Chikmagalur is known for a few of the most famous trekking trails in the country. In fact, trekking overnight in Karnataka is often synonymous with trekking in Chikmagalur. 

The shola forests you come across in Chikamagalur, with tall evergreen trees and undergrowth, are among the best in the western ghats. These forests are also the source of a few of the major rivers in the region.

Not to mention the grasslands. They seem never-ending, leading you to many false summits, one after another. The undulating grasslands can be tiring, but they're never boring. The views of the valley below always keep you in stunning company.  

Additionally, Chikmagalur is one of the major coffee-producing districts in India. On a few of these treks, you get to trek among the coffee and cocoa plantations. 

These treks are also known for their rare flora and fauna. Neela Kurinji, a flower that blooms once every 12 years, blooms on a few of these hills. 

Last time, the flower bloomed in 2018 near Chikmagalur town. The next mass blooming will happen in 2030. It blooms every four years in different hills around the region. Post monsoon is the best time to witness the bloom. You can ask for the help of locals for more information.

Getting to the treks, everyone knows about Kudremukh as a great trek to do in Chikamagalur, which I've written about at the end of this article. But I'm going to start with some lesser-known trails in Chikmagalur that will give you a real taste of the region.

Infographics showing the best trails of Chikmagalur.

Trek Starting Point:  Sri Nanya Bhairaveshwara temple, Byrapura

The peak of ettina Bhuja looks like an ox shoulder. Picture by Manasa

One of my favorite treks in the Western Ghats. The trek has a mixture of everything, starting with trekking through an evergreen rainforest, the thrill of summiting, and then the summit views of the Shishila Valley from the top. 

Another unique feature of the trek is the structure of the peak, which looks like an ox’s shoulder or hump. You spot this just after trekking for five minutes from the temple. This resemblance of the structure got the name Ettina Bhuja Trek.

Trekking inside the forest is the most thrilling part of the trek. With the birds calling in the background and the leaves rustling in the wind, you will notice a sudden change in the surroundings as soon as you enter the forest..

The meadows of Ballalrayana Durga Trek. Picture: IndiaHikes Archives

One of the most beautiful treks out there in the Western Ghats, which has a great combination of everything. It starts at a cliff, goes through an ancient fort, and ends at the snout of a waterfall. 

The grasslands on the trek are so pretty that they almost resemble the Ali and Bedni meadows of the Himalayas.

This trek can be fully enjoyed during the monsoon, when the water level is high and the clouds play hide and seek along the cliff.

The view from Netravati Peak. Picture by Amoga Vigram P

The Netravati Trek is a paradise in itself. You can see the clouds playing hide and seek with the views of the beautiful rolling hills. These rolling hills are nothing but some of the most prominent peaks of the western ghats. If the clouds are clear, you will see Kudremukh Peak on your right and Rani Jhari on your left. You will also see small towns and villages far down the valley.

The shape and pattern of clouds at Netravati change every minute during the monsoons. It is probably one of the best places in Karnataka to view and enjoy the clouds. 

During the monsoon months, the southwest monsoon winds, along with the clouds, strike directly on the mountains and rise along the slope, creating a magical scenery for the viewer 

Shola Grasslands of Mullayanagiri Trek. Picture: Indiahikes Archives.

The highest peak in Karnataka has breathtaking views from the top. It has an ancient Mullayana Swamy temple on top. 

The base of Mullayanagiri is surrounded by coffee plantations, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating atmosphere. You may encounter these plantations during the initial part of the trek.

The view from the top is surreal and stunning. You get to see the entire Chikmagalur valley. The peak is covered with mist for almost half the year and might get cold near the summit.

The trek also offers opportunities to explore nearby attractions like the Bababudangiri shrine and the Manikyadhara Falls. These are additional attractions that trekkers can explore before or after the Mullayanagiri Trek. 

The view from Gangadikal Peak. Picture by Amoga Vigram P

Gangadikal Peak sits high up at 4806 feet, and the view from the top is amazing. 

Picture this: you look out and see these beautiful valleys covered in endless green shola forests on both sides. From the peak, you can see the expanse of Kudremuka forests on both sides. The never-ending shola grasslands, as far as the eyes can see, are a sight to behold.

Right below you, you get to see the crystal-clear backwaters of the Lakhya Dam, also known as the Kudremukh Dam. The backwaters resting on the Shola grassland feel unworldly and magical.

On clear days, you can also see the abandoned mining town of Kudremukh next to the Lakhya dam

 The trek is a thriving habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Lucky trekkers may have the chance to glimpse a herd of gaurs or deer, while various bird species such as the Grey Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and Orange Headed Thrush, and various snake species such as shieldtails and Malabar Pit vipers can be found here.

Trek Starting Point:  Bhagavathi Nature Camp

Trekking to Kurinjal Peak takes you through the dense forest of Kudremukh National Park. These forests remain evergreen throughout the year.

The Kurinjal Peak Trek offers a majestic view of the entire Kudremukh region. In fact, you can see the Kudremukh peak from this trek. 

Once you come out of the dense forest, you see a huge clearing where a magnificent view of the rolling green hills unfolds in front of you.

The final stretch of the trek is very steep. You have to climb a huge rock that has 80 degrees of inclination. 

You trek under an open sky, which is famous for its high winds. Trekking in this section with chilling winds is something you will never experience anywhere else. 

The Shola Grasslands of Narasimha Parvatha. Picture: Indiahikes Archives

On this trek, you would stand on the top of the 10th highest waterfall in South India, the Barkana Falls. Standing at the snout, you get an aerial view of the Agumbe Reserve Forest. Amidst all the greenery, a small waterfall at a distance overlooking the Barkana Falls elevates the beauty of the whole place.

Just 3 kilometers into the trek, you would get to see lush green hills covered with clouds.

The forests on this trek have some of the thickest foliage in the region, which provides a magical experience for you. These forests are also known for the longest venomous snake in the world, the king cobra.

Ontimara or the lonely tree enroute Kudremukha peak. Picture by Suhas R

Nestled in the heart of the western ghats in Chikmagalur district, Kudremukh is a perfect monsoon trek. It comes under Kudremukh National Park, which is the second-largest wildlife-protected area in the western ghats. Situated at an altitude of 6,207 ft, Kudremukh is the 2nd highest peak in Karnataka after Mullayyangiri.

Monsoons make this trek extremely adventurous.  The water levels are high, you get a lot of leech bites, and the trail becomes slippery. The view from the peak is stunning, with shola grasslands as far as the eye can see, making the climb worth it.

Post-monsoons, the area comes to life with clear blue skies and greenery. This is the best time for you to explore the trek. 

Kudremukh is one of the few treks in Karnataka that is home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque. If you are lucky, you can spot it.

This all the information, you need to plan a trek in Chikamagalur.

Chikkamagalur Chikamagalur Chikmangalore Chikmagalaur Treks Trek

Trek to breathtaking views: Exploring Chikmagalur's 8 Best Trails

Here’s an exciting update for trekkers near Bengaluru. We’re conducting our first special stargazing camping experience on the Channarayana Durga Trek on November 4-5.

The tremendous success of our stargazing groups in the Himalayas prompted us to open this group. And the timing couldn’t have been better!

Autumn is the best time for stargazing. During this time of the year, the skies are expected to be clear. There’s also minimal light pollution near the trek, which makes it possible to see millions of stars, the Milky Way band, and satellites moving across the night sky.

Your stargazing experience will be facilitated by an Indiahikes Expert who specialises in stargazing.

Apart from stargazing, you’ll also trek to the historic Channarayana Durga Fort and go for a firefly-walk in the night. It makes for a wonderful weekend trek for you, your family and friends.

Date: Novermber 4-5, 2023
Trek Fee: Rs 2,250 + GST & Insurance

Register for the Stargazing Trek Near Bengaluru

Announcing our first special stargazing trek near Bengaluru!

Today, I want to start by sharing some great inside news — we’re about to inaugurate our new Indiahikes campus in Manali! This is a lovely place inside apple orchards where trekkers can come for their stay, briefings, collect their rentals, and offload their extra luggage.

Arjun Majumdar, founder-CEO of Indiahikes, shares an insight about why the Manali Campus is so significant. 

“Manali is excessively commercialised. For a long time, the Indiahikes experience that we were so known for was being compromised. Also, our staff was finding it depressing to have prolonged stays in hotel rooms. 

“We now have our most beautiful campus, set in the middle of an apple orchard and bordering the jungle. We can literally start trekking out of our tents!”

“It has been late, but I believe it is going to be our most beautiful campus ever,” he says.

The arrow points to the location of our Manali campus in Sarsai village, in the middle of an apple orchard, bordering the jungle. Photo by Jothiranjan.

But this blog is not about our campus. I want to talk about four stunning treks that you can do out of Manali. 

I’ll start with the most underrated gem. 

Difficulty: Easy  | Duration: 4 days | Highest altitude: 8,300 ft

You get to trek in the enchanting forests of Manali on the Manali Kaisdhar trek. Photo by Akhil Sharma

At Indiahikes, we want everyone to trek because trekking transforms lives. However, for everyone to trek we need treks that can be done by everyone.

On the Manali Kaisdhar trek, the trails are short and flat. There are hardly any tricky sections to navigate. And the best part is that it requires no preparation and can be done by anyone.

The rewards you get out of the Manali Kaisdhar trek are much greater than the effort you put in. In just four days, you get a chance to immerse yourself in nature. You walk in the deep woods dominated by dense coniferous trees, come across a waterfall, walk to the ridge: the highest point of the trek, and get a glimpse of the culture of remote Himalayan villages. If that’s not enough, you are treated to stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. 

This is our greenest trek. The greenery changes all the time, making it a kaleidoscope of green that we rarely come across. Photo by Jothiranjan.

Difficulty: Moderate  (Level 2) | Duration: 5 days | Highest altitude: 12,185 ft

Chandrakhani Pass is not a new trek in Indian trekking circles. Along with the ancient stories of Naggar (where the trek starts) and the village with strange customs, Malana (where the trek ends), this route is well known. However, this trek is not trekked on much during the months of July and August, making it totally secluded.

While the other treks are crowded, the Chandrakhani Pass is a very secluded trek this season. It is easy on the legs as well. For those starting out on Himalayan trekking, this trek is an ideal one to start with.

The trek is also known for the beauty of its forests on either side. The forests are cool, dark, and offer a lot of variety. At times, you are under deodar trees; at others, you have maples over you, then oaks.

Once outside the tree line, you have a clear sky, and views of both the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges dominate the horizon. 

Finally, the ridge walk to the summit is rare. It’s almost like walking on a cornice to the summit (in this case, the pass). The adventurous thrill of getting to the pass is high.

The luxuriant valley and flower beds of the Beas Kund trek. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

Difficulty: Moderate  (Level 1) | Duration: 4 days | Highest Altitude:  12,772 ft

Beas Kund has become a favourite among those who have done it. 

Among all our treks in Himachal Pradesh, it struck us how strongly our trek leaders were recommending the Beas Kund trek. They were smitten by the mountain views! 

“It gives you close, base-to-summit views of big mountains like Friendship Peak, Shitidhar, Ladakhi, and Hanuman Tibba. On a clear day, you’ll also be able to spot Mt. Indrasen and Deo Tibba of the Pir Panjal range,” Nitesh Kumar, one of our senior-most trek leaders and explorers, told me. These kinds of views are usually reserved for hardcore mountaineers after days of rigorous climbing. And here was Beas Kund, offering these views within 4 days of trekking. 

So if you have 4 days out of Manali, this is a trek you must choose. This trek is suitable for anyone with a good fitness level, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trekker.

The astounding grasslands on the Bhrigu Lake trek. Photo by Gatreddi Avinash. 

Difficulty: Moderate (Level 2) | Duration: 4 days | Highest Altitude: 14,009 ft

This is the most misunderstood trek in Himachal. For one, most people think it is an easy trek. It is not. It is a steady climb all the way to 14,000 feet to reach Bhrigu Lake.

Secondly, most assume Bhrigu Lake is the attraction of the trek. While the setting of the lake is superb, it is the grasslands of the trek that will astound you. Every time our trek leaders do the trek, they fall more in love with it. The texture and colours of the grass change every few feet as you climb through them. 

The grasslands are fresh, green, and expansive, stretching as far as the eye can see! From these grassy knolls, we see the mountains of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar dominating the skyline.

Stepping out on the other side of the lake, the Panduropa side of the slope is another treasure of green that stuns the eye. 

Finally, the Bhrigu Lake trek is beautiful and extremely adventurous to get there. Trekkers love the thrill of climbing to 14,000 feet above the lake. In the alpine section, you are likely to find a lot of snow patches, even until July.

The striking colours of Miyar Valley. Photo by Tuhin Rao. 

Difficulty: Moderate (Level 3) | Duration: 8 days | Highest Altitude: 13,202 ft

If you have not trekked in Lahaul, then you have not experienced real trekking.

“Many people compare Lahaul to Spiti and Ladakh. But Lahaul is nothing like these regions. It’s completely different, with barren landscapes interspersed with bursts of green and an abundance of colours. You’ll find it hard to imagine that such an oasis can exist in the middle of a desert,” says Arjun Majumdar, founder-CEO of Indiahikes, who was stunned to witness the beauty of Lahaul for the first time at the age of nine.

The location of the Miyar Valley trek makes it very special. It lies in the heart of Lahaul, between Zanskar and Chamba. 

The route to this valley alternates between remote mountain valleys, quaint villages, and flower beds dominated by the overwhelming presence of Himalayan orchids. The rugged terrain mixed with the greenery of Lahaul is a striking contrast. Added to that, the colours of Lahaul make the trek more verdant. 

But it is a slightly challenging trek. Every day, there are long distances to cover. So ensure you get extra fit for this trek. 

The stunning yet stark landscape of Pin Bhaba Pass trek. Photo by Dr Jitendra Tanna. 

Difficulty: Difficult (Level 1) | Duration: 9 days | Highest altitude: 16,105 ft

Here’s a bonus trek that doesn’t technically start from Manali. But it ends at Manali. You get to Manali after you cross a mountain pass from the green Kinnaur to the brown deserts of Spiti. 

Pin Bhaba Pass is hands down the most dramatic pass crossing trek on our list. That is a bold statement to make. Especially when we have so many pass crossing treks.

Here’s a page from Arjun’s diary, which he wrote on the Pin Bhaba trek. It makes for a very captivating reading, almost like events are unfolding before you: 

I remember it being early in the morning; the sun had just broken out in the valley below. The valley was awash with the colours of the early morning sun. The colours took me by surprise. The valley was a deep green; in the golden light, it was beginning to turn a lighter hue.

The higher hillsides, where some rare wild bushes grew, were bright orange. The white snow summits above them made for quite a contrast. At 15,000 ft, I was still climbing to the pass. It surprised me. From that altitude, I didn’t expect to see such richness of colour.

An hour later, we were at the pass at 16,100 feet. On the other side, Spiti. I had not expected to see a valley that was pink in colour. But there it was, right in front of me, miles and miles of pink. How could the earth turn pink?

Even now, I cannot imagine how, in less than an hour, the lushness of green could change to the most unlikely colour of the earth — pink.

The rewards of doing the Pin Bhaba Pass trek are unparalleled. You need some trekking experience and good fitness to do the trek. It’s a trek that will test your endurance and your mental grit as well. 

That brings us to the end of the top treks to do right out of Manali.

These are best done in June, July, August, and September. 

June would have snow patches. July and August are lush green months, albeit with some 

monsoon showers. September is when the green valley transforms into a golden yellow. 

Many of our trek groups are already full, and I don’t want you to miss out on trekking in Himachal, especially out of Manali. I hope this email serves as a timely reminder for you. 

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below :) Our team will address them promptly.  

Monsoon and post-monsoon are synonymous with trekking in the Western Ghats. This is when the Western Ghats spring into life. The forest section comes alive. The lush green grasslands beam with tiny wildflowers. The view of rolling green hills takes your breath away.  

Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas! They span from Gujarat to Kerala and are almost 1600 km long. A large chunk of them lies in Maharashtra. This means, no matter what part of Maharashtra you are from, you have a place to trek to. The presence of more than 160 forts adds to this. As a result, there is a strong trekking culture too.

Pune, being one of the popular districts in Maharashtra, is home to the famous hill stations such as Lonavala and Malshej Ghat. This makes it one of the hotspots for treks in Sahyadris. There are numerous treks that are just a couple of hours away. 

There are treks that take you through dense forests. There are vast plateaus to explore. There are forts that are architectural marvels. There are waterfall trails to quench your thirst for adventure. There is a reverse waterfall phenomenon to marvel at!

Here, I’ve curated 10 such best treks near Pune that you must do. So without further delay, let’s dive into the details of these treks.

Starting point of the trek: Donje Gaon
Distance from Pune: 20 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/NSZ2P6MKVaX4ViqS8

Views of the rolling green hills and cloud bed seen from the Sinhgad Fort top. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

Sinhagad is one of the most significant forts around Pune. The fort, strategically built to provide natural protection, is part of the triumvirate Sinhagad, Rajgad and Torna. It has also been the centre of a number of battles. Unlike many other forts, the fort structure of Sinhagad is still intact and well preserved. Because of this reason, the trek to Sinhagad is one of the most popular treks in this region. 

Sinhagad trek can be divided into two sections. The first part starts from tar road at Donje Gaon and climbs up to a parking lot for two wheelers. The second half of the trek is a steep climb to Sinhagad top. It’s steep but incredibly rewarding.

Starting point of the trek: Velhe village
Distance from Pune: 48 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/ccdty7LacAeAz3aH9

Zunjar Machi as seen from the Dhaalkathi on the Torna Fort trek. Observe the double fortified wall. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

Torna Fort is the highest hill-fort in the Pune District. Situated at an altitude of 4,603 ft from sea level, it stands out among other forts in the western ghats of Maharashtra. Because of the massive size of the fort, it is also called Prachandagad. This name is derived from Marathi which means Prachanda – massive and gad – a fort.

Torna Fort has a rich history as it was captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1646 when he was 16 years old. This is where the core of the Maratha empire was built. It has a great history as it has gone under many rulers.

Trek to the Torna Fort unfolds many exciting things. You trek along the beautiful flower beds, on the top, there are temples, water cisterns, Balekilla, 2 magnificent Machis, Zunjar Machi, and Budhla Machi, and a ridge connecting to Rajgad Fort.

Starting point of the trek: Gunjavane village
Distance from Pune: 62 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/ZRH5KcYgGpeuXgLc9

The Sanjivani Machi of Rajgad Fort. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

Rajgad trek is the most beautiful trek in Maharashtra. As the name suggests, it is the king of forts. Because of the rich history and mesmerizing architecture of the fort, it stands out among other forts in the Western Ghats.

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 why the fort was built so beautifully. Rajgad has witnessed many significant events, including the birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son Rajaram I to the death of his queen Saibai.

Trek to Rajgad offers the beauty of the Sahyadris as well as the fort. The fortification of the 3 Machis: Padmavati Machi, Suvela Machi, and Sanjivani Machi define the architectural creativity of that time. It also offers a splendid view of other surrounding forts like Torna, Lingana, Raigad, Sinhagad and many other forts.

For the mesmerising views and the rich history of the fort, this trek is a must-do.

Starting point of the trek: Bhaje village
Distance from Pune: 64 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/Z1njsVNgwNe6CFip7

Wall of the Visapur fort. Picture by Mugdha Bhusari.

Visapur Fort dates back to the 1700's and was built by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. Visapur Fort is a part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification. Visapur is at a higher elevation than its twin Lohagad. 

The trek to Visapur fort has two routes. One from Bhaje village, and the other from Patan village. As the Patan village trail is slightly challenging, trekking from Bhaje village is preferred by many. 

The trek from the Bhaje Village starts from a mud road and gradually winds up in an ascending forest section. The forest section becomes a waterfall trail in the monsoon season. It later ends in an expansive plateau. Figuring out the correct trail from the Patan village is tricky. It also winds in a small forest section followed by dried up waterfalls to reach the plateau on the top. 

Do this trek for the waterfall trail in monsoon and the view from the plateau.

Starting point of the trek: Lonavala
Distance from Pune: 68 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/qBnFQJbScaURpjxAA

Lush greenery of Dhak plateau as seen on the Lonavala Bhimashankar trek. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

The Lonavala Bhimashankar is arguably the best back-country trek in the Sahyadri range. The trek starts right at Lonavala, one of the most famous hill stations in South India. The trail then passes through deep wild rainforest, head-high bushes, lost-and-found trails, small rivulets, remote tribal villages, eerie temples, green meadows, hidden waterfalls, and a plateau of flowers. You explore the best features of the Sahyadri range on this trek.

You explore the best features of the Sahyadri range on the Lonavala Bhimashankar trek. Green gorges, distant villages, countless tunnels, and occasional waterfalls—the trek shows the Indian countryside at its best. The Bhima River originates from Bhimashankar Hill and passes through the deepest part of the forest. It attracts abundant wildlife, as there is no other water source around.

The Lonavala Bhimashankar trek is known as the Valley of Flowers in Maharashtra. Do this trek in the monsoon to witness the magic of flower-laden trails.

Starting point of the trek: Pimpri village
Distance from Pune: 72 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/tAnCCXQqs1TvrciWA

Stunning view you get to see on the Andharban trek. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

Andharban is one of the most refreshing treks in the Sahyadri region. Andharban is a compound word of Andhar which means dark and ban, meaning forest. At par with its name, the trail passes through dense overgrowth. 

Andharban is a descending trail, scattered throughout with numerous small streams and waterfalls. The trek begins at an elevation of approximately 2,160 feet in the Sahyadri mountains and descends down into the valley, to reach the backwaters of the Bhira Dam. Andharban trek offers beautiful views of the Devkund waterfall, Plus Valley and the Tamhini Ghat along the way.

The Andharban trek starts from a location called Independence Point about 200 metres away from Pimpri village. Being a jungle trek, it’s a must-do for those who are birders and wildlife enthusiasts. The Andharban trek, along with the Rajmachi trek, are popular trails for fireflies.

Starting point of the trek: Karanjale village
Distance from Pune: 112 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/QtXE5eGC4vEhdJ9P9

The pinnacle structure of the Sindola fort seen from the second ridge. Picture by Kailesh Padevkar.

Sindola Fort Trek is one of the lesser-known treks in the very popular region of Maharashtra. It is situated in the Malshej ghat in the Junnar region at an altitude of 3,680 ft above sea level.

Sindola Fort dates back to similar times in Nimgiri and Hadsar. This fort was used as a watchtower as it offers a complete view of Malshej Ghat, Pargaon village, and other famous forts.

The fort is very small compared to other famous forts in the Jaunnr region. However, the ruins of bastions, a few water reservoirs and a Ganesha idol at the entrance on the top of the fort will set you wondering of the beauty. The rock-cut steps while climbing to the pinnacle will leave you astonished.

Do this trek for the serenity and the adventure it offers.

Starting point of the trek: Prabalmachi
Distance from Pune: 123 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/CKkRWFSFfoKQBnFg9

View from the summit of Kalavantin Durg trek. Picture by Mugdha Bhusari.

Kalavantin Durg Trek is one of the most popular treks in Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of around 2,205 feet in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, the trek is a perfect one for beginners or adventure seekers. 

The Pinnacle of Kalavantin is a thrilling experience that one goes for. Though popular, it is a tricky trek. If you are going on your own, take a local guide with you. With enough precautions and knowing the trek well, the trek is one adventure that you should go on. 

Though Kalavantin Durg is much closer to Mumbai than Pune, it can easily be done from Pune as well. Trekking through the uneven trail, thick vegetation, and the thrill of reaching the top is an experience you must not miss out on.

Starting point of the trek: Ambivali
Distance from Pune: 125 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/1uytwjPZ3MNmMSE38

The waterfalls of Peth plateau are often sent back upwards, a phenomenon popularly known as Reverse waterfalls. Picture by Saurabh Sawant.

Kothaligad, a small marvel of architecture, nestled in the famous Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary near Karjat. It rises to a maximum altitude of 2,033 ft. Kothaligad stands detached from the main trail of Bhimashankar thus providing a rare 360 degree view from the peak. From the Peth plateau, you can even witness the reverse waterfall phenomenon. 

Kothaligad Fort was primarily used as a watchtower and ammunition depot by the ruling armies. The strategic location of the hill provides a commanding view of Padargad, Malanggad, Siddhagad, Chanderi Fort, Bhimashankar & Matheran Plateau in clear weather.

Located less than 100 km from both Mumbai and Pune and well connected by road and railways, Kothaligad is an ideal all-season trek for anyone looking for a quick getaway from bustling city life.

Starting point of the trek: Pali village
Distance from Pune: 136 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/x61TAyUu7zGR7xuK7

View of the surrounding valley as seen from the Sudhagad top. Picture by Apoorva Karlekar.

Sudhagad Trek is a short weekend getaway for trekkers from both Mumbai and Pune. The fort is almost equidistant from both cities. The trek offers spectacular views of the Sarasgad, Tail Baila and Ghangad from the top. There are also two huge lakes on the top where you can take a dip and camp beside for the night. There is also Bhorai Devi temple and “Pant Sachivancha Vada”.

The Sudhagad trek also known as Bhorapgad after the goddess Bhoraidevi. The origin of the fort dates back to the 2nd century BC. It was named Sudhagad after the Marathas conquered it from the Bahamani dynasty in 1657. 

Go for this trek if you are seeking a 2-day adventure near Pune or Mumbai.

This brings us to the end of this list, '10 best treks near Pune that you can do on your own.'

Click here to know about offbeat treks in Maharashtra to avoid crowds on weekends. 

But if you are looking for treks in your region, you can check our Trek Library as well - https://indiahikes.com/do-it-yourself-treks

If you have done any of these treks or have any recommendations that you think I should add to this list, write to me at manasa@indiahikes.com.

Finally, if you can help us document these treks further or new treks that trekkers can do on their own, write to Suhas Saya (Head of DIY and Documentation Team) at suhas@ndiahikes.com. It will greatly help us take DIY trekking forward in our country!

Pune is one of the hotspots for treks in Maharashtra. This is the only guide you ever need to know about and do the treks near Pune on your own. It includes a gpx file, trail information, difficult sections, how to reach the base and more.

10 Best Treks Near Pune That You Can Do On your Own

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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.

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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