Maharashtra offers a variety of trekking options for travelers, from historical sites to natural beauties with diverse wildlife. Historical enthusiasts can explore forts like Lohagad, Raigad, and Ratangad, while those who want to discover hidden gems of nature can embark on treks such as Andharban Trek.
Monsoon season is the best time to trek in Maharashtra, as the entire surrounding turns lush green. The streams flow along the trails, and seasonal waterfalls cascade down the mountain face which was truly a joy to experience.
Trekking in the Western Ghats of India provides unforgettable experiences like listening to the roar of a waterfall or dipping your feet in a cold stream, which is not advisable during Himalayan treks.
It is a great way to experience an adrenaline rush, become one with nature, shed extra kilos, or have moments of pure contemplation.
So lets explore the 11 best treks in Maharashtra:
Table of Contents
1: Andharban Trek, Pune
Andharban is a popular trekking destination located in the Pimpri region of Maharashtra, India. This dense and dark forest provides a unique trek experience with a gradual descent, offering fantastic views of the Kundalika Valley, Bhira dam, and Devkund Waterfall.
It is an ideal spot for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts, with various species of birds like Jacobin cuckoo, Malabar whistling thrush, dwarf kingfishers, and minivets being indigenous to the area. The trek also provides a chance to see the origin of the Kundalika river, which is a famous white water rafting destination.
Andharban trek is a rare and unique experience with different starting and ending points, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Night trekking is also a great option, but a professional guide is recommended. With its misty forest landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views, the Andharban trek promises to be an unforgettable experience.
2: Lohagad Fort Trek, Mumbai
Lohagarh Fort is highly recommended for the night trek. It is considered the best trekking route around Mumbai and the second-best trek in Maharashtra. This trek is ideal for beginners as it is easy and takes you to the top of Lohagad Fort, which is 3,389 feet above sea level.
The trek starts from Malavali railway station and involves resting at the base village before heading to the fort on Day 2. The fort is connected to the neighboring Visapur Fort and is situated close to the hill station of Lonavala, about 52 km northwest of Pune.
To reach the top of the fort, we can climb the stairs and come across four doors called Ganesh Darwaaja, Narayan Darwaaja, Hanuman Darwaaja, and Maha Darwaaja.
Hanuman Darwaaja is the most ancient of all the doors, and there are two godowns for storage between Narayan and Hanuman Darwaaja. With its historical significance and easy trekking route, the Lohagad Fort Night Trek is a must-visit destination for adventure lovers and travelers exploring Maharashtra.
3: Bhimashankar Trek, Pune
The Bhimashankar trek is a popular choice for trekkers, especially during the monsoon season. The trek takes you through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot a variety of birds, langurs, and deer.
The trail offers a thrilling adventure, including stream crossings, rock climbing, and ladders that take you through forests, meadows, waterfalls, and rocky patches. The trek is doable throughout the year, and beginners can take the Ganesh Ghat route, which is easier, while experienced trekkers can take the Shidi Ghat route.
The Shidi Ghat route is more challenging and offers spectacular views of the Padargad. However, the Ganesh Ghat and Bhor Giri routes are easier and longer.
The trek attracts many Indian hikers from all over Maharashtra, and it is also a pilgrimage site for many during the month of Shravan.
The locals suggest avoiding the Shidi Ghat route if the crowd is huge, as the route is prone to rockfall. Good trekking shoes and a rope are a must to negotiate the climb in certain sections.
4: Ratangad Fort Trek, Ahmednagar
Ratangad Fort is a perfect destination for trekkers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. Located in the district of Ahmednagar, the fort offers incredible panoramic views of several mountains, including Alang, Madan, Kulang, and Harishchandragad.
In monsoons, the trekking area is surrounded by lush greenery, and you can witness gorgeous waterfalls. In winters, the dense forest is filled with fog, and you can view the vagrant white running clouds, making it a surreal experience.
Situated amidst the forest in Bhandardara hill, Ratangad Fort is still showcasing the remains of a fortress with bastions and stone walls. This place also possesses a natural rock peak with a cavity atop it, called “Nedhe,” or “Eye of the Needle.”
The base village Ratanwadi is approachable by boat from Bhandardara. Overall, Ratangad Fort is one of the best easy treks near Mumbai, and it is a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in nature.
5: Kothaligad (Peth) Trek, Karjat
Kothaligad, also known as the Fort of Peth, is a popular trekking location located in the Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary near Karjat. The trek to the top of the fort is known for its stairs cut through a huge rock, and once you reach the top, you can explore beautifully carved caves and restored cannons.
Kothaligad is an ideal all-season trek for those looking for a quick getaway from city life, and it is easily accessible by road and railways. During monsoon season, the trek is surrounded by clouds and waterfalls, making it a paradise for photographers.
The fort is located near Kashele Village in Raigad District and is surrounded by other hill forts such as Rajmachi Fort, Dhak Bahiri Caves, Siddhagad, and Jungle of Bhimashankar. The location is a great experience for those who love trekking and exploring natural wonders.
The trek is easy and is known for its small height and easy climbing. The fort also has many water cisterns, temples, and a spacious cave that can accommodate up to 30-40 persons at a time.
6: Visapur Fort Trek, Pune
Visapur Fort, located near Visapur village in Pune, Maharashtra, is an ideal trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Built during 1713-1720 CE, the fort has a moderate difficulty level and is famous for its lush greenery during monsoon season. Trekkers can climb through a waterfall on one of the trails to the top, which makes it a special experience.
Part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification, Visapur Fort is larger and taller than its twin fort Lohagad. It boasts historic structures like caves, water tanks, and waterfalls.
Though the fort is currently in ruins, tourists can still explore the remnants of the Peshwa’s palace and several temples, including a huge carving of Hanuman, scattered across the fort. Additionally, the fort has an elevation of 1084m above sea level and was built to guard Lohagad Fort.
7: Kalvantin Durg Trek, Mumbai
Located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, Prabalgad Fort, also known as Kalavantin Durg, is a popular tourist attraction that offers an adventurous trekking experience. The trek to the fort takes around 3 hours and involves climbing rock-cut stairs through a steep slope.
The summit stands at 2,250 ft and offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. While the trek is challenging and only suitable for experienced trekkers, visitors can also explore other forts in the area and relax near the serene rivers close to Kalavantin Durg.
The fort was possibly built for a queen named Kalavantin in the 15th century, and it served as a lookout point. The trek provides an escape from the busy city of Mumbai and takes visitors through lush green forests and cascading waterfalls.
Overall, the trek to Prabalgad Fort is an ideal adventure for experienced trekkers seeking a challenging and rewarding experience with stunning scenic beauty along the way.
8: Peb Fort Trek, Vikatgad
As an avid trekker, Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, was a must-visit destination for me. Located at an altitude of 2100 feet, the fort is situated 3.5 km from Neral Railway Station and is surrounded by deep ravines and cliffs.
The trek is easy to moderate, and one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Matheran Hill Range throughout the journey.
The fort’s historical significance dates back to the early 1700s, when it was built by the Peshwas and used to store food grains and ammunition. The fort is famous for its caves, meditation chambers, and a temple dedicated to Swami Samartha.
The climb to the top is worth the view of the entire Neral and Karjat region. It’s a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, offering a fun trek with great views.
9: Harihar Fort Trek, Nashik
Harihar Fort Trek is also known as Harshagad, located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. This popular trek offers stunning views of surrounding forts and peaks, including Bhaskargad, Anjaneri fort, Brahmagiri, and Utwad fort.
The fort is situated at a distance of 45 km from Nashik, 14 km from Trimbak, and 70 km from Igatpuri. The trek is of moderate difficulty and begins with a well-defined trail through fields and forest clearings, which gradually ascends towards the iconic, almost vertically inclined stairs.
The fort itself is built on a triangular prism of rock from the Yadava dynasty, with nearly vertical edges. The top of the fort features a small pond and statues of various Hindu deities.
The final climb to the summit is challenging, but the breathtaking views from the top make it all worth it. Overall, the Harihar Fort Trek is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
10: Devkund Waterfall Trek, Pune
Devkund Waterfall is a protected and fortified area located near Bhira dam and is a short hike at a 2000-foot elevation. It is known as the “pond of divinity” and is the origin of the Kundalika river.
The trek to Devkund Waterfall takes three hours through the forest, with the river running parallel and sometimes crisscrossing the route. Once you reach the waterfall, you will be overwhelmed by its beauty, and it is surrounded by lush green forests.
However, one must keep in mind that due to its popularity, it has become extremely crowded and dangerous, and a guide is recommended during the trek.
Devkund Waterfall is an excellent location for adventure seekers who love to trek. The waterfall is revered and regarded as holy by the locals, who believe it is “the bathing ponds of Gods.” The water drops from a height of 80 ft into a small pond at the bottom.
Visitors can explore famous spots like Bhira dam and Tamhini Ghat on their way. However, carrying at least 2 liters of water is advised, as there is no water nearby at this height.
11: Takmak Fort Trek, Pune
Masuria Hills Garden, located on top of Masuriya hills, is another top tourist place in Jodhpur. It provides a 360-degree view of the city, abundant flora, and a statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore, a Marwari revolutionary. It is an ideal location for a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as offering stunning sunset views.
Masuria Hill Garden is a popular spot for nature lovers and small family picnics, with a nearby restaurant for meals. Visitors can also explore the Baba Ram Dev Temple and witness the statue of Maharana Pratap and Veer Durgadas Rathore. Don’t miss out on catching the beautiful city views and basking in the splendor of the hill garden.
Apart from these, there are some more good places where you can visit if you have more time. For example: Samrat Ashok Udhyan, Statue of Rao Jodha Ji, Shree Pal Balaji Temple, Balsamand Lake, Chamunda Mata temple, and a few more.
Few more options:
Apart from the above mentioned, there is another very good and enjoyable trek in Maharashtra which is Mahuli Fort Trek.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is the best trek in Maharashtra?
The best trekking place in Maharashtra is a subjective question and choices may vary. Although as per my experience, Andharban and Kalvantin Trek are the best options.
Which are the toughest treks in Maharashtra?
Lingana and Alan Madan Kulang (AMK) are considered the most challenging treks.
Lingana involves a 2-3 hour trek, including a descent via Boryatichi Naal, before reaching the base for a 1000 ft steep climb.
On the other hand, AMK has three peaks, with two requiring a decent amount of climbing, making it a demanding trek that requires endurance. However, the trek offers refreshing and relaxing views of the sunset from the top, making it a must-try experience.
Which trek is best for beginners?
Mahuli Fort trek and Peb Fort trek are two of the easiest treks in Maharashtra.
The Peb Fort is located near Neral and is perfect for nature lovers and amateur trekkers as it is easy and scenic.
The Mahuli Fort trek may seem daunting due to its height of 2815 feet, but it is relatively easy.
