Top 5 Trekking Destinations in Maharashtra – Basic & Medium Level

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I’ve really covered so much about Maharashtra in some of my previous posts that I sometimes feel that there is nothing more that I can write about Maharashtra, but I’m glad I’m wrong and that new ideas emerge where I can showcase the beauty of my state across the globe. During the summers, Maharashtra can be really hot and it can make you sweat like anything, but the scenario changes only a few weeks after the arrival of the monsoon. The thundering black clouds shower over the Western Ghats for days and weeks and transform the hard, rocky and dried up mountains into a carpet of lush green with river water gushing through the mountain cracks offering life to the entire ecosystem in its way.

While many would prefer to stay indoors, thousands prefer to venture into the wild for an adventurous trip that they’ve been waiting for. Trekking in Maharashtra during the monsoon is something that can provide you with a pleasurable feeling like no other. All you need to do is pack your gear, muster up your courage and prepare to conquer these mighty mountains that can offer nature in its purest form. If you’re in Maharashtra and if you want some adventure trekking some of the nearby destinations with friends and family would be an ideal way to break the monotony of your routine life and be close to the Mother Nature.

Let’s take a quick look at the top 5 trekking destinations in Maharashtra for basic and medium level trekkers.

Lohgad Fort Trek

Let’s start with something easy. Lohgad Fort is not too far from Lonavala which means you can get here in just few hours, if you reside in Mumbai or Pune. Located in the Western Ghats, the fort is around 1,052 meters above the sea level (3,450 feet). The trekking here is good enough for first timers who don’t want to push their limits, but would want to experience the same fun that trekkers do.

The fort is easily accessible and therefore all you have to do is be careful to ensure you don’t slip on the rocks. The fort overlooks the Pavana reservoir. On the way up, trekkers will find lot of history as there are many structures within the fort that are still intact. Keep an eye on the moss growing on the rocks that can lead to accidents. On reaching the top, you can enjoy the misty environment all around and get a great view of the Pavana Lake and the mountains around.

Korigad Fort Trek

I came to know about this through one of my colleagues and I think Korigad Fort trek is another worth mentioning destination that first time or basic level trekkers can try out. The fort is a bit isolated from the main highway and therefore it would be ideal if you have a car.  The fort is located in Peth-Shahpur village close to the Amby Valley. The terrain here is not difficult and therefore it offers lot of fun and excitement without any risk factors.

You can choose the Peth-Shahpur route to climb up which makes it easier during the monsoon. There is one more alternate route, but during the monsoon season that terrain can be unforgiving and dangerous. When you reach the top, you can enjoy the nice view of the surrounding mountains and the temples and ponds located at the top of the fort. The fort is around 3,050 feet above the sea level offering a panoramic view.

Tikona Fort Trek

Not too far from Lonavala is a place called Kamshet. If you catch a local train from Lonavala, it would take you hardly 15 minutes. Tikona Fort is at a higher level so if you love to trek up higher this is the place to be. The fort is easily accessible and therefore you don’t have to put too much of effort finding it. Take the route for the Gavhande village and you will find a way to the Tikona Fort along with its twin fort – Tung Fort.

While the trek here is designed for basic trekkers, it can pose a challenge in some ways as there are certain areas where basic trekkers will have to stretch their limits and climb almost vertical rocks. This probably will slow down the trek and it takes around couple of hours to reach the top. Check out the temples and caves when you reach at the top. The narrow passages between the fort walls makes the entire trek experience even more exhilarating.

Torna Fort Trek

If you want to push your limits, Torna Fort trek is something that can offer you complete satisfaction. The fort is easily accessible, but the trek route poses certain amount of challenges and therefore trekkers need to be cautious while climbing this terrain. While the initial climb is fairly easy, it gets harder and harder as you progress higher. The fort is located 4,610 feet above the sea level making it one of the highest forts in the Pune district.

It is also advisable that you keep track of how you’re moving up because you might get lost if you’re on the wrong trail. The final part of the climb has rocky patches and that is where you will need to slow down and take things pretty seriously, especially if you are a basic level trekker. During the monsoon, the rocks tend to slippery and the growing moss can only make conditions worse. Take your time and help out each other to get to the top without any injuries.

Prabalgad Fort Trek

Nestled between Matheran and Panvel, Prabalgad Fort trek is quite a challenge during the monsoon period. At the elevation of 2,300 feet Prabalgad Fort is a great trekking destination in Maharashtra. The fort can be seen from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. When you’re heading to Prabalgad you might also come across dense forest at the foot of the hill. Crossing the dense forest on the foot brings you closer to the nature.

The fort is closer to the Mumbai city and therefore once you’re on the top you can see the Mumbai city at the horizon. If you want to save time on your journey, you can definitely pick Prabalgad Fort that can allow you to get an entire day of adventure. Right next to the Prabalgad Fort is Kalavantin Durg, one of the most mysterious places in India, which you can explore if you want to take on some more challenge during the monsoon.

While these trekking destinations are closer to Mumbai and Pune these are good options for basic level trekkers. There are many other trekking destinations that are for medium to advanced trekkers that I will share in the upcoming blog. Stay tuned and happy monsoon!