's western side. The fort has a Ganesh shrine and several stone remnants. Initially, the fort had two entrances and eleven towers. However, in 1818 AD, these gateways were destroyed in bloody battles. At the moment, the fort has only four towers and a pond on the summit of the Prabal hills.

12. Irshalgad (Near Matheran)

Irshalgad is a castle located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, 40 kilometers from Matheran, 19 kilometers from Karjat, 66 kilometers from Mumbai, and 115 kilometers from Pune. It is a sister fort of Prabalgad and one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai. The fort is not enormous, but there are several water tanks carved out of the rock. It is the best trekking places in Maharashtra in monsoon.

The simple to moderate 3 kilometer trek to Irshalgad Pinnacle takes approximately 1.5 hours. The journey begins in Karja hamlet, about 11 kilometers from Karjat Railway Station. A well-defined trail leads from Karja village to Irshalwadi village. The path from Karja follows a high hill before descending to an easier ascent to Irshalwadi. One must walk straight up from the village to a modest shrine devoted to a local deity. Take a left from the temple; from here, one can view the Irshalgad peak on the right side. To reach the base of the pinnacle, though, one must traverse from the left.

On the way from the Irshal plateau to the peak, there is a water tank. An easy rock-climbing route will lead tourists to the needle hole near the summit. Rock climbing equipment is required to reach the pinnacle's summit. The forts of Prabalgad, Malang Gad, Matheran, Chanderi, Karnala, and Manikgad may be seen from the top.

13. Vasota Fort (Near Satara)

Vasota Fort is a historic hill fort located near Bamnoli in Maharashtra's Satara district, 18 kilometers from Bamnoli, 56 kilometers from Satara, 70 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, and 82 kilometers from Panchgani. The fort is located in the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary's vast forests and valleys. It is one of the best sites to visit in Satara as well as one of the most popular trekking destinations in Maharashtra, as well as a perfect picnic area near Pune for a day trip. It is the best trekking places near Mumbai.

Vasota Fort is surrounded by water on three sides and is located on the banks of Shivsagar Lake. King Bhojraj II of the Shilahara dynasty constructed the Fort between 1178 and 1193 AD. In 1655 AD, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seized the fort and christened it Vyagragad. Along with other Marathas' forts, this fort was taken over by the British in 1818 AD.

Vasota Fort is famed for its ancient Maharashtrian architectural style, albeit it is currently in ruins. The fort is divided into three sections: Old Fort, New Fort, and Nageshwar. The fort's bastions are still in good condition. The fort has two temples: the Mahadev temple and the Nageshwar temple. At the entrance lies a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Babu Kada is a massive U-shaped cliff located adjacent to Vasota Fort. The Old Vasota Fort, which is inaccessible to trekkers owing to the presence of wild animals, can be seen from here.

Apart from Trekking in Maharashtra, you can also experience other adventure activites like Proposal dive, Cycling, Camping, Wildlife Safari, Rappelling, Caving

 and many more in Maharashtra.