Discover 16 Gorgeous Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra, each providing a different experience ranging from leisurely strolls to strenuous climbs. During the colorful monsoon season, immerse yourself in lush landscapes, tumbling waterfalls, and beautiful vistas that will make every trip an unforgettable experience.
16 Gorgeous Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra
16 Gorgeous Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra, the monsoon season also provides a ton of adventures. Beautiful verdant scenery, glistening waterfalls, and a refreshing atmosphere entice people to venture forth from the urban sprawl and engage in outdoor activities. The nicest aspect is that everyone may enjoy stunning monsoon excursions. Choose between leisurely walks through low valleys, strenuous hikes over steep mountains, and moderate climbs to secret forts.
Difficulty: Easy
Bhivpuri Waterfalls, Karjat
Located a few hundred kilometers from Bombay, the breathtaking Bhivpuri waterfall is visible during the monsoon season.
Duration: 1 day; Highest Point: 115ft; Best time to visit: June to September; How to organize: Self-led or with a group
Climb past grazing animals and meandering streams through the foothills of Bhivpuri village to this magnificent waterfall surrounded by verdant slopes. Family walks can be enjoyed along this rather easy path. After reaching the summit, enjoy Bhivpuri’s natural splendour while dining at one of the food shacks close by or taking in the sound of the cascading waterfall. After walking or rappelling down, treat yourself to a swim in the tumbling waters. Additionally, you could go to neighboring attractions like the Sai Baba temple and the Bhivpuri Dam hydroelectricity plant.
Duke’s Nose, Khandala
Duration: 2-4 hours; Highest point: 3,200ft; Best time to visit: July to September; How to organize: Preferably with a guide
Reminiscent of the pointed nose of the Duke of Wellington, this well-liked trek location features a steep cliff with a flat top, providing an exquisite viewpoint. There are two ways for each hiker to reach the summit. Two hours is the duration of a shorter route starting from Kurvande hamlet, and four hours is the length of a longer journey starting from Khandala Railway Station. Any route you choose offers expansive vistas of Khandala and the Sahyadri peaks. You may spice up the experience with a little rock climbing and rappelling while you take in the misted highlands. You can also participate in the slacklining festival in October.
Karnala Fort, Raigad
Karnala fort, Sahyadri hill, green Panvel, Raigadh, Maharashtra, India; vertical monsoon clouds
Duration: 1 day; Highest point: 1,440ft; Best time to visit: June to April; How to organize: Self-led, solo or with a group
Visit the Karnala fort if you want to relax in a historically significant setting. As you enter the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, songbirds like the magpie robin and paradise flycatcher will greet you. Climb uphill and choose between the well-marked motorable trail and the steep track that circles the sanctuary. The 14th-century fort’s base is where both routes come together. Don’t forget to check out the Pandu Tower, located in the middle of the fort’s upper level. This thumb-shaped 125-foot basalt tower served as the fort’s watchtower in the past.
Devkund Waterfall, Bhira Village
Duration: 3-4 hours; Highest point: 2,700ft; Best time to visit: August to November; How to organize: Solo or with a group
The Devkund Waterfall plunges 80 feet into the deep forest that encircles the Bhira Dam. The trek begins by the dam’s banks and climbs slightly before entering thick trees and steep trails. You can refuel at the tea and snack stalls along the path if the ascent wears you out. You can also swim in a small section of the pond beneath the falls. However, exercise caution as there are 60-foot-deep areas of the pond. Even better, you could set up a tent and camp along the reservoir’s edge.
Peb Fort, Matheran
Duration: 1 day; Highest point: 2,050ft; Best time to visit: July to September; How to organize: Self-led, preferably with a group
Beside Matheran, Peb or Vikatgad Fort is a lesser-known hiking location that is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. People believe it was a granary or watchtower for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Beginners will love this easy-to-follow trail, which has monkeys to guide you along the way. There are expansive views of the Matheran range from the fort’s cave. While camping in the caves at night, you can also explore the slopes.
Garbett Point, Matheran
Duration: 6 hours; Highest point: 2,625ft; Best time to visit: July to September; How to organize: Self-led, solo or with a group
You may fully enjoy Matheran’s lovely woodlands by trekking to Garbett Plateau. The ascent starts at Diksal Village, which is near to the secret Dhom Lake and a short stroll from the Bhivpuri Road train station. After an hour’s walk, you’ll find the Diksal waterfall next to a tiny creek where you may play in the water and take pictures. After crossing this stream, there’s a rather easy track that climbs to the Sagachiwadi settlement, which marks the halfway point of the walk. This village, surrounded by paddy fields and small houses, offers a great spot for lunch during the hike. After getting some rest, you start the somewhat treacherous ascent to Garbett Point, the summit of the Garbett Plateau, and then gradually descend toward Neral. If you seem friendly, the local dogs will gladly join you on hikes as scouts.
Korigad Fort, Lonavala
Duration: 2-4 hours; Highest point: 3,020ft; Best time to visit: July to September; How to organize: Self-led, solo or with a group
This route is a great place for beginners to start as it just takes an hour to complete. The only difficulties are a few medium-sized rocks and a portion where you have to wade through steps with cascades after it has rained to get to the fort’s main entrance. After finishing this trip, you could go to the man-made lakes in Aamby Valley, which is located east of the fort.
Difficulty: Medium
Takmak Fort, Palghar
Duration: 1 day; Highest point: 2,000ft; Best time to visit: June to September; How to organize: Local guides are required
Traveling to the 12-century fort during the monsoon brings you a glimpse of natural beauty at every turn, from colorful rice paddies to acres of blooming starflowers. Along the way, fragments of the Takmak Fort offer historical details. On the route, you might be lucky enough to see some freshwater crabs. A guide should accompany you on your adventure, though, as the winding paths can cause confusion. The trailhead for this monsoon trip takes considerable preparation because the final ridges are narrow and have loose rocks that can be difficult to ascend.
Kalsubai Peak, Igatpuri
Duration: 6 hours; Highest point: 5,400ft; Best time to visit: June to August; How to organize: Preferably with a guide
Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s tallest peak, is arguably the state’s most well-known trekking destination. There are two parts to the journey to the top concealed by clouds. Except for a few rocky spots, the first section through the farmlands is rather relaxed. The second part is a difficult climb that is made easier by ladders and steel railings. At every curve, the peak presents you with a fresh view. Many people set up a tent at the top of the hill to spend the night stargazing and to witness the dawn.
Ratangad Fort, Ahmednagar
Duration: 1 day; Highest point: 4,255ft; Best time to visit: June to September/October to December; How to organize: Self-led or with a guide
After conquering Kalsubai, if you’re itching for more adventure, you should go to Ratangad, the crown jewel of the Sahyadris. Nearly 400 years old, Ratangad is a fort on the Kalsubai mountains near the bank of the Bhandardara dam. It has four gates, two caves, and an open-air rock summit known as the “Eye of the Needle” for tourists to explore. The path is primarily level, with a few small spurs and steep, rocky areas. A sight for sore eyes is the flowerbed that encircles the fort.
Sudhagad Fort, Pali
Duration: 2 days; Highest point: 1,970ft; Best time to visit: June to September; How to organize: Self-led or with a guide
Both novice and experienced hikers would have a great time trekking up this isolated hill fort. Beginning with the clearly marked tar roadways, head upwards towards the stone walkway that ends at a ladder leading up the ridge. You arrive at a temple with a lofty tower in its courtyard after navigating the boulders. The majority of trekkers are drawn to this route by the adjacent lakes and the Mahadarwaja, the main entrance.
Difficulty: Hard
Torna Fort, Pune
Duration: 2 days; Highest point: 4,603ft; Best time to visit: September to February; How to organize: Preferably with a guide
On the thrilling and strenuous hike to Torna Fort, anticipate crossing numerous streams and ridges. A break from the exertion of the ascending climb is provided by expansive meadows filled with vibrant yellow flowers. The history of the Torna Fort, once known as Prachandagad, is equally extensive. At the age of sixteen, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took control of it as his first fort. To ensure you have enough time to enjoy the views of the surrounding forts and water cisterns, as well as the yellow Bristly Smithia blooms, make sure you get at the summit early. According to the guidelines, you should depart by 5 p.m. Subsequently, you can spoil yourself with delicious Maharashtrian cuisine in Velhe Village at the base on your way back.
Salher – Salota Fort, Nashik
Duration: 2 days; Highest point: 5,141ft; Best time to visit: August to February; How to organize: Self-led, preferably in a group
The pyramid-shaped Salher Fort, which is the second-highest peak in Maharashtra and one of the most famous twin forts of the Maratha Empire, can be ascended from one of three villages: Waghambe, Salher, or Maldar. Although the chiseled steps are difficult to climb and the pathways are slick, the walk is an unforgettable experience. On the following day, you can follow a similar rocky path to Salota Fort. Notably, a saddle, or the low point between two peaks, divides the two. Furthermore, at the summit’s highest point, you’ll find a Parshuram temple.
Harishchandragad, Ahmednagar
Duration: 2 days; Highest point: 4,650ft; Best time to visit: August to February; How to organize: A guide is not required but highly recommended
The Khireshwar route, also known as Pachnai, is the safest route up Harishchandragad during the rainy season. To reach the top of the fort, first go past the little caves, then cross the paddy fields, and continue beyond the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam. Once there, you can enjoy a lovely supper and, additionally, watch the sun set behind two valleys. Although visibility might decrease toward the top, the metal rails and ladders ensure your safety. Remember to capture photos from the Konkan Kada (cliff), where you can occasionally see a circular rainbow.
Harihar Fort, Nashik
Duration: 2 days; Highest point: 3,676ft; Best time to visit: June to February; How to organize: With an expert guide
One of the reasons the Harihar Fort is difficult to build is because of its exceedingly unusual location. It is situated on a triangular prism rock that has an 80° vertical inclination. You have to cross under an overhang with a precipitous drop, climb another tiny staircase, then mount 117 stairs to reach the fort. You will first notice the plateau at a slightly higher level upon entering. Moreover, this plateau features a charming pond along with small idols of Lords Hanuman, Shiva, and Nandi. As we continue to ascend to the upper floor, we encounter a two-room palace that can accommodate about twelve people. The 360-degree vista of the peaks of the Sahyadri range more than makes up for this palace’s imperfect state. Remember to explore the “Scottish Kada,” a vertical drop called for the mountaineer Doug Scott who was the first to climb it.
Kalavantin Durg, Raigad
Duration: 1 day; Highest point: 2,205ft; Best time to visit: June to September; How to organize: A guide is essential
An exhilarating yet difficult hike begins with an uneven trail through dense undergrowth. Additionally, tight, nearly vertical rock-cut stairs and windy gusts make the task more challenging.At the top of the stairs, you’ll find a 15-foot wall that you can climb either freestyle or with ropes. You can camp at Prabalmachi Plateau, which overlooks Prabalgad Fort (another nearby trip), and explore five caves on the hill, including two unmarked ones, before heading to the pinnacle. From the summit, you can enjoy views of Ulhas lakes, various panoramas, and the Sahyadris.
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