Ask any trekker what are some of the most memorable moments of a trek and listening to a roar of a waterfall or dipping your feet in a cold stream will definitely feature in the list. And though on a Himalayan trek one might not dare (or is inadvisable) to stand under a waterfall or wet their feet in a glacial stream, but on a trek in the Western Ghats of India these are absolute ‘must-dos’.

We’ve already written about some of the best day treks in Sahyadris. But trekking in the Sahyadris during the rains is a different experience altogether. A magic unfolds in the forts and mountains along the Western Ghats. Monsoon is the best season to trek in Maharashtra. 

The entire surroundings turn lush green. Streams criss-cross the trails. Seasonal waterfalls cascade down the mountain face in a full roar. Flowers of all shapes, colours and sizes bloom in the wild . While the lakes are filled with cool and clear water.

Trekking in Sahyadris during the rains is all about enjoying the magic of the rains to their fullest.

So here we are with a list of the best monsoon treks in Maharashtra. With the southwest monsoons approaching this part of the world soon, they make for some of the best weekend treks from Mumbai or Pune.

The trail to Bhimashankar is an all-time favourite amongst trekkers and more so during the monsoons. It takes you right into the heart of Bhimashankar Wildlife sanctuary. While in the jungle, you’ll have a variety of birds, langurs and spotted dear for company. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot a ‘shekru’ or the Malabar Giant Squirrel.

Enroute Bhimashankar. Picture by Apoorva Karlekat

If you’re a first-timer trekking on your own or with bunch of friends who are not very experienced as well, we’d suggest you avoid the more challenging Shidi Ghat route and take the Ganesh Ghat route instead.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route
Trail Type: Well defined through fields, forests, rocks and ladders .
Basecamp: Khandas village. Private autos and jeeps are available at Karjat or Neral railway station to take you to Khandas

A fort hill in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Harishchandragad is one of the most challenging treks in Maharashtra. We would not recommend hiking up via the Nalichi vaat or Taramati Ghal during monsoon. But going to the top via Khireshwar route or Pachnai is possible and equally enjoyable as well.

Kedareshwar cave which hosts a big Shivalingam. Picture by Kartik Mehta

The main attraction of this hill fort remains the Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff), an almost 1,800 feet high concave fall. It is a vertical overhang, like a cobra’s hood, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. But exercise extreme caution as it can get extremely windy.

Harishchandragad fort is quiet ancient, with its origin dating back to the sixth century. There are caves situated all over the fort, believed to be carved out in the eleventh century.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate or Difficult depending on the route
Trail Type: Well defined through fields & forests.
Basecamp/Starting point: Khubi phata after Malshej ghat for Khireshwar route and Pachnai village for the Pachnai route.

One of the easier monsoon treks, Visapur is a trek favoured among beginner trekker for the waterfalls along the trail. The trail begins from Bhaje village which is easily accessible owning to its proximity to Mumbai-Pune express highway.

Views from the wall of Visapur fort. Picture by Mugdha Bhusari

And the Bhaje caves are a small diversion away on the way back from the fort. So if you have time you shouldn’t miss the 2nd century rock cut caves.

Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Well defined trail with boulders and steps all the way to the fort.
Basecamp: Bhaje village on the Mumbai Pune Expressway

Surrounded by a dense forest, the fort is naturally separated from the main hill. Built in 12th century the fort changed hands between Marathas and Portuguese multiple times in its 800 years long history.

It is very common to walk through the clouds on treks in Sahyadris during monsoons. Picture by Mansi Pathak

Located in Vasai tehsil, though commuting to base is easy, accessing the fort itself isn’t as easily accessible. Trekkers find it challenging to locate the eastern entrance and the way further to the top. It is notorious for trekkers getting lost, therefore we recommend hiring a local guide from Sakwar village.

Do return to Sakwaar by before 5 as finding public transport back becomes very difficult after that.

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Passes through fields until the foothills of fort after which it is well defined.
Basecamp: Sakwar village. Take a bus from Virar ST stand to Shirsad Naka and from there a tum-tum to Sakwar village

At 5,400 ft you’ll be literally walking in the clouds on the trek during Monsoons. And though it is the highest peak in Maharashtra, the trail is well defined and there are ladders put in place making it easy for trekkers to scale the summit.

Final ascent to Kalsubai top is mostly covered in clouds on a rainy day of trekking.

Having said that the exciting thing about doing the trek during the monsoons is that you never see the summit along the trail, because it is always covered in clouds. The feeling of walking into the unknown and unseen is what adds to the adventure of this trek.

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Well defined through meadows, forests, with rock steps in some places and iron ladders in others
Basecamp: Bari village. Private vehicle will have to pick you and drop you back from Kasara Railway station to Bari.

Rajgad trek is the most beautiful trek in Maharashtra. It is also one the best fort to trek to do in monsoon. As the name suggests it is the king of forts. Because of the rich history and the mesmerizing architecture of the fort, it stands out among other forts in Western Ghats. The Rajgad Fort rises to a height of 4,250 ft the fort offers spectacular views of Sahyadri ranges.

Rajgad was the capital of the Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 26 years after which he shifted to Raigad. This is one of the reasons how the fort was built so beautifully. 

Double fortified wall of the Suvela Machi. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

The treacherous approaches, zig-zag narrow paths, the deceiving double-walled shield of its fortifications, massive Maha darwaja and Chor darwaja tells the tale of the Fortress of the forgotten empire. The beauty of the fort, and the surroundings, especially during monsoons, is mesmerizing.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route
Trail Type: Well definied trail
Basecamp: Gunjavane, Pali village based on the route.

The first fort to be won by Shivaji at the tender age of 16 also goes by the name Prachandgad owing to its huge size. However, there is much more than its size, history and folklore on this trek. Stream crossings, waterfalls and ridge walks along the trail is what makes it a perfect trek to do during the rainy season.

Views from the Ridge on the trail. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

And then come the views, when the cloud cover clears for a bit, you catch a glimpse of surroundings which includes Khadakwasla dam, Singhad, Raireshwar, Bhatgar, Mahabaleshwar, Raigad, Pratapgad and Makarangad from top of the Torna Fort.

Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Hill Fort, initial climb if done in monsoon is slippery, gradual ascent and walking on ledge and lastly a small rock patch. No rope is required.
Basecamp: Velhe village. Take a bus from Pune going towards Satara and get down at Narsapur phata from where you can get a shared jeep to Velhe

A mountain pass near Junnar and Pune district, the pass was heavily used  as trade route between Junnar and Kalyan. In fact the word ‘Nane’ means coin and ‘Ghat’ means pass.

In fact, there inscriptions in the caves which suggest that it was used as far back as during the Satvahana rule.

One can climb further up the caves and visit the Jivdhan fort as well if you have the time and energy.

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Initial ascents through open fields followed by climing up rocks and boulder
Basecamp: Vaishakhare village. Regular buses going towards Malshej ghat from Kalyan stop at Vaishakhare

A secluded place located deep inside the forests surround Bhira dam, Devkund waterfall was unknown to people until a few years ago. It is beleived that the Kudalika river originates from the fall.

The 80 ft drop at Devkund. Picture by Akshita Makhija

The water drops from a height of 80 ft into a small pond (kund) at the bottom. Locals here believe that once upon a time utensils used to emerge from the pond whenever there was any auspicious ceremony happening in the local village.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route.
Trail Type: Well defined through fields, forests, rocks and ladders.
Basecamp: Bhira Village. Take the bus to Pali from Panvel Railway staion and from Pali, hire an auto to Bhira village.

Situated between Panvel and Matheran, Prabalgad is an easily accesible fort that makes for a great trek during monsoons. The fort has a long history starting from the times of Bahamani sultanate when it was first built.

And though you might be tempted to climb its more thrilling neighbour which falls on the way, we don’t recommend it during monsoons. The slippery ascent on rock-cut steps on the mountain face is very risky.

However, you can marvel at the view of these stairs snaking up the famous Kalavantin Durg regarded as one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra from Prabalgad. Morever, the forts of Chanderi and Peb are to the West while Karnala lies to the North.

Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Broad and well defined until Prabalmachi after which it goes through dense forest and climbs up a steep gully to enter the fort through the dilapidated ruins of door.
Basecamp: Thakurwadi. Buses are available from Panvel ST Stand

Harihar fort is located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 3,676 ft from sea level. 

The hill on which the fort is built looks like a rectangular shape from the  base village. But it is built on the triangular prism of rock from the Yadava dynasty. The edges of the Harihar fort are almost vertical. 

Iconic stairs to Harihar Fort Summit. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

The attraction of Harihar fort is the iconic steps to the top of the fort. It is almost 80 degrees vertically inclined.  There are Lord Hanuman, Shiva and Nandi idols and a small pond at the fort. 

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Well defined trail starts from village and fields. Later, gradually ascends through forest and clearings. The final ascent is through 80 degree steep iconic stairs.
Basecamp: Kotamwadi village

Located on a hill in Manikgad village of Maharashtra, Manikgad today is a ruinous fort. The fort is about 1,878 feet high and is impregnable from three sides. The upper part can be reached only from the south.

It was not a fort in its true sense, but more of a checkpost. However, even with crumbling fortification one can imagine its grandeur during its heydays. A decrepit gate with carving of Ganesh on the top of it greets one while entering the fort.

The fort presents a very commanding view of the valley surrounding it, with Karnala pinnacle and Prabalgad fort visible prominently.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route.
Trail Type: Well defined through fields, forests, rocks and ladders.
Basecamp: Khandas village.Private autos and jeeps are available at Karjat or Neral railway station to take you to Khandas.

So those were 12 of the Best monsoon treks in Maharashtra. If you have any other treks you’d like to suggest, or if you have questions, drop in a comment below.

1. Which is the toughest trek in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is a hot spot for trekking in Western Ghats. The toughest trek is a very difficult one to answer as there are many treks that are a quite challenging. Of course, there are treks like Aland Madan Kulang which require technical guidance. 

But, among the treks we have listed above, Harihar Fort trek could become quite tough especially for beginners. The iconic climb could be scary and become slippery during monsoons.

2. Which is the most beautiful trek in Maharashtra?

If there is a list of most beautiful treks in Maharashtra, Rajgad should definitely be on the top of it.  It is also one of the best monsoon treks to do. Rich history and the marvelous architecture of the fort makes it stand out from the rest of the western ghats treks in the region.

3. Which place is best for trekking in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra has a vast variety of trekking places. The best place to trek depends on your experience and also what you are looking for in a particular trek. It could either be summit views, the history, the trail type or the adventure the trek offers. Check out Maharashtra section of Trek Library to choose the trek that interests you - https://indiahikes.com/state?name=Maharashtra

4. Which season is best for trekking in Maharashtra?

Monsoon. It is always the best season to trek in Western Ghats. You'll see the forest, the meadows, the waterfalls, whole region coming alive as the rainy season swings in. 

5. Which is the easiest trek in Maharashtra?

Trekking opportunities in Maharashtra are huge. This means there are many options for all level of trekkers. Some of the easy treks are Karnala Fort, Sudhagad trek, Andharban and Devkund Waterfall. Check out Maharashtra section of Trek Library for more options - https://indiahikes.com/state?name=Maharashtra

Rainy season is the perfect time to head out to western ghats treks. There are a few challenges that comes along with it, but the rewards are much higher. It's when the whole region come alive with lush greenery. The views you get are a treat to the eyes. 

If you are concerned about how to deal with leeches on a trek, check out this video which answers your question :

If you are looking for more treks to do in Uttarakhand, check out this link. If you are looking for treks to do near your city, check out our Trek Library. 

If you want to trek with Indiahikes in the Himalayas, check out our upcoming treks section.

In order to help you do these treks on your own, we include gpx files in the documentation. Use this link to know more about how to use gpx files.

Finally, if you can help us document these treks further, or new treks that trekkers can do on their own, do apply to be a Remote Trek Documenter. It will greatly help us take DIY trekking forward in our country!

Best monsoon treks in Maharashtra that you must do in 2023 - The ultimate guide to best monsoon treks in Sahyadris. Find out all the details that you need to do these treks on your own.

Best Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra That You Should Do in 2023

Monsoon treks, monsoon treks in Sahyadris, Treks in Sahyadri, Treks in Maharashtra, Best treks in Maharashtra, Best treks in Sahyadris

12 Best Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra That You Should Do In 2023

When we had just explored and opened the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek in 2019, we were all very excited for our trekkers to experience the unexplored jungles of Chhattisgarh.

At the same time, we were curious to know how trekkers would take to a non-Himalayan trek. 

I remember having conversations with trekkers who were about to go on this trek. 

“What kind of wildlife will be there in the jungle?”

“Will it be at par with a Himalayan trek in terms of an experience?”

With so many questions from trekkers, we waited with bated breath to see how they would react after the trek. 

Once the trek was over, though, we saw that trekkers were bowled over by what they saw. Almost everyone came back with the same one liner — “It was as if ‘The Jungle Book’ had come alive!”

Ever since, trekkers have come back telling us they love the trek. We have always been curious about exactly what they loved about the trek. Which is why we caught up with them to ask about their experience. 

Here are five things that trekkers absolutely love about the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek.

“You get to trek in the wilderness in many places in India, be it the Sahyadris or the Himalayas. But camping inside a jungle for the whole duration of the trek at different locations, being at such close proximity to wildlife, is something I was amazed to experience,” says Abhay Pingle, who has done quite a few treks like Roopkund and Rupin Pass.

Just like Abhay, most of the trekkers choose to do this trek because of the real-life camping experience inside the dense forests of Guru Ghasidas National Park.

“I have been to Jim Corbett and Ranthambore in search of the thrill of jungle life. However staying in the lodges, far away (even beyond the safe distance) brings some sort of disconnect to the whole experience. I think my quench for the jungle thrill got fulfilled after doing this trek in Chhattisgarh. It gave me a complete insight as to how it feels living in the jungle for 4 days,” says Souvik Sinha, who went on the trek late in mid-October.

“I’m from Raipur in Chhattisgarh itself. But this was my first time trekking, and it was wonderful and rejuvenating to see this part of the jungle. Also, seeing people from other states appreciating Chhattisgarh was amazing,” says Yash, who was part of the team in January 2022.

There’s one thing that stood out the most for the trekkers. Spending time searching for animal footprints.

“They were always on their toes (quite literally) to look for signs of wildlife. I was amazed to know that they had so many stories about their experience with wildlife!” shares our Trek Leader, Kiranjit Pathak, who led most of the teams in Chhattisgarh.

“Apart from exploring the wilderness and camping in the wild, the trek has much more to look for. Trekkers get the opportunity to build campfires using ancient methods, climb trees, swim in lakes and rivers and even track wild animals by following paw prints.

There are plenty of leopard, monkey, bear and langoor tracks. I remember exploring the caves to find a bear family’s home. That was just an icing on the cake,” says Lakshay Bansal, a first-time trekker with Indiahikes.

“Many people think that trekking in a jungle means you will see animals casually passing by the trails or that you will get to spot wildlife at an eye distance. However, that is not the case and one should not be so naive to expect that. Finding footprints or signs of animals at the places where we were walking, then trying to figure out from where they might have come from and where they would have gone to was so much more exciting yet safe at the same time. One doesn’t want to have fun at the cost of the wildlife or their own life,” says Souvik Sinha, Indiahikes Trekker.

The overall experience becomes much more exciting after finding such fresh animal footprints! Picture by Kiranjit Pathak.

Pawprints on the trail spotted by trekkers in October. Picture by Kiranjit Pathak.

3. A unique river-walk and riverside camping experience

You have river crossings on most treks, especially in the Himalayas. However, most of the Himalayan rivers are bone-chillingly cold. You would want to get out of the water as soon as you step in. But here, on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, you have one of the most pleasurable river walks, and you have it for a whole day! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone. 

“Day 4 is the riverwalk on the Gopat river. When I first saw the river. I thought ‘this is like a beach!’ There’s not a single pebble on the river bed. It’s smooth and sandy. The river is shallow, with water flowing just above your ankles. You don’t cross this river, or walk beside it. You walk inside it throughout the day,” says Nitesh Kumar, Senior Trek Leader who explored the latest route we take to Chhattisgarh.

“The blazing sun is above you, but your feet are in cool waters. You’re in the middle of a jungle, with no one around. It’s an unmatched experience,” exclaims Nitesh. 

If this was not enough, you actually camp next to the Gopat river. “Your tent flap opens up to the gentle lull of the river. It’s a dreamy setting sleeping to the tinkling sound of the river and waking up to it in the soft morning light,” shares Nitesh. 3. The trek has the right amount of challenge.  

The unique riverside campsite on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

4. A sneak peek into the tribal life of Chhattisgarh locals

If there’s one thing trekkers can’t stop talking about, it’s this. Gurughasidas National Park, being a restricted area to the normal public, gives you an opportunity to meet these adivasi families living inside the national park.

“We got to stay in an adivasi village mud house and interact with the locals. The calm and serenity offered by the village really puts the important things in one’s life into perspective and takes them away from the daily rat race.

“The village also has an abundance of agricultural crops and trees, which makes evening walks while identifying the various trees like mango, jackfruit, guava and many more a truly informative and enjoyable session,” says Lakshay, who was really happy from the interactions he had with the adivasi families.

Trekkers spending time with the locals of a small village near Tediyabandh. Picture by Abhay Pingle.

5. It’s at par with a Himalayan winter trek in terms of variety

When trekkers think about winter treks, the first thought that pops into their mind is a snowy setting. We must admit, it’s hard to beat the snow-draped forests, the vast white stretches of meadows and snow-capped mountains. 

But here’s a trek that not only comes at par with the variety of a Himalayan trek, but may even beat the experience of the white Himalayan monotone. 

"The jungles here take the cake. You know, in most regions of India, you can drive through forests. But here, you're walking in the heart of it. The best part? There's a section where you climb to a bit of a height, and you are above the jungle, at a vantage point. It's almost like a summit view. The whole jungle opens up below you and you can retrace your path all the way. The feeling of standing at the top is euphoric," says Prashant, a trekker from Bangalore who trekked in early 2022. 

Aside from that, "The kind of variety you see on this trek is at par with any Himalayan trek. Walking amidst the deciduous sal and teak forests, exploring Chhattisgarh’s ancient limestone caves with their stalagmites and stalactites, interacting with adivasi tribes, being in the heart of wildlife, walking in the beachy rivers, camping beside a lake, climbing to a vantage point from where you see terrific views of the whole Guru Ghasidas National Park… Each day is like doing a new trek in a new region,” shares Nitesh.  

After leading Himalayan treks for more than three years, he admits that this is one of the best treks he has done till date. 

The ancient limestone caves of Chhattisgarh. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

A note on the difficulty level of the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek: A lot of trekkers assume that the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek isn’t challenging enough. Before going on this trek many trekkers had the misconception that the trek would be just a simple flat walk in the jungle. When I was constantly pushing the trekkers to be consistent with their fitness they would often ask, “But what is there to worry about on a jungle trail?”

However, after coming back from the trek most of them who had taken their fitness preparations seriously were happy with the fact that they were able to enjoy the trek without getting tired as compared to some others who were struggling.

“I don’t think this trek is a cakewalk in any way. There were long walks everyday and the paths were rugged and rough at many places. Not to forget the river crossings which were fun but challenged our strength too,” says our trekker Souvik Sinha.

So, this is what the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek looks like from the eyes of our trekkers.

To know more, watch this video by Swathi Chatrapathy talking about the best time to do the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek. 

If you have already been on this trek, do comment below and share your experience with us. If you have any questions about this trek, comment below, and we will help you.

The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek is a 4 day trek that is inside the lush-green Guru Ghasidas National Park. If you want to trek in the wilderness this is your trek.

5 Things Trekkers Love About The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

The monsoon season brings in one of the most delightful experiences for any trekker. The brilliant green of the forests, the grasslands, the meadows and the misty views – it is a surreal experience.

Check out treks you can do in Karnataka here

This is what the Indiahikes team experienced as well when set to explore a trek at Nishani Motte in June. As we trekked, we knew that we were not alone. We were accompanied by some creepy crawlers sucking on our blood all along the trek. We were, however, well prepared to deal with it. Yes, we are talking about leeches.

As much as monsoon is a great time to trek, it is also the peak breeding season for leeches. Ignoring them is a task, especially when they are in large numbers. But that shouldn't stop any of you from panicking on the trek. 

In this article, we will discuss the ways to deal with leeches so that you can make your trek more enjoyable. 

Following are the tips to prevent leech bites even before the trek:

1) Apply a mixture of tobacco + castor oil on your exposed body parts. This is usually used by locals. 

2) Dettol – apply a generous amount of Dettol on your feet, over your socks (yes!), and on the other exposed body parts. The phenol derivative is supposedly said to drive the leeches away.

3) Applying Lemon on the skin before you start the trek. Lemons are highly acidic in nature, which helps repel leeches.

4) Anti Leech socks. These socks get up to your knees covering all the spaces between shoes and trek pants preventing the leeches from touching your skin.

All of the ways mentioned above are temporary solutions. Unfortunately, you will have to deal with leeches if you are trekking in the Monsoon Season. 

Some people sprinkle salt or use fire. We strongly discourage it because this would harm the leeches. At Indiahikes, we don’t believe in harming any animals not only in their territory, but also elsewhere.

Our Suggestion - Do not use salt or fire to remove leeches. 

Protip: Always ask the locals for help – Local villagers working day in and day out in the forests to develop the most innovative leech-proof ideas. Feel free to ask; they will be happy to help.

There is no escape from leeches during Monsoon Season trekking, so panicking while on the trek won’t change anything. So, stay calm and continue along the trek. 

Once you finish the trek, you can remove the leeches, flick them away, and use turmeric to stop the bleeding. If you are camping, remove all the leeches before entering the tent. 

Leech bites are very itchy and last for three to ten days. Scratching would not help, so applying coconut or neem oil would be beneficial. These have antibacterial, antifungal, and microbial properties.

You should apply oil consistently for three to four days to see results, you can even use moisturizer, but I would suggest coconut oil. You can use hot compressions in case of swelling. Suppose it does not cure within ten to fifteen days. In that case, you might have to take a dose of antihistamine or even have to go and visit a dermatologist.  

What to wear during the trek to prevent leech bites: 

There is a constant debate regarding choosing pants or shorts while trekking. When you are in the Western Ghats or anywhere, you might get hurt by thorns and sharp grass, so pants can protect you from that. On the other hand, you can easily pull the leeches out and flick them away in shorts. Therefore, there is no right or wrong.

Similarly, shoes and sandals are also debatable topics. Shoes will give you additional grip, and you will have more balance and ankle support. On the other hand, in sandals, you can easily see the leeches and flick them away. However, in terms of safety, trekking shoes are always better than sandals. 

Not many get the privilege to trek in the Western Ghats. So, everyone should focus more on the beautiful journey and not waste time worrying about the leeches. Follow the tips and be confident!

If you have questions about leeches or Western Ghats, ask them on our community forum. This is a community space or trekkers to ask questions, seek advice, and share their thoughts, opinions and experiences. It is also a space to personally participate and help other trekkers with your expertise. 

This article provides a detailed guide combating leech bites on and off the trek.

How To Handle Leeches On A Trek

How To Handle Leeches On A Trek leaches leech

Are you planning for treks near Mumbai? Then, this guide is all you need to get a sense of direction (literally).

To give you a gist, it begins with the popular trekking regions of Mumbai. Then it moves to the trekking seasons and how to plan a trek. By now, you have a general idea of what treks around Mumbai look like.

With that background, the guide dives deep and pulls out 10 best treks (popular and lesser known) from the various regions. Then, there’s a section on how to get to these treks and what to take along. Finally, there’s a note on why Mumbai has such a throbbing trekking culture (don’t miss that).

It has taken immense knowledge, wisdom and experience to put this guide together. That’s why it’s a great place to start if you want to go on a trek near Mumbai.

But here, I must tell you that the post is long. You may take time to take it all in. It may not even happen in one go. So, for the ease of navigation, use the table of contents.

How To Choose A Region To Trek Near Mumbai?

What Is The Best Time To Go On Treks Near Mumbai?

10 Treks Near Mumbai That You Can Do On Your Own

For choosing a trekking region, zoom out and see the regions where these treks are placed. The entire belt of Western Ghats in Maharashtra can be divided into 10 regions. To get a clear picture, look at the map below. Pay attention to the regions circled in red:

Infographic divides the entire belt of western ghats in Maharashtra into 10 regions.

| Note: The trails in Nashik and Pune region may look closer but they are not as easily accessible. Reaching their basecamps takes a lot of time since the transport to the public transport is not regular and reliable.

Therefore, focus on three primary trekking regions when you are looking to trek from Mumbai. They are easily accessible. 

You must’ve noticed Karjat and Lonavala might be marked as two distinct regions. Similarly Igatpuri and Malshej are considered two different regions too.

But both lie very close to each other and some of the getaway points to the treks are common even if they geographically lie in different regions. So for the ease of understanding, and the purpose of the article, we have clubbed these regions together.

Now, let’s get into the details of these regions.

It baffles me why, but among the three regions, treks in the Palghar region are the most off-beat. This region is also referred to as North Konkan region. And if you love secluded trails, you must explore this region. Although they are picturesque, they’re the least crowded.

View of the Takmak fort from the ridge. The peak behind the fort is Navra-Navri. Picture by Saini Krishnamurthy

Observe how strategically the forts are placed here. They lie very close to the coast. The forts here served as watchtowers and lookouts for any activity by the Arabian sea. In fact even today, on a clear day, you can spot the Arabian sea from the summit.

Three reasons why this region supports trekking

It’s easily accessible via public transport.

Treks here offer a good introduction to trekking in the Sahyadris as they are beautiful, yet short. That’s the perfect combination for a first trek.

You don’t need to carry food. There are breakfast points near the base and you can be back down for lunch. 

|Recommended treks: Kohoj Fort, Takmak Fort, Asherigad.

This region is home to some grand treks in the Western Ghats. Kalsubai, Harishchandragad and Ratangad being some of them. The spotlight is on them whenever there is a conversation about treks near Mumbai. Perhaps, that’s a reflection of its bustling history.

View from the Taramati peak taken post monsoon. Picture by Amit Mohite

This region is criss-crossed with prominent trade routes from the Arabian sea and the mountain passes facilitated movement across the mountain to the northern part of Deccan Plateau.

Take the example of Naneghat. It is a well known trek in the Mumbai – Pune trekking circles. The word “Nane” meaning coin (signifying trade) and “Ghat” meaning pass.

Good thing is, most of these treks do not require technical expertise. But they do require physical and mental preparedness because, compared to the Palghar region, they are longer, steeper and at a higher altitude.

Protip: Plan an overnight trek to soak in the beauty of the trail here. Watch the sunrise from the summit. That’s memorable.

This region is popular with trekkers and tourists. Think of Lonavala, Khandala. It has a range of trekking options for different kinds of trekkers – from beginners to experienced.

The Kothaligad fort structure is unique, perhaps resembling only the Karnala fort in terms of appearance. Picture by Izzat Yaganagi

The region also lends itself to some mix-and-match. Some trails that lie close to each other can even be clubbed. Or, a trek here can be combined with an excursion to a nearby lake, dam, reservoir; this region is punctuated with such water-bodies. They serve as a good side-trip or camping spot.

But while choosing to trek here, you must also know that it gets crowded here. Simply because it is easily accessible from Mumbai, and Pune. So, stay away from the tourist hotspots if you are looking for a peaceful trek and it is as good a place to trek in as any.

|Recommended treks: Peb Fort, Kothaligad, Bhimashankar are the must-do treks in this region.

What Is The Best Time To Trek Near Mumbai?

The treks in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra can actually be done throughout the year.

But the most popular season is the monsoon – from June to early September. In monsoons, the mountains turn a lush shade of green as you trek through wispy clouds that descend on and cover the mountains.

Right after monsoon, trails become hot, humid and sometimes hazy too.

From November onward winter sets in. You see clear skies, and temperature dips to around 15° C after sun down. This continues till February. Then things start warming up.

Summer, from March to June, are hottest and most uncomfortable for day treks. But you may consider trekking in the night. As we move into March, the weather starts getting hotter and continues until June. Trekking during this time is not an enjoyable experience at all. But shorter night treks can still be done.

Based on the season you are trekking in, there are a few things you must know and keep in mind:

• Monsoon Treks Near Mumbai (Mid-June to August)

Monsoons transform the Western Ghats. Dry and dusty mountains and valleys turn into lush green landscapes brimming with life. During this season, you spot trekkers crowding on wet local train platforms, raring to reach the base camp to start the trek.

That feeling of floating atop the clouds on the Bhimashankar trail. Picture by Apoorva Karlekar

The season starts with a trickle in June and by July the rains are on in full swing. The sight is splendid. A number of seasonal waterfalls and streams come to life and criss-cross the trails.

The rain is intense and nothing can shield you from it. So, forget fussing over your rain-gear like ponchos, raincoats or umbrellas. Trek simply to enjoy the rain. Be open to getting drenched.

Having said that. There are three things you must watch out for while trekking in the monsoon: 

1. Slippery sections on the trail: Be careful of the slippery sections because there are many on the trails. Wear a good pair of trekking shoes with a good grip. Also, pay attention to your footing.

| Expert Tip: Place your foot firmly on the ground and make sure your shoes are not slipping and you’ve got a good grip before you take the next step. Do not be in a hurry to ascend or descend but take a second to be mindful of your steps.

2. Stream crossings: The water flows with a strong force and it is easy to lose your footing against the flow. Keep a pair of trekking poles handy for extra balance.

The ultimate guide to treks near Mumbai - Here's everything that you need to know about starting from how to choose a trek to how to do that trek. It includes information about how far is it from Mumbai/Pune, Altitude, difficulty level, terrain details, gpx files and everything that you need to know to do these treks on your own.

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